Cutting sharp, crisp lines

[ttownfire]

Hey everyone!

I cut out the "window" for an inlay this evening and I jacked that piece of leather up bad. Maybe I was too ambitious as I was trying to cut out a firefighters helmet? My problem was in the corners. I couldn't get them nice clean without passing into the main leather.

Search offered some good tips for the latter stages of inlay/overlay work... but I didn't find cutting stuff. Further, I didn't want to hijack the beautiful inlay threads with questions. So, can any of you please provide some tips for cutting and/or finishing inlay windows and overlay pieces?

Thanks.

Edited October 21, 2008 by ttownfire

[tashabear]

What kind of knife are you using?

[Ian]

Something I do is spray a light coat of adhesive onto a piece of illustration board and temporarily adhere the leather while cutting. It keeps the leather from shifting. Also, those snap-off blade knives seem sharper than the regular Exactos and you can change blades more often. When you're cutting into a point (like flames, for instance), start at the point rather than risk cutting too far.

Ian

[tashabear]

Also, those snap-off blade knives seem sharper than the regular Exactos and you can change blades more often.

This is true, but the Exactos have a variety of blade shapes, and the blades are thinner. They may be superior for some application.

[Rawhide]

This is true, but the Exactos have a variety of blade shapes, and the blades are thinner. They may be superior for some application.

I disagree. I thinks the scalpel blades,#11, are thinner than exactos. If you're not careful, the snap easily and go flying. I've never snapped an xacto blade.

Marlon

[DCKNIVES]

I agree with Marlon.Inlays are almost 90% of my work these days,and I use a combination of #11 Exacto's and single edge razor blades.I can get into the tightest corners then.Dave

[ttownfire]

Thanks for the replies guys.

I "was" (after this post anyway) using a razor utility knife. and a cutting mat. I guess I will need to get an exacto knife with #11 blades and a single edge razor. What is a single edge razor?

Ian - thanks for the tips.

Dave - What do you use to hold your work and keep it from stretching/moving? Also, what do you cut on? Do you know where I might find some inlay resources?

What do you guys use to lay-out the patterns? I tried a big piece of chalk and a chalk pencil and both were basically useless. I went to a factory in Colombia and they used a pen-like thing to mark the leather. It made white lines and was easy to erase.

[DCKNIVES]

Michael, you can get single edge razor blades at most any hardware store, they use them for paint scrapers and such, for a couple of bucks for a hundred.

As easy as it sounds I don't use anything to hold the leather, one hand holding and the other cutting.It won't move much if you use sharp blades.As for cutting surfaces Tandy sells a poly cutting board but any grocery store has cutting boards.For myself, I use a large thick piece of UHMW, a plastic we use at my day job.I keep the scrap pieces to use for my night job.

Check here for hides and skins, tell em I sent ya. They have a huge selection and are very nice.

http://ostrichmarket.com/

I do all my layout and template work on manila file folders.Once I have my sheath or holster drawn, I will cut it out then cut my leather to match.If I'm doing an inlay I take the same template and draw my "window"then cut it out. I will then transfer the "window"to the leather using a red pen( red ink disappears when using dark colors) or pencil.Cut on that line.I then burnish and finish that edge, including dyeing the edge.You can then lay that piece on your hide to find the section you wish to use.Cut it out about 1/2" bigger . If you have any more questions feel free to ask ,we'll help you through it.Dave

[Ian]

What do you guys use to lay-out the patterns? I tried a big piece of chalk and a chalk pencil and both were basically useless. I went to a factory in Colombia and they used a pen-like thing to mark the leather. It made white lines and was easy to erase.

I'd also be interested in finding a white marker/pen that will work on black upholstery or garment leather. I've tried every white pencil I can find without luck.

[Timd]

Ian, have you tried Prismacolor art pencils? I get pretty good results with the white on darker leathers.