Beveling Question

[Kerryanne]

Hello,

This is my first project where I am attempting beveling and then burnishing. Normally, on the few projects I have completed, I have simply burnished the ends.

The leather I used was 0.14" (3.6mm) thick and 3/4" (19mm) wide. The beveler I used was a No3 from Tandy. I am really inexperienced, but this doesn't look right to me. Have I used the wrong angle or the wrong tool or will it look better when burnished? How do you know what size skiver to use?

Link to imgur album

Example for those who don't want to look at Imgur:

Edited July 23, 2015 by Kerryanne

[Red Bear Haraldsson]

Different makers use different numbers and Tandy has been known to change their numbers as well.
As I understand it, the thinner the leather, the smaller the edge beveler you use.

Go here: http://leatherworker.net/forum/index.php?showtopic=18101

Hidepounder has a fabulous handout for finishing edges. It is the second pinned topic in the "How do I do that?" forum. His handout and that topic should be able to answer most all of your questions.

And Welcome to the Club!

[Kerryanne]

Thank you, I am hooked! This is my 3rd project in 2 weeks, plus all the time I spent before hand looking it all up. My first belt is wonk and frankly awful but my partner loves it and he wears it proudly (whilst I cringe in the background because I am a perfectionist).

I know I have to burnish it, but what do you think of the picture? Too much beveled off or does it look OK?

[Red Bear Haraldsson]

Too hard to tell from the picture. Burnish it up and see how it turns out. Make a list of the things you like and dislike about how it turned out. Work on improving against the dislike list.

Remember, you will always be your own worst critic. Mistakes happen, just do your best and let the rest sort itself out. Everything you do is practice to be better at what you are doing.

[Kerryanne]

You are right, and burnished up and I often find even if there are small faults no one turns down free hand made leather goods!

Thank you.

[gmace99]

Looks ok depends what you are making. I would prefer a bit less of and would use a Dixons number 2.

It should still look good when you finish rubbing the edges.

Some items look good with a little amount taken of and others with a lot.

If I was making a belt then I would use a number 2 and if I was making a pair of stirrup leathers I would take a size 2 of the bottom side and a number 4or5 of the top side.

Where in the UK are you?

[Kerryanne]

I am making a dog lead. Spent the last wee while figuring out how to twist them and make them look right. I bought a Tandy No2 this afternoon. I will have a look for Dixons.

I'm currently in Halifax moving down to Oxford in a few weeks. I'm from Penicuik outside Edinburgh though

[gmace99]

The reason I asked where you are from is.

I am a saddle/leathercraft instructor and if you like you can come to my workshop for a morning and I will show you how to make your Lead. This is a free offer for you and a friend.

I am in Tamworth Staffordshire until August the 15th. After that I will be retiring back home to sunny Scotland. I have bought a building to continue doing my teaching.

If you would like to do this after 15th August it would be at my building in Dunoon this is about an hour from Glasgow.

My website for England is www.uksaddlery,com

[Kerryanne]

That is incredibly generous! I would be crazy not to take you up on that. We are about 2.5 hours from you, would you be OK with Tuesday? My partner would have come down with me as I can't drive. What time is best with you? Thank you very much.

[gmace99]

Tuesday is ok just phone any of the numbers on my sites and we can arrange this. I am sure your partner will have fun making something also.