JoelR Report post Posted November 30, 2009 I've read many a post where it is recommended not to go all the way out to the edge with the glue and I think I have seen why in some of my work - a line of visible glue. With my latest build, I left the glue short of the edge by about 1/8" to 1/4" to prevent this glue line, but now I am getting separation once the leather fully dries. To add to this, this was also my first lined holster so the thin lining wants to pull away where it is not sandwiched. It's not terrible and I'm not TOO concerned as this is a holster for myself, but am always looking to improve and would not want to make one for someone else with these short-comings. My steps for burnishing the edges: 1) even the edges with a knife. 2) even and smooth the edges with a dremmel wheel (120 grit) 3) bevel the edges 4) smooth with 220 grit 5) smooth with 400 grit 6) moisten the edges with water 7) smooth with 400 grit 8) remoisten the edges 9) burnish with heavy canvas by hand I tried taking some pictures, but the problems are not viewable with my camera phone so hopefully I've explained myself thoroughly. I'll see if I can add some good pictures tonight. In the meantime, for those who may have struggled with this in the past, any advice? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
dickf Report post Posted November 30, 2009 I glue all the way out, and have never had a problem with any line. I think your process may be a little overkill on the sanding. I sand, bevel, then wet and burnish. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
particle Report post Posted November 30, 2009 I also glue all the way to the edge, then I place a few recipe books on top to press the pieces together. Then I stack about 12 more recipe books on top of those, and because I'm bored, I toss a couple more on for good measure. I've not really noticed any glue line being visible in the finished product. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
dickf Report post Posted November 30, 2009 Also, I forgot to ask, what kind of glue are you using? Perhaps you're using too much if there is an obvious line. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
RWB Report post Posted December 1, 2009 If your having trouble with a glue line, then just stay about a 32nd of an inch away from your edge with your glue. That still gives you enough glue to hold it while you stitch. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Lobo Report post Posted December 1, 2009 Type of glue might also be the issue. Some glues set up with a distinct appearance. For cementing linings I prefer Tanners Bond from Feibings; excellent adhesion and invisible at the edges. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
JoelR Report post Posted December 1, 2009 Thanks all. I have been using some contact cement I bought at Home Depot. Sorry, forget the name at the moment (Weld-Wood?). I may have been putting it on a little thick in my initial holsters. With a thin layer, it soaks in a bit and dries slightly darker than the original leather. Maybe I wasn't getting a good even edge with my layers which was causing a depression that the glue was just burnishing into. Once dry, I clamp the two sides in a padded vice for good adhesion. Dickf: I think my process is overkill too but I can't seem to keep from having little strands either sticking up or getting a 'scaley' feal when I rub my finger down the edge opposite the direction i burnished. Maybe I'm just not getting the whole thing... I tried the tara-what's-it (that's it's technical name, right?) but hated that it would paste-up if the edge got wet so I quickly stopped using it. I've tried hard-wood wheels and home-made nylon burnishing wheels on a drill-press but I'm a little heavy-handed and ended up curling the edges which I tried pressing back flat which resulted in a broken look to the finished edge. Seems I spend as much time sanding and burnishing as I do stitching... Maybe I'm just being too heavy handed with my dremmel sanding prep and causing the fibers to fray and leading to all my issues? Maybe I just need to find someone local to sit down with and watch me an slap my fingers when I do something I'm not supposed to. I didn't get a chance to take pictures last night. I'll try again tonight - maybe a series of pictures of each step so someone can say "Ah HA!" and instantly see where my problems are arising from. Lot's of maybes... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
dickf Report post Posted December 2, 2009 Thanks all. I have been using some contact cement I bought at Home Depot. Sorry, forget the name at the moment (Weld-Wood?). I may have been putting it on a little thick in my initial holsters. With a thin layer, it soaks in a bit and dries slightly darker than the original leather. Maybe I wasn't getting a good even edge with my layers which was causing a depression that the glue was just burnishing into. Once dry, I clamp the two sides in a padded vice for good adhesion. Dickf: I think my process is overkill too but I can't seem to keep from having little strands either sticking up or getting a 'scaley' feal when I rub my finger down the edge opposite the direction i burnished. Maybe I'm just not getting the whole thing... I tried the tara-what's-it (that's it's technical name, right?) but hated that it would paste-up if the edge got wet so I quickly stopped using it. I've tried hard-wood wheels and home-made nylon burnishing wheels on a drill-press but I'm a little heavy-handed and ended up curling the edges which I tried pressing back flat which resulted in a broken look to the finished edge. Seems I spend as much time sanding and burnishing as I do stitching... Maybe I'm just being too heavy handed with my dremmel sanding prep and causing the fibers to fray and leading to all my issues? Maybe I just need to find someone local to sit down with and watch me an slap my fingers when I do something I'm not supposed to. I didn't get a chance to take pictures last night. I'll try again tonight - maybe a series of pictures of each step so someone can say "Ah HA!" and instantly see where my problems are arising from. Lot's of maybes... We've all been there, and will again in future sometime. It can be frustrating! Based on what you've said, it sounds like your using too much pressure. The burnishing happens from friction, not pressure. If you've beveled your edges and they start to roll, you are pressing too hard. I think you might try sanding on a low speed with the Dremel sanding drum, beveling, the wetting the edges - not soaking, but damp. Then burnish as you usually do, either nylon or wood, but use much less pressure. Try and get a slick look, but don't go all the way out and expect a mirror finish just yet. Wax the edges with a piece of beeswax, then burnish again. See if this doesn't yield a nicer edge for you. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
JoelR Report post Posted December 2, 2009 (edited) As promissed (maybe), here are some pics with of a scrap proof-of-concept I was working with. I have found it MUCH easier to burnish thicker pieces and that may tie into the 'too much pressure' issue I am probably having. in order: rough cut; dremmel sanded; edges trimmed; 240 grit sanded; 400 grit sanded; 400 grit wet-sanded; burnished. Edited December 2, 2009 by JoelR Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
JoelR Report post Posted December 2, 2009 Oops! A little too quick on the submit button... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
dickf Report post Posted December 2, 2009 Are you using wax with your canvas? The edge looks good to me, but I know exactly what you're talking about regarding the little snaggies. The wax lays them down for me. I run a piece of nylon stocking over the edges after I'm done burnishing - give it a little polish and snags where the edge wasn't burnished enough. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
JoelR Report post Posted December 2, 2009 I have been waxing the edges after I finish staining and sealing. I'll try the 'more friction' approach tonight and see if that darkens up the edges a bit. They just appear MUCH lighter than the other great edges you guys post pictures of - the edge in the final picture lightened up considerably once the leather completly dried. I have some nylon spacers ready to be cut for burnishing so I'll give them a try. Also thought that maybe the heavy canvas that I am using (a section of drop-cloth canvas) may not be heavy enough to create the friction needed. I have some tent canvas lying around that I'll give a try. Just can't get too much friction with the canvas I am using once the edge starts to smooth out. Thanks everyone for your help. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Bronson Report post Posted December 3, 2009 (edited) I've been having good luck with the technique I got from one of Stohlman's books. Even up the edges, bevel, dye, then burnish. I seem to be gettting a better result burnishing an edge that has been wet with dye than I do an edge that has been wet with water. Don't know why that is but it sure seems to be the case. Bronson Edited December 3, 2009 by Bronson Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
hidepounder Report post Posted December 3, 2009 (edited) I agree with the other's comments....I think you are using too much pressure and oversanding as well. Here is a link that explains the method I use on edges... Finishing Edges Hope this helps... Bobby Edited December 3, 2009 by hidepounder Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
