Round Edger Help

[JamesR]

I want to buy a high quality round edge edger for 7-8 oz leather.

I understand the sizes vary from manufacturer to manufacturer

What sizes and who would you recommend?

Also any tips on its use? I am not sure how to control this tool so that the edges are uniform.

Thank you

[Nuttish]

It depends the use and your preference. I would give Barry King Tools a call and ask them which edgers to get. I use 00 - 2 for handbags and accessories. Saddlers would use larger sizes. Etc.

[simontuntelder]

From experience Rons Tools and Barry King and I think Jeremiah Watt makes good tools too - his new quick change edgers look really fun.

There's also the option of buying refurbished Gomph or Osborne (don't buy new Osborne) from Bruce Johnson.

Regarding the size I guess it's a matter of preference. I tend to go with edgers from 00-1, and I make small leather goods.

Either way when you buy edgers, buy from American companies... :-)

[TheCyberwolfe]

The new Jeremiah Watt Quick-change tool is a good way to figure it out - you can get a whole set of different sizes for the price of a single Barry King tool. Nigel Armitage did a review and thinks very highly of them.

[silverwingit]

A #2 or #3 Barry King grooved edger will put a nice edge on 7-8 Oz. vegtan, depending on whether you want your edges to be rounded off (#2) or just about round (#3).

http://www.barrykingtools.com/edgers.htm

A few swipes on a Weaver Strop Board will keep them razor sharp for nice, clean cuts.

http://www.weaverleathersupply.com/Catalog/ItemContent.aspx?ItemNumber=8708&CatalogId=001&CatalogDetailId=44&NSM=Y

As to advice, like many manual operations in leatherwork, the key is in using the shoulder and elbow to move the edger, NOT the wrist or hand. The depth of the cut will be determined by the angle it is held against the leather. It is therefore paramount that you maintain the same angle through the length of the cut. Going around corners you might find that it is often easier to move the leather under the edger than vice-versa.

Good luck,

Michelle

[JamesR]

Thanks for the replies.

I'll have to check out Barry King and Watt.

silverwingit,

Good advise about using the shoulder and elbow. I forget that sometimes.

Also, I have to try that corner operation.

Thanks again.

Jim