Cutting Two Pieces Identical

[Eternal Custom Designs]

Thanks... yeah my cutting went good...this particular collar has two layers..on the top layer I cut a name in it to where when the two layers are attached it will look pretty nice...what do you clean your leather with before dying...I was told to where gloves when working with the leather but if I do I'll sweat more being in Texas...lol..and drip sweat on my pieces...I cut my back side about about 3/16 th larger so when I glue them I can just trim the one side to match...any tips on dying and gluing? Thanks a lot

Rob-B

[Cyberthrasher]

...any tips on dying and gluing? Thanks a lot

We have a whole sub-forum for it. Have a look around and ask if you need clarification on anything.

http://leatherworker.net/forum/index.php?showforum=18

As for cleaning, you should at least wipe it down with a light coat of alcohol (light, because alcohol will dry out the leather). That said, I don't do it. I just religiously wash my hands with dish-soap before handling an order. I do wear gloves all the time though when I'm working with any kind of finish.

Edited June 19, 2013 by Cyberthrasher

[Eternal Custom Designs]

Awesome...I'm using black and so far so good...how can I post progress pics on here?

[Eternal Custom Designs]

Also how long should the dye sit before biting and gluing?? Thanks I haven't seen any answers browsing the forum

[Cyberthrasher]

Awesome...I'm using black and so far so good...how can I post progress pics on here?

Click "more reply options" on the bottom right and you'll see a spot on the bottom to add an attachment. You may need to compress your files in order to post them in the forum.

let your dye sit for at least a couple hours. I would usually prefer overnight. Keep in mind that when you glue, you'll probably want to sand off the excess on the edges, so be prepared to redye the edges.

What you should be doing with the edges is leave them alone, assemble with glue, bevel front and back edge, slick, dye, finish (all according to our edge finishing guide). If you try to get them dyed up first, then it's just going to cause more work since you want to make the edge look like it's ONE piece of leather. Has anybody pointed out the Edge Finishing guide to you yet? It's in the pinned topics here.

[Eternal Custom Designs]

No nobody has...thank you very much though!!! you are appreciated!!there's a progress pic

[Cyberthrasher]

Looks like you're running into the most common problem with black (regardless of manufacturer) - uneven application. I would put a light coat of neatsfoot oil on it (light light) and then rub some more black on it. That should even it out and make it pop. I like to use the blue shop paper towels and just rub it on. You'll get a pretty even application that way.

[Eternal Custom Designs]

When I took the pic I just applied it so it looks uneven...I buffed it a bit and it looks uniform now...I'm about to glue the back on now but I'm a bit worried on how to do so...I don't know exactly how to tackle it...the gkue application that is....since I have the letters cut out...I don't want glue within the open letter area cause I have to dye inside to the back layer...any thoughts?

[Cyberthrasher]

careful application of the glue is about all you can do. If there's a spot that MUST NOT have glue, you can try masking it beforehand. What are you using for glue?

[Eternal Custom Designs]

I have three to choose from...the tanners bond from Tandy contact cement...the eco weld...and the eco flo leather weld...masking is a great idea..but how would you know where to apply the glue on the bottom half...I was thinking to apply a light coat to the top half and lightly place it on the bottom piece leaving a bit of residual glue to see where to apply it on that half...thoughts? See the bottom piece I'm attaching? Also I will need to glue down the small area of the letters that stick up

File was too big sorry...but its just a strip about 3/16th of an inch bigger