Different leathers, weights, names etc?!?!

[DreadPirateRedbeard]

Now had I been smart, I would have paid attention to my friend when I was hanging out at his garage/shop. So, I don't know what weights mean or the names like split, veg tan etc etc. I just grab what leather I need for the piece I'm making. I also don't know what certain tools are called or what they're for. Is there a way for anyone to explain to me on here, what each type of leather is, what it's called, different weights and what each is generally used for? Or perhaps I could get someone to send me samples of each with the info on each piece. I'm a bit short on money, but I could do some trading with you for your time and help on this. Perhaps I could do some jewelry for someone's better half or some other piece of chain maille or one of the pieces I make on the forge. As far as the tools, I can get a picture of the tools to send someone as I'm not real good at describing stuff. Thank you in advance to anyone who can help.

Dirkin

[DG Leather]

Now had I been smart, I would have paid attention to my friend when I was hanging out at his garage/shop. So, I don't know what weights mean

Weight is a measurement used to describe thickness.....for instance 2-3 oz could be 3/16-1/8 " thick....5-7 oz could be 5/16- 1/4 inch....etc etc (i dont think i got them correct i may be little to thick on my guesses).

or the names like split

Split leather is for example a veg tan that is split by a machine in half....the thickness is cut in half so a 7 oz would theoretically be 3.5 oz after it is done

, veg tan

veg tan is a process the hide is tanned in....it is "toolable" it is the leather you carve and stamp and it hold it and can also be dyed and stained.....I believe the technical defining attributes of veg tan is that the epidermis is left on the hide...the fleshy part under the hair.....and that is what you tool: stamp, carve, bevel, matting, background

etc etc. I just grab what leather I need for the piece I'm making. I also don't know what certain tools are called or what they're for

Many tools used....I looke din tandy website...got the names and just read these forums for a month and figured most out .....still the odd one i dont know but i always keep asking..... here are starters

Knives

Stamps

bevelers

edgers

end cutters

tooling surface

books

dyes and stains

leather conditioners

sewing tools

lacing tools

stitch pony

these are things i learnt about

. Is there a way for anyone to explain to me on here, what each type of leather is, what it's called, different weights and what each is generally used for?

veg tan can be used for pretty much anything for gun accessories archery all the way to bondage.....lol...my uses....it can be used for motorcycle seats, patches, furniture, car interior...anything you can imagine that you wanna color and carve.

the black thick leather looks like biker hides i will be using for bondager stuff and some native american dancer belts i got requested to make

Or perhaps I could get someone to send me samples of each with the info on each piece. I'm a bit short on money, but I could do some trading with you for your time and help on this. Perhaps I could do some jewelry for someone's better half or some other piece of chain maille or one of the pieces I make on the forge.

I want chain maille Stuff.....few things!!! lol

As far as the tools, I can get a picture of the tools to send someone as I'm not real good at describing stuff. Thank you in advance to anyone who can help.

I will help in every way i can dude !

Dirkin

[David]

Regarding weights, it goes like this

1oz leather is 1/64" thick

2oz is 1/32"

3oz is 3/64"

4oz is 1/16"

8oz. is 1/8"

Getting the idea? Now, why did someone decide to measure thickness using a unit of weight? That's the real question. Probably to confuse future leatherworking generations.

Veg tanned is the only one you can tool or stamp. It has gone through the tanning process using plant matter to tan the hide.... the plant "stuff" is frequently oak wood chips, bark etc. Which is why you will see the word oak in many leather descriptions.

Try getting a Tandy catalog and get a book on basic leatherwork. Most of your questions will be answered in there.

David Theobald

Edited May 8, 2009 by David

[celticleather]

There's a tremendous knowledge-base of leatherwork terminology, methods, etc at http://www.kingsmerecrafts.com/page06.html (scroll down to the bottom of the page). It shouldn't take more than a week or two to read through it all!