JRS Design Report post Posted May 5, 2010 I'm new to the leather crafting world and would like some help. I am making a bedroom set out of cherry, and my client has requested the use of the Tuscany Cowsplits from Tandy for using them as the panel on the head board, doors, and drawers. I purchased the leather only to find out that it is very messy. (looks like a brown "glaze" that flakes off when touched). Is there any thing that needs to be done to the leather, or is there a finish that can be sprayed on it to prevent the "flaking" Thanks in advance for any help. ~James Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
terrahyd Report post Posted May 5, 2010 PM'd you ;;let me know what Tandy say's .....Doc.. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Art Report post Posted May 5, 2010 I assume you went and picked this "leather" out? It is the only way to buy leather at Tandy. I would suggest that you take it back and carefully inspect what you are buying. Art I'm new to the leather crafting world and would like some help. I am making a bedroom set out of cherry, and my client has requested the use of the Tuscany Cowsplits from Tandy for using them as the panel on the head board, doors, and drawers. I purchased the leather only to find out that it is very messy. (looks like a brown "glaze" that flakes off when touched). Is there any thing that needs to be done to the leather, or is there a finish that can be sprayed on it to prevent the "flaking" Thanks in advance for any help. ~James Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
whinewine Report post Posted May 5, 2010 Like Art says, "Take it back!" Tandy is generally amenable & pretty helpful on returns. (& selecting your potential purchases in person is the only way to buy certain items, from leather {especially leather} to stamping/carving tools [although dyes, conchos, hardware, etc, are mostly ok to buy over the web]. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
mischief Report post Posted May 6, 2010 Good advise if you do not live 200+miles from a Tandy store. Any suggestions for purchasing leather on the web from Tandy. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
whinewine Report post Posted May 6, 2010 Good advise if you do not live 200+miles from a Tandy store. Any suggestions for purchasing leather on the web from Tandy. If you order from the web, it will be filled from the nearest store to you (I was told that by a Tandy manager). SO- to avoid being the anonymous web dope who gets the junk that no one else wants, go ahead & call the nearest store, introduce yourself to the manager over the phone, establish rapport, and establish YOURSELF as a real person who has specific needs & wants. Ask questions. Once the staff there are aware of you as a real person, they will be less likely to send 'less desirable' items your way. And if you can, do a road trip sometime (plot out other interesting things to see/do/experience while in the area so it ends up as a fun day). Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
abn Report post Posted May 6, 2010 I might add that Springfield Leather carries the entire Tandy product line, plus items from other sources. They're great to deal with over the phone, and if you call them and explain what you're interested in, I'm sure they'll be glad to help. http://springfieldleather.com/store/ Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Hilly Report post Posted May 6, 2010 If you order from the web, it will be filled from the nearest store to you (I was told that by a Tandy manager). SO- to avoid being the anonymous web dope who gets the junk that no one else wants, go ahead & call the nearest store, introduce yourself to the manager over the phone, establish rapport, and establish YOURSELF as a real person who has specific needs & wants. Ask questions. Once the staff there are aware of you as a real person, they will be less likely to send 'less desirable' items your way. And if you can, do a road trip sometime (plot out other interesting things to see/do/experience while in the area so it ends up as a fun day). Even going to the store in your state and getting to know the manager does not guarantee that you will get decent leather when you place a phone or internet order. I have found the best way to get decent leather from Tandy without going there to hand pick it is to call Clay Miller (from these message boards) at the Rapid City, S.D. store, and have him hand pick for you. He will ship anywhere in the U.S., and you don't have to worry about getting crappy leather. I have done this a number of times, and have never been disappointed when I order this way. I trust his judgment in picking decent leather. When it comes to veg tan leather, usually, you need to get the better quality stuff from Tandy to be happy, anyway. Just my .02. Hilly Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites