Beveling edges - I just keep getting worse at it, and it ruins my projects

[DoogMeister]

I use a dremel tool with a felt wheel and jeweler's rouge to keep my edgers polished and sharp.  Make sure the wheel is turning away from the cutting edge. 

[Nicbards]

I have the same tool and have been experiencing the same issues. If you don't keep both the angle and the line exactly it tends to either dig into the leather, taking out a chunk as it then sticks in it, or curves away, taking off little to nothing. It could be my inexperience with the tool and insufficient sharpening, but I did not have this issue (or not to the same extent) with a more conventional looking one from a Ukranian seller on Etsy - until that one broke. This tool is hollow ground, which when you get it right produces a rounder bevel than the conventional edger, which tends to makes a step that somehow has to end up rounded. Which is why I bought it. Gonna have to practice and use some of the tips above, not ready to give up on it yet ;-)

[SUP]

I still have issues with beveling, @Toffe. However, once I remembered that beveling is actually just trimming the edges off the leather and that the beveler is a tiny knife, I now look at the blade on my tool and think of positioning that blade in the position to cut as I want, whether on a higher level, different angle or whatever is needed, including sharpening/stropping. Looking at it in a different way helps me get better results. It might make a difference for you too.

Edited March 29, 2024 by SUP

[toxo]

Some great advice here but before all that, does your project warrant edge beveling at all? In the image above, I don't think so, Not thick enough for beveling. A good straight cut, maybe a light sanding, job done. Especially with soft Chrome tan leather.

[jasj]

Obviously, a sharp edge beveller is required, but I have found that lightly dampening the edge with a wet sponge just before you bevel makes it an easier operation, especially with dry veg tan leather.

[GMcCaddon]

On 2/18/2024 at 9:17 AM, Toffe said:

I agree, problem is I can't lean the beveler further away because then it's rolled against the cutting mat and doesn't touch the edge of the leather.  I could try using a piece of scrap leather or a ruler underneath to get more elevation.

Sometimes when I'm working with thinner leather, I'll line the edge up with the edge of my mat to get that bevel in place.