Things I've Learned About Leatherworking Last Week

[DoubleC]

Lew we all want to do everything. It's not stupidity I don't think, it's more wanting to try different things. Then you find you don't enjoy some things as much as other. Keep on trucking and trying things

[texback]

I learned last week not to leave an open bottle of neatsfoot oil on the bench next to an unfinished project.......

[DoubleC]

All I can say is OH NO!!!!!

[Glendon]

Last week I learned that when testing new liquids,eye protection is not optional.

Up to now I've been using water and saddle soap for burnishing edges, but just got in some of the synthetic gum trag from Japan to try out. That stuff is slick, and at least with a rotary tool burnisher, will splatter.

[papaw]

The best and most importation thing I have learned is that speed and impatients will do nothing but create anger and a very bad project costing money and time that was wasted. Slowed down and smelling the roses along the way now.

[DoubleC]

Oh Glendon, ouch. Papaw good advice for me for sure. Did 18 smalls in a 24 hour period and none of them were very good. Cheryl

Edited December 7, 2014 by DoubleC

[Stewart]

Well Darn. Learned once you started a Reply it can not be canceled .

So here goes. A replacement Beveller will never work like the original one.

Also what ever Luke tells me one day I sure will forget the next Day

[DoubleC]

LOL Joey.

[lightingale]

Today I just relearned that your thumb does not make an effective stop for your knife blade, I tried to take the end of my left thumb off this afternoon, and I have 4 rifle slings to carve and finish. Gotta love Christmas but I hope this thing doesn't act up tomorrow when I'm trying to hold stamps.

Chief

This.

Apparently, this is a lesson I need to relearn every few months or so. Usually, it's when I'm sewing leather, and I support the back of it with my thumb while stabbing through. Like this:

Ouchie. I'm slowly training myself to use a block of beeswax instead of my fingers, but old habits die hard.

Chief, the only thing that has worked for me to keep trucking through a busy time is to wrap it semi-tightly with a bandaid or two, so that the wound is held together even when you need to put pressure on your finger, but not to the point of cutting off circulation. Use an antibiotic ointment, and use latex gloves when doing the dirty dyeing work so you don't get your bandaid(s) wet when you inevitably need to wash your hands, so you don't have to change it a dozen times a day.

Edited December 8, 2014 by lightingale

[Chief31794]

This.

Apparently, this is a lesson I need to relearn every few months or so. Usually, it's when I'm sewing leather, and I support the back of it with my thumb while stabbing through. Like this:

Ouchie. I'm slowly training myself to use a block of beeswax instead of my fingers, but old habits die hard.

Chief, the only thing that has worked for me to keep trucking through a busy time is to wrap it semi-tightly with a bandaid or two, so that the wound is held together even when you need to put pressure on your finger, but not to the point of cutting off circulation. Use an antibiotic ointment, and use latex gloves when doing the dirty dyeing work so you don't get your bandaid(s) wet when you inevitably need to wash your hands, so you don't have to change it a dozen times a day.

I have a huge first aid kit in the shop, the first thing I do is treat with antibiotic and then bandage, keep it that way until it heals. I got through it fine, thanks for the tips.

Chief