JohnD Posted December 6, 2008 Report Posted December 6, 2008 (edited) Made these today after reading this post. I had salvaged some 7/16 plexi payphone windows to use for windows in a bob house. I cut one 4" x 6" and the other 3"x 4", I took a cue from Bruce and rounded the ends with my router. After smoothing the router marks with a file and sand paper, I lightly buffed the ends. I've only tested them on scrap so far, but they make the leather surface very smooth and consistent. Eventually I may put handles on them, or maybe just some hockey tape. Thanks for the great topic Max and everyone for the great info. John Edited December 6, 2008 by JohnD Quote (rdb):God looked down at the world, and said "See, right there in Witchita, next to the railroad tracks, I didn't put enough dandelions".
Members wildrose Posted December 7, 2008 Members Report Posted December 7, 2008 Okay, someone mentioned using lots of water: do you mean before using the slicker or after? I have a slicker, actually, but I'd bought it to use on the back side of belts to smooth them. Quote Holly Moore Wild Rose Creations http://www.wrcleather.com
Members smudley Posted December 7, 2008 Members Report Posted December 7, 2008 I made one out of 1/4" acrylic. I have tried it, and it seems to work very well. I have made them in the past with mixed results, but hadn't seen them used then. I have since seen the process demonstrated and explained, and liked what I saw. The I made the one I have now. I'm making a couple of different sizes to try. Now to perfect the slicker, then maybe make some to sell, or at least give to friends. Quote When I have a bad day, I remember that "Every day I can climb back up into my truck and drive is a GOOD DAY!" "A bad day tooling leather is better than a good day at work!" "I didn't screw it up. I found a different way of doing it right!" "I meant to do it like that." Member of Calumet Area Leathercrafters Guild
JohnD Posted December 7, 2008 Report Posted December 7, 2008 Holly, I'm not sure if this is the proper method, but when I tested mine out, I just quickcased a scrap piece and used the slicker in different directions like Rawhide and Hidepounder said. I also tested it out on the flesh side and it worked great. Hopefully, if there is more to it, someone will correct me. John Quote (rdb):God looked down at the world, and said "See, right there in Witchita, next to the railroad tracks, I didn't put enough dandelions".
Members Deb59 Posted December 7, 2008 Members Report Posted December 7, 2008 I took a class at the IFOLG show a couple of years ago that Jesse Smith taught. He taught us to use a glass slicker before carving. It did make a difference. The stamping and carving was more crisp looking. I was looking at the glass slicker's in Barry King's booth, but ended up buying bevelers from him instead. I was in Hobby Lobby one day in the scrapbooking and stamping area and found a clear acrylic block that is 3 x 3 x 1/2 " thick. It made me think of the slicker. The top edges are rounded and it was fairly inexepnsive. I decided to try it and it works pretty well. (It is labled " the paper studio by stampabilities"). I think it comes in several different sizes. - Deb Quote
hidepounder Posted December 7, 2008 Report Posted December 7, 2008 Deb, the acrylics work just fine...you just have to be careful that they don't get knicked or scratched because then they'll mark your leather. Bob Quote
Contributing Member UKRay Posted December 7, 2008 Contributing Member Report Posted December 7, 2008 Sorry to join this thread so late, but I have been working away for a week - I'm sure I don't have to tell you how nice it is to get home again!I've been using a bevelled glass slicker for some time and have got some excellent results with it. I have never used plexiglass but see no reason why that shouldn't work just as well - although I do like the weight and feel of my bevelled glass version.I use it before tooling bags and belts to get a nice slick surface. It reduces those lumps and bumps that tend make a stain job uneven. I bought mine from a retiring saddler in Ireland and got a detailed list of instructions with it that were written in a very old fashioned way - they were so amusing I kept them for years... Essentially the idea is to use plenty of water to lubricate the surface of the leather - I go one step further these days as I use my casing water which (since our discussion about casing a few months back) now has a healthy shot of leather conditioner that adds a lot to the slippery effect. Having soaked the leather and made sure the surface is nice and soft - about the same sort of soft that would cause an embossing tool to leave a 'dull' impression, if that makes any sense; I work the glass in all directions making sure not to pick up a 'fold' of soft leather as I work. The idea is to smooth and flatten not cause ugly ridges!When the leather is nicely smooth - and you will definitely notice a difference - then leave it a while until it is ready to tool. That is all there is to it but it makes a world of difference to the look of a finished item. The stain is more even and the surface is free of most of the blemishes. It even seems to help get rid of most of those annoying 'greasy' spots that make a stain job patchy. The most noticeable thing is the way embossing and carving looks after a piece of leather has been slicked. It seems sharper and more clearly definined somehow.I'll gladly post a picture of my slicker in action if anyone wants to see it. Just let me find my camera... Made these today after reading this post. I had salvaged some 7/16 plexi payphone windows to use for windows in a bob house. JohnWhat is a bob house, John? - I'm pretty sure we don't have 'em over here! Quote "Some mornings, it's just not worth chewing through the leather straps" Ray Hatley www.barefootleather.co.uk
JohnD Posted December 8, 2008 Report Posted December 8, 2008 Ray, In the winter here, its a "home away from home" for a lot of folks. It's basically a shed of sorts, that gets dragged out on the lakes or pond to keep warm in while icefishing. When the lakes freeze, people come from all over the world to fish Lake Winnipesaukee. We have a huge derby, where the whole bay turns into what looks like a small town of bobhouses. I'll post some pics when it happens. Thanks for the "how to". John Quote (rdb):God looked down at the world, and said "See, right there in Witchita, next to the railroad tracks, I didn't put enough dandelions".
carr52 Posted December 8, 2008 Report Posted December 8, 2008 Ray,In the winter here, its a "home away from home" for a lot of folks. It's basically a shed of sorts, that gets dragged out on the lakes or pond to keep warm in while icefishing. When the lakes freeze, people come from all over the world to fish Lake Winnipesaukee. We have a huge derby, where the whole bay turns into what looks like a small town of bobhouses. I'll post some pics when it happens. Thanks for the "how to". John I'd like to see that too. I bet the the whole thing is one heck of alot of fun. Tom Quote
Members celticleather Posted December 8, 2008 Members Report Posted December 8, 2008 (edited) When the lakes freeze, people come from all over the world to fish Lake Winnipesaukee. We have a huge derby, where the whole bay turns into what looks like a small town of bobhouses. I'll post some pics when it happens.John What a brilliant thing to do! I look forward to seeing some pics! In the 17th century, through to the 19th century, people would hold Frost Fairs on the River Thames in London. Climate change has put a stop to all that! The pic below is 1677. Edited December 8, 2008 by celticleather Quote When everyone is somebody, then no one's anybody
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