RedDead Report post Posted July 9, 2013 Hi I'm a amateur building my way up into small scale leather works. I have purchased some leather from a local retailer that has a pretty jagged backing I'm trying to get to the more fine grain to make paper-thin but my skiver being so sharp either tathers the backing or rips a hole right through to the finish side. I need help getting this problem solved fast, the skiver when the blade is dull/sharp works good sometimes however getting the blade to that same dullness to get the backing off it a bit well stupid imo. I was advised later on I would need a bell skiving machine, but I don't have the funds for something that costs $1,256. If ya guys/girls need pics to better understand my statement I can provide. Please note I have been working with leather since January of this year and have perfected my skills for what I do with it, the only problem is the backing of the leather which needs to be off pronto for me to skive properly. Thanks to anyone who gives advice. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Dwight Report post Posted July 9, 2013 Yeah, . . . pictures would help, . . . don't quite understand what you are trying to accomplish. May God bless, Dwight Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
silverwingit Report post Posted July 9, 2013 All I can tell you is that blade sharpness is paramount for smooth, accurate splits. A dull blade will lead to nothing but a lot of frustration and ruined leather. I hone mine using a granite surface plate and a set of wet 3M polishing papers with lots of patience and a figure 8 motion. I hone both sides to a mirror finish. Takes a day or two, depending on the condition of the blade you start with. I don't know what splitter you are using, but it is also critical to set the blade up exactly parallel to the roller. If the blade is razor sharp and set up properly, I don't think you would have the problems you describe. It should cut like it's going through butter and leave a smooth surface on a perfectly leveled piece of leather. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
camano ridge Report post Posted July 9, 2013 lIke dwight said pictues and more description of the project would help. Not sure of some of your terminology. Depending on who you buy your leather from some offer a splitting service and will split to the thickness you desire. Svae you a lot of effort in the long run. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
krauter Report post Posted July 9, 2013 All I can tell you is that blade sharpness is paramount for smooth, accurate splits. A dull blade will lead to nothing but a lot of frustration and ruined leather. I hone mine using a granite surface plate and a set of wet 3M polishing papers with lots of patience and a figure 8 motion. I hone both sides to a mirror finish. Takes a day or two, depending on the condition of the blade you start with. I don't know what splitter you are using, but it is also critical to set the blade up exactly parallel to the roller. If the blade is razor sharp and set up properly, I don't think you would have the problems you describe. It should cut like it's going through butter and leave a smooth surface on a perfectly leveled piece of leather. You must have the patience of Job. Also, it's nice to have a surface plate. I have a nice piece of leveled tombstone I got from a monument maker. Works fine. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
RedDead Report post Posted July 12, 2013 (edited) Here's the pic, sorry for late reply; been busy sculpting for 4 days. Have other traits, sculpting, sewing (Of course lol), molding and casting. So things get busy. Anywho here's the pic and sorry for my terminology. Also just in case your curious, making a 1/6 scale saddle so need the leather thin for some of the key parts. Edited July 12, 2013 by RedDead Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
