PapaWolf Report post Posted April 6, 2008 As I have stated earlier I am for the most part a beginner in leatherworking. I have recently seen a lot of places talking about edging. I have never edged any of my work before. I always make sure the cuts I make are smooth and straight but I have never edged anything. What is the main purpose for edging, why and how is the best way to do it? I have a few books that talk a little bit about doing it but they don't really say why to do it. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
strapt Report post Posted April 7, 2008 Great question Papa Wolf. I too started as you have, without finishing my edges. I was gently corrected by someone who had been in the industry professionally for a while with the statement: "...I always finished the edges on MY work because unfinished edges looked like the project wasn't done yet..." Or to paraphrase- Anything worth doing is worth doing right. The first time. That being said, the same person gifted me with a lignum vite edge slicker that has become my favorite tool. I have looked high and low for another one with no luck. I would encourage you to pick up a nice edge beveler and a slicker - lignum vite if you can find one- and finish your edges. It will give your projects a professional look and the effort is very rewarding. A few minutes with a sponge and a slicker can really make your project look nice. Just my 2 cents... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
MadTailor Report post Posted April 7, 2008 Great question Papa Wolf. I too started as you have, without finishing my edges. I was gently corrected by someone who had been in the industry professionally for a while with the statement: "...I always finished the edges on MY work because unfinished edges looked like the project wasn't done yet..."Or to paraphrase- Anything worth doing is worth doing right. The first time. That being said, the same person gifted me with a lignum vite edge slicker that has become my favorite tool. I have looked high and low for another one with no luck. I would encourage you to pick up a nice edge beveler and a slicker - lignum vite if you can find one- and finish your edges. It will give your projects a professional look and the effort is very rewarding. A few minutes with a sponge and a slicker can really make your project look nice. Just my 2 cents... Can you post a picture of that slicker? I'm in a look out for one my self. Maybe someone can make it.....Thanks Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
smudley Report post Posted April 7, 2008 Or to paraphrase- Anything worth doing is worth doing right. The first time. That being said, the same person gifted me with a lignum vite edge slicker that has become my favorite tool. I have looked high and low for another one with no luck. Amen to doing it right the first time!!!! I have, on a few occasions, forgotten to bevel and slick my edges. Going back and fixing that little mistake can be very time consuming. As for the Lignum Vite edge slicker, there's a guy on Ebay who usually has one or two up at auction. I think they are a bit pricy, but then I have never used a Lignum Vite slicker. I would be interested in hearing the advantages of using that particular wood as a slicker. I made a slicker/bone folder out of Cocobola, and like it pretty well. I have the wood, and am planning on making a round slicker, and an oblong edge slicker, as soon as I get the extra time. There is also a guy on Ebay selling western style, and bissonette style edgers made out of stainless flatware. So, I went out to the local junk shop and bought 4 stainless forks to give that a try, as well.....when I get the extra time, of course. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
indypbear Report post Posted April 7, 2008 Welcome to the forum. We're glad to hve you here and help. Although Lignum Vitae is a very dense wood an equally good slicker that you can find more easily is made from cocobolo wood. The slicker/creaser from Hide Crafter Leather in Fort worth is the best I have worked with todate. I also have cylinder of cocobolo I use in a drill press and a finisher from Weaver Leather. Smudley is right on regarding the edge finishing. The work just doesn't look finished without a slicked or rolled edge. It just adds a bit of professionalism. Indy Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
okiwen Report post Posted April 7, 2008 " There is also a guy on Ebay selling western style, and bissonette style edgers made out of stainless flatware. So, I went out to the local junk shop and bought 4 stainless forks to give that a try, as well.....when I get the extra time, of course. That guy has posted here recently concerning his bissonette edgers. Maybe he will help you. ????? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Don101 Report post Posted April 7, 2008 http://leatherworker.net/forum/index.php?s...l=round+edgerre it has be covered before hope this helps you out with your question on how to do it, Don Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Gibbsleatherworks Report post Posted April 17, 2008 Great lesson BTW.... Wish I had a drill press...heh Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
