Caiman Edge Finishing ?

[Lizard]

I'm trying something new for me. I got a caiman tail and am going to use it as a partial overlay on a little J Frame pancake I make. I've never worked with exotics before and thought Caiman would be a good place to start, now I'm not so sure. it is very thin and flimsy. I will glue and stitch to the face of the holster, but I'm not sure how to finish the edges before I combine the two. Also, because of the humps and bumps of the skin, I don't think it will lay completly flat where the edges are glued and stitched. I guess this is what experimenting is all about. Anyhow, all suggestions and advice will be appreciated.

Thanks,

Lizard

[Shooter McGavin]

I've decided to only use it as an inlay due to the edge issues.

My latest set:

[hidepounder]

I had pretty good luck skiving the edges very thin before gluing and then I just edged and burnished like I normally do. Came out fine.....

Bobby

I've decided to only use it as an inlay due to the edge issues.

My latest set:

Pretty work Shooter!

[Lizard]

Thanks for the insight folks. Shooter, I am rethinking my process now and am probably going to go the same route as you. Doing an inlay and having a window around the Caiman would solve edge issues and make life simpler, just a little more leather and sewing.

Thanks,

Lizard

[JoelR]

When I have worked with fiberous leathers as overlays I soak the edge with acrylic resoleen to "glue" the fibers together and then sand with 600 grit until nice and smooth. That is how I do edges with fresh water shark and how the attached edges for some really soft Alligator were acomplished:

[BigRiverLeather]

I've had good luck sanding off all of the fiberous material off of the back with a sanding drum in my drill press, detailing the edges with a dremel. For an overlay I then gle it to 4/5 oz and put the freshly glued piece in my press between 2 pieces of gum rubber for a good long while.

That inlay looks very nice.