Leather Edger Sizing

[bruce johnson]

The whole topic of edgers came up in an email yesterday. I made the reply that edgers could be an hour long topic in a class (easily). I did a thumbnail reply in another thread about types of edgers. Besides type, the other common question with edgers is "What size?"  Here is my take.

There are no standards for the number sizing for edgers between makers. One makers #2 may be different than another maker's #2. Even among a single maker the measured size/number may vary between styles of edgers.  Historically the Gomph, HF Osborne, and vintage CS Osborne edgers were all 1/16 inch of cut per size number. For example the #1 was 1/16" of cut, the #3 was 3/16 inch of cut. Somewhere along the line, the sizes changed and a #3 now from a maker might be 3 mm, 1/16 inch, or some other measurement. The key is to know the maker edger style and then the actual cut measurement. 

What size of cut edger do you need? Everybody has a preference but here is mine. For most work like flat goods, belts, etc. I want my edger to have a cut width around 1/3 the thickness of the leather for edging top and bottom. For a 12 ounce piece (3/16 inch) I grab a 1/16 inch edger. For an 8 ounce piece (8/64") then I go with something like 3/64 inch of cut. These widths do two things - 1) they don't get into my stitch line on edges and 2) they round off the square edges and leave about half the edge of the piece square. By the time you rub that edge it will compress and shape some and that 1/2 thickness remaining square rounds over more.  I like that look and feel for most work. If you want a heavier rounded edge for some applications (saddle horn or skirts) then choose an edger around half the thickness of the leather. 

[TonyV]

Good information Bruce.  I knew size numbers varied by mfr, but didn't know where was a method behind their madness.

[MikeRock]

Bruce, for 8 oz. do  you mean 3/32" or  3/64"?

Merry Christmas!

Mike

[bruce johnson]

1 hour ago, MikeRock said:

Bruce, for 8 oz. do  you mean 3/32" or  3/64"?

Merry Christmas!

Mike

Mike, Thanks for catching that! Yes, 3/64 inch edger and I went back corrected that. Merry Christmas to you and yours!

[AlZilla]

Edge beveling seems to be an under addressed area for the rookie leather crafter.

I would have liked to run into this rule of thumb early on, to start with a third to half the thickness of my leather and adjust to taste. 

Such a bewildering array of expensive bevelers to choose from in the market, I've just stuck with the small one that came in my original tool set. 

Thanks for this post.

[chuck123wapati]

Thanks, Bruce, and Merry Christmas!!

Edgers are underrated and the differences somewhat confusing, but a nicely finished edge makes a project look far better and much more professional IMO.

I edge, depending on the design of the project, and put as much thought into them as other parts of the work. I think of them as part of the overall design, and also how life will react to the edge, belt loops for example. An edge for lace work is another example; the shape of the leather edge underneath the lace will dictate the overall shape of the lace braid. 

[jcuk]

Good post. My advice would be find a brand/make you like stick with them don't go chasing rainbow of different sizes from one make to another use the what you have to hand that you think is right size for the job at hand. I did not know there was a size zero until a couple of years ago did fine without one of them for nearly thirty years, have one now because I was buying some tools from a guy who packing in the leather trade he said he had a zero edger if I was interested said I had never knew they made one that size. It is a Palosanto got it cheap when seeing what they are new also see they do a a double zero, have to say I have not used it for any work but have tried it out on some scrap not a fan if I am honest. 

Hope this helps

JCUK