How do I finish the edges?

[Knifeknut]

Well thanks to the helpful forum members I was able to complete my first holster. Didn't turn out as nice as I would like but should look a little better after I dye it. Functions perfectly though. Going to need to work on making my stitching neater looking. That's really the difficult part for me. I'm wondering what you guys are using to finish your edges. What is the name of the tool I need to clean them up some? Thanks and here's a couple of pics. I'll post the finished product as soon as it's done.

[Don101]

Here is a quick run through how i do my edges

1.. before assambly and dying do a border edge,

2.. the same for the stitching with a stitching grover,

3.. here is an example of the tandy edger it is flat and no matter how hard you try to polish you wont get a realy nice round edge,

4.. here you can see how flat it is,

5.. this is an osbourne round edger it rounds the edge and not a flat cut like the tandy one,

6.. here you can see the round cut,

7.. on boath sides

[Don101]

8.. now dampen the leather,

9.. you can either use a drill stand with a wooden dowel, these can be easly made or you can purchase them,

10.. or you can use a hand held slicker this is also a hand made one, any hard wood will do,

11.. here you can see i rubed for about one minute with the hand held slicker, it should shine like glass,

12.. the same with the back side,

[Knifeknut]

Wow! Thanks Don. That answered all my questions and then some. Awesome tutorial and pics. Looks like I'm going to need a few more tools. It never ends.......

[BOOMSTICKHolsters]

Nice tutorial, Don101. I didn't know water worked that well for slicking edges. I've heard it mentioned on this forum, but I'm from Missouri, so you have to show me. You have also convinced me to switch to rounded edgers. Thanks cor contributing.

Knifeknut, it's a good idea to sand the edges flush before you use your edger, whenever you have two or more layers of leather stacked together. Use a course grit on a slow speed. If you don't have a drum sander (which BTW, are pretty cheep at grizzly tools), you can get away with cutting the edges flush with a round knife (or another very sharp knife, but be CAREFUL). Be sure to post pics when you're done with your holster.

[undeberg]

You can also leave your bottom piece of leather larger on the edges and cut it to match up perfectly with the top formed piece after glueing and stitching. If you're looking for some pretty good edgers try big sky die and tool company. They are about 11.00 each and work pretty well right out of the box. They take a little fine tuning for tight corners, but work great. I like them better than the osborne and tandy ones. Also are pretty comparable to the ones that Weaver sells as far as quality. But the price is outstanding.

Phone number for them is 800-282 4759.

As far as stitching goes I can't say enough about having a stitch wheel. It really spaces your stitches even, and puts a little indent in the leather so your stitches lay flatter.

You can also use some glycerine saddle soap on the edges. Get a bar of it and use it on wet edges. Work it in good and then burnish as described above.

[fire]

You can also use some glycerine saddle soap on the edges. Get a bar of it and use it on wet edges. Work it in good and then burnish as described above.

Neutrogena facial soap also works well in a pinch.

[Srigs]

Nice tutorial, Don101. I didn't know water worked that well for slicking edges. I've heard it mentioned on this forum, but I'm from Missouri, so you have to show me. You have also convinced me to switch to rounded edgers. Thanks cor contributing.

I only use water for slicking the edges and works great. I'm currently using deer antlers for slicking which works.

Edited March 14, 2008 by Srigs

[paris3200]

I only use water for slicking the edges and works great. I'm currently using deer antlers for slicking which works.

After you slick your edges to you apply any kind of edge dye? I noticed the color of your edges match the rest of the holster. I've never been able to get an edge to dye as dark as the rest of the holster.

Jason

[Srigs]

After you slick your edges to you apply any kind of edge dye? I noticed the color of your edges match the rest of the holster. I've never been able to get an edge to dye as dark as the rest of the holster.

Jason

I dye and then slick (I also think the dye helps in the slicking process IMHO). So it is already dyed so no issue with closing up the leather with the slicking. No edge dye for me.

I hope that helps.

[JohnD]

Great thread. Nice tutorial Don, Great info all around. This is what makes this site so great.

John

[yaklady]

Knifenut, When you're cutting your slots, try using a round punch the same diameter as the width of the slot at the ends. It's a quick way to cut those difficult ends, and it comes out smooth. If you're cutting a straight slot, you can use a ruler between the holes to keep the cut straight.

On sanding your edges, a Dremel tools works well for me. I don't have all the big power tools that most of you guys have. When you do start dyeing your edges, it depends on what dye you use as to whether to dye first or last. Spirit dyes won't penentrate well once you have slicked your edges, so apply it first. If you choose acrylics, slick the edges first. Tandy's Edge Dye tends to crack, but Cheylor-Fenneli has a new edge dye out that they say won't crack. I don't know what it's called, my bottle has no words on it whatsoever! They also have a cool new applicator that works very well.

On the stitching, it helps to use a stitching groover to sink the stiches below the leather surface. That not only keeps the thread from wearing, but it also helps to keep your stitches looking more even.

You may as well make a big list of tools! It seems a leather worker can never have enough.

Hope this helps,

Kathy