Leatherburnishers.com ... Anyone Have Their Tools?

[Spinner]

I just got my dremel burnishers last week.

They work very well, though I have to fiddle with my technique to get it perfect. You have to sand the edges to make them round, as the tool will not round it for you. When I used the plastic tandy thing, I was exerting enough pressure to round the leather at the same time so I didn't have to sand it. I use the lowest speed on my dremel and even slight pressure causes it to slow down (I have the dremel attachment that's on a cable so I don't have to lift the whole tool every time). If you go too fast, you burn the leather, which is evidenced by the smell!

So far I'm loving it, and it will save a lot of time. It's not as easy as it looks, however, and will take some practice to get it just right.

Actually, what you have found is the correct way to burnish. Previously when the plastic burnisher was "rounding over the edge" it was simply softening the corners enough to crown them over and give the impression of a rounded edge. Later on down the road as the piece ages those crowned corners will get brittle & break off exposing a ragged squarish edge. by edging and sanding the edge prior to burnishing, you are creating a true rounded edge and the burnisher is doing the job of polishing the edge correctly as it's meant to.

Cheers,

Chris

[CustomDoug]

Actually, what you have found is the correct way to burnish. Previously when the plastic burnisher was "rounding over the edge" it was simply softening the corners enough to crown them over and give the impression of a rounded edge. Later on down the road as the piece ages those crowned corners will get brittle & break off exposing a ragged squarish edge. by edging and sanding the edge prior to burnishing, you are creating a true rounded edge and the burnisher is doing the job of polishing the edge correctly as it's meant to.

Cheers,

Chris

Wouldn't the hand held "edging tool" be fine for rounding the edges and eliminate the need to sand? - I know there are several tools generically referred to as 'edging tools' but I forget the official name, I'm talking about the ones that take off the square parts of an edge. Couldn't you just run one of those along the edge then burnish?

[Spinner]

Wouldn't the hand held "edging tool" be fine for rounding the edges and eliminate the need to sand? - I know there are several tools generically referred to as 'edging tools' but I forget the official name, I'm talking about the ones that take off the square parts of an edge. Couldn't you just run one of those along the edge then burnish?

You can, and many folks do. It's still not going to be 100% like with sanding though. What you end up with is 4 smaller, more obtuse corners so the 'burr' will be smaller and more compacted but it is still there. This is typically what creates the gravelly (totally made up word) look. Without sanding, it's pretty much impossible to get the shiny, smooth, gorgeous, long lasting edges that Bobby achieves and describes in his tutorial.

[Cyberthrasher]

To add to what Chris says, you'll notice that many of the edging tools just knock off the corner to create a 45 degree bevel, usually leaving a high spot in the center as well. Sanding will help to make it a truly rounded edge prior to burnishing.

[CustomDoug]

small drum sander is the preferred tool after the hand-held edger tool ?

[Glendon]

I tried a dremel sanding tool, but I found I can actually get better results with a good old sanding block and sandpaper.

[CustomDoug]

I tried a dremel sanding tool, but I found I can actually get better results with a good old sanding block and sandpaper.

I was thinking if sanding by hand, I'd try the flexible sanding blocks (kind if like a hard sponge permanently wrapped in sand paper) - anyone used these for this purpose?

[Glendon]

I haven't used sanding sponges before, but I was curious about them when I saw them in Harbor Fraight a couple months ago. If you try them, please let us know how it goes. I'm thinking they might be a little soft, but heck that might just give you a better curve on the edge.

[AndyL1]

Hi Andy,

I just noticed your post. I'm glad you like the burnisher so much! I will pass the info on to Beary,,, I'm sure he'll appreciate the comments.

Thanks! Yes, love the burnisher. Not only is it nice to look at but it works great too! One day, I need a new maul or mallet from you guys too. I'm hoping for a good Christmas gift. ;-)

Andy

[cgillock]

I wanted a set of the Bearman burnishers but they don't have a way to purchase on their website & don't answer email So I guess the ones on ebay will have to do.

Curt