Leather for Shoemaking and Tools

[Saturn]

On 6/1/2017 at 10:22 AM, AdamGadut said:

1.) are Chrome Tanned leathers ok to use?... and what leathers are Not OK for such applications?... 

the leathers i have are: Chrome tanned Cow hides - on several Finishes, some Nubuck Leather, some pigs hide (0.8mm thick), and some goat hide(0.9mm thick), and some Cow Hide for tooling thats about 2-3 mm thick.. 

The local shop that sells leathers doesn't always have calf hides so I'm thinking about possible alternatives.

2.) whats a good thickness? -i'm guessing goat hides would probably be a bad Idea for the top part of the shoe...

3.) Do i need the strechy part of the hide?

4.).. can I use the tooling leather for the soles?

5.)  I saw someone using a stitching awl for the good year welt - it looked like the tip of the needle was a hook because it was pulling the thread in, but when he started, the thread wasn't really inserted into the needle. - is that right?.. 

6.) Can someone post pics of the Bare minimum tools to make shoes? - all handmade - i dont have a sewing machine.

1- really, any leather or material that you are comfortable with and can source.

2- also relates to #1. think total thickness and suitability for type of shoe and use.

3- the belly is where welting is cut from - toe puffs etc Flank leather also for building up lasts

4- sure, if it is all you can get - saddle skirting is cheep and easy practice material- hammer to compress.

5 - hmmmm... Mckay needle? There are dozens of techniques and many are mis-named. 

6 - depending on your method it varies - however you decide to hand sew search here. 

The most important piece is a good stout knife for soles/heels & hammer. I'm sure you already have cutting & skiving thing leather skills/tools

 

Saturn

Edited June 9, 2017 by Saturn
Spelling

[AdamGadut]

Thanks a lot Saturn,

You made me be confident of the items i have :). .

a question, about the tooling leather, for the soles. The ones i have are about 3 mm thick. I'm thinking to use it for the outersole and the mid sole for the goodyear welting. For the outermost sole, pair it with some rubber for traction. is this a good idea?

[Sahar]

Hey all,

I've recently started to make leather shoes. Since I do kind of self-study and don't have a trainer, I face some questions now and then.

Which skin is used for the toe puff normally? I mean cow, goat...?

 

Thank you