Electric Edge Heat Tool

[Matt T]

There have been discussions in other threads about electric tools to heat and form the edge of a chrome tanned piece that's been covered in edge paint.

Well, those machines seemed too expensive for what you get, in my opinion. I came up with a way to do this on the cheap, and want to share.

The tips I used can be found here:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/261192091318?var=560190215322&ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1439.l2649

What I did was used a die and tap set to thread the rods on these tips, and attached them to a soldering iron. The soldering iron should be between 15-25 watts. My soldering iron can switch between 15 and 30; 30 practically burns the paint away, and 15 is just enough to do the job. I will probably try a 20 watt iron in the future to see if it is a better temp.

Edge paint: I didn't feel comfortable paying the 100 dollar shipping fee to get the Beraud paint from France, so I had to get creative here as well. I noticed there was an expiration date of only 6 mos to a year on their paint, so I figure there must be some organic compounds, or an emulsion that coagulates after some time. I figure it is a carnauba wax emulsion, and possibly some casein

What I am doing is creating a carnauba wax emulsion with 50% wax / 50% water, and then mixing it with angelus paint at a ratio of around 9 paint / 1 emulsion. Seems to be working well so far, and the wax enables the paint to melt and form better.

If any of you experiment with the paint, please share your results and any other helpful hints you find along the way!

[Tree Reaper]

I ran into a similar problem with a set designed for webbing.

I had trouble finding the smaller hole burners and when I did they were a ridiculous price.

I can make my own by using threaded rod that fits the iron, drilling the rod and inserting any size brass tube I want for mere pennies excluding the labor.

[veedub3]

Do you mind sharing a pic of the edge done with the Carnauba and Angelus paints mix? I actually have the same tips I picked up from the same Ebay seller last year.

**Edit: actually that was not the seller I got mine from, mine were much cheaper for the set. Here is a link to the ones I got: http://www.ebay.com/itm/321112978613?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1438.l2649

Actually I got my set for $35. He had a "Make me an Offer" button at the time last year and I offered him $35 for the set.

Edited November 11, 2013 by veedub3

[Django57]

Have you guys with these Brass soldering iron attachments got any examples of how they look on some leather ? i've been toying with buying the type you warm with a lighter or on the stove but i might have to re-think and look at a set of these ,Cheers

[Matt T]

The edge paint looks very similar to angelus by itself, just that you can smooth it out with the iron since the wax melts. I have problems with it melting too much if I have too many layers.. not sure if that is how it is with the french paint too.

As for the iron in a fire, it just seems like more hassle to me, but I haven't tried that. I would go the electric route unless you don't have access to electricity at a craft show or something.