scrapyarddog Report post Posted April 5, 2018 Hi Everyone, I'm pretty new to leather work and recently started making these bags. One problem I am having now is finding the leather of the right thickness to make these accordion gussets. I tried 4-6 oz, and they worked ok undyed, but once I dye them and finish both grain and flesh side, they become too hard and "brittle" for this. The 2-3 oz from Wickett and Craig works fine but when I look at the Sedgwick in my inventory, it just makes me wanting more... I have a a few pieces of Sedgwich of 4-6 oz thickness (both sides finished), and I'm not sure if they can be made into these gussets without either the leather cracking or my fingers breaking. Al Stohlman's book shows how to make them into a 3 piece inverted gusset, which is great, but I'm wondering if anyone has experience making these with a rather stiff English Bridle @ 4-6 oz? Also, debating getting a splitting machine to split 6-12" straps. Does anyone recommend a brand? I've been thinking Cobra or Cowboy. Thanks!! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Bolt Vanderhuge Report post Posted April 5, 2018 It does not sound like thickness is the actual issue. It sounds like you need to apply or apply more netsfoot oil on the leather. Especially if you are thinking your dye with alcohol. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
scrapyarddog Report post Posted April 5, 2018 Thanks for the reply! I tried neatsfoot on another bag and it helped a bit but the difference wasn't too significant. Wondering if the acrylic coating I applied on the grain side prevented the absorption of the oil? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
YinTx Report post Posted April 5, 2018 Yes, you should put the oil on before the acrylic coating. Some folks use a tiny bit, others use a lot. Leather should become more flexible, but not soggy/oily when you are done. Then apply your finishes. You will notice a difference between dyed and not oiled, and dyed and oiled. Your bags look pretty nice, too btw. YinTx Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
scrapyarddog Report post Posted April 6, 2018 Thanks and Thanks! Some friends have been kind enough to let me charge them for just material, so I've been testing the production on the bags they bought. I'll try neatsfoot on the Sedgwick 4-6 oz and see. So far, have a good supply of it but I feel guilty wasting it. However, talked to Cobra yesterday, David there gave reasonably convincing explanations as to the difference between them and Cowboy. So, likely will go Cobra. I might be able to make accordion gussets with 4-6 oz, but when that supply runs out, I'll still need to cut them. Plus, I'd like to make wallets with Sedgwick. W&C is convenient as they split for you, but they're very soft. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
YinTx Report post Posted April 7, 2018 I'd be surprised if the Sedgwick takes/needs any oil, they grease it pretty good I think. I am curious how it turns out, so let us know please! YinTx Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
scrapyarddog Report post Posted April 8, 2018 Will let you know if I just bruised my fingers trying to make the gusset or cracked the leather and killed myself out of depression. This guesset was made using W&C bridle 3 oz. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
scrapyarddog Report post Posted May 1, 2018 On 4/6/2018 at 8:48 PM, YinTx said: I'd be surprised if the Sedgwick takes/needs any oil, they grease it pretty good I think. I am curious how it turns out, so let us know please! YinTx I actually bought Cobra's 14" splitter. 4-6 oz Sedgwick is way too difficult to make into an accordion gusset. You can make it into a 3 piece gusset, but a single piece? I gave up after I felt the thickness and strength of the leather. I split it down to 3 oz and lined it with 2 oz cow suede. Pig suede would be more ideal in terms of weight but it's too ugly with those large pores. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
