How should I sequence these operations ?

[ToddB 68]

Good Day !

I am a leatherwork "Newbie" and my first project will be the tool sheath shown in the attached sketch.

I need help with sequencing some of the operations for making this project.

FYI, I am using 12-13 oz. (.188 - .210 inch) veg-tanned cowhide leather. (Sorry, I forgot to change the sketch from 9 oz. to 12-13 oz.) All parts have been cut to size and ready to proceed with operations listed below.

Below are the total operations I'm guessing will be needed and with the aid of Al Stohlmans' book The Art of Hand Sewing Leather , I think operations A through H are sequenced properly, but not sure

how to sequence the balance I through R.

OPERATIONS:

A...Glue parts together (areas to be stitched).

B...Trim edges even after glue dries.

C...Add stitching grooves.

D...Layout stitching holes 5 sti.

E...Stab stitching holes and hand-stitch parts together.

F...Use smooth-faced hammer and "tap" over all of the stitches.

G...Run overstitch wheel over all stitches.

H...Bevel outer edges (Craftool edge beveler #8076).

I....Round & smooth edges.

J....Assemble rivets at four corners.

K....Assemble Tandy line 24 snap parts #1263-02 (For tool handle retainer strap).

L....Apply Gum Tragacanth to edges.

M...Burnish edges with Nylon edge-slicker wheel.

N....Dye edges with Vinegaroon.

O....Let Vinegaroon dry.

P....Polish edges with Beeswax or Gum Tragacanth, using either cloth or Nylon wheel.

Q....Glue rubber block into place at foot of sheath and nail with brass or stainless steel pin-tacks.

R....Let glue dry on rubber foot-block, then apply "TandyPure" Neatsfoot Oil finish all over project.

Thanks for the help everybody !

Todd

Edited December 27, 2009 by ToddB68

[pete]

I'd say that if you did it in that order then you should be fine.

Please post after shots! and what is a 12" digging tool?

pete

[8thsinner]

I suspect it's a bush mans tool for digging up roots, it's kinda old fashioned and I love it.

I think the leather your using is a bit hard core for it and will be too heavy but it will surely last.

You might want to consider adding a small pouch for a cloth so you can wipe the soil off before it gets in and contaminates the integrity of the sheath though.

As to the order, I think you should dye the edges before burnishing then wax them...

Remember burnishing basically melts the edges into a hard reflective surface which resists moisture. It will also darken.

Also the neats foot will not soak in through the wax. wax should be your final finish. I have heard many things about neats foot being good and bad for leather so I am not sure I would use it myself, For conditioning I have been experimenting with saddle soap and a natural beezwax base designed for furniture which when soaked in with a heat gun and burnished works very well.

[ToddB 68]

I'd say that if you did it in that order then you should be fine.

Please post after shots! and what is a 12" digging tool?

pete

Hi Pete !

Thanks for your help !

The 12" digging tool (See attached photo) I hand-made from a Craftsman breaker-bar, then applied "Plasti-Dip" to the handle. I use it to recover metal items from the ground, that I find using a metal detector. In case you aren't familiar with this hobby, it's about searching for gold & silver jewelry, relics, or prospecting for gold nuggetts.

My digger is a replica of the original made by David C. Brown, who goes by "Tabdog" on various metal detecting website forums. I requested and he kindly sent me full instructions. Not an easy tool to make; it took a lot of work shaping the spoon end especially and then rounding the end of the handle, all done on a bench grinder. But it was a satisfying project.

At the present time, I'm in the middle of buying a few leatherworking tools & supplies, so I don't think I'll be posting after- shots anytime soon, but will when done.

Happy Holidays !

Todd

[ToddB 68]

I suspect it's a bush mans tool for digging up roots, it's kinda old fashioned and I love it.

I think the leather your using is a bit hard core for it and will be too heavy but it will surely last.

You might want to consider adding a small pouch for a cloth so you can wipe the soil off before it gets in and contaminates the integrity of the sheath though.

As to the order, I think you should dye the edges before burnishing then wax them...

Remember burnishing basically melts the edges into a hard reflective surface which resists moisture. It will also darken.

Also the neats foot will not soak in through the wax. wax should be your final finish. I have heard many things about neats foot being good and bad for leather so I am not sure I would use it myself, For conditioning I have been experimenting with saddle soap and a natural beezwax base designed for furniture which when soaked in with a heat gun and burnished works very well.

Hi 8thsinner !

, You really gave me the works !!!! Thanks for all the great info......that helps a lot.

Todd

[8thsinner]

Not exactly the works, there are a lot more experienced and knowledgable people on here than me, especially in this type of work.

[club49]

Hi Todd,

I love your post. I am also a metaldetectorist if there is such a word. I got started into leather the same way that you are. I started out making a pinpointer case. I figured I would buy a few tools and that would be it. Well, a few years later and thousands of dollars spent on tools and leather. I don't regret it. I love working with leather. Good luck on  the case, I hope you don't get bit by the tool bug, it's like drugs. 

 

Jim

[LumpenDoodle2]

Another Detectorist here.    I'd definitely leave a little gap at the bottom of the sheath.   It saves on the build up of dirt in the sheath, and is easier to keep clean.