Leather Clamps Denting my Leather

[NewfoundlandLaw]

Hey All

 

I have tried a few different ways, but how does everyone keep their leather clamps from damaging or denting their leather?

 

I normally make knife sheaths which require an initial glue-up before stitching.  I've tried multiple different types of clamps, but they all seem to leave small indents in the finished sheath.  I've tried using scrap leather and felt as a buffer, but to no avail...

 

Anyone have a secret they are willing to share?

[fredk]

I use lengths of lolly sticks, cut to length and split if necessary. One piece on each side. The lolly stick lengths go the whole way around. For clamps I usually use 'bulldog' paper clamps.

I prefer this style; 

The length helps spread the clamping pressure along the lolly stick

[TargetRockLeather]

In my opinion clamps aren't needed at all. I used clamps on my first sheath project and never again since then for the reason you stated. If you're using the right glue, it isn't necessary to clamp it. Use a contact cement such as Barge or Dap and tap the joined pieces with a hammer, they will stick together so well that you probably couldn't pull them apart if you wanted to.

[garypl]

44 minutes ago, TargetRockLeather said:

In my opinion clamps aren't needed at all. I used clamps on my first sheath project and never again since then for the reason you stated. If you're using the right glue, it isn't necessary to clamp it. Use a contact cement such as Barge or Dap and tap the joined pieces with a hammer, they will stick together so well that you probably couldn't pull them apart if you wanted to.

I agree and normally don’t use clamps when gluing leather.  In the few cases when I feel clamps are needed, I put pieces of scrap leather (usually 6-8 oz) under the jaws of the clamps and the dents stay on the scraps and not on my project!

Gary

[RockyAussie]

7 hours ago, NewfoundlandLaw said:

Hey All

 

I have tried a few different ways, but how does everyone keep their leather clamps from damaging or denting their leather?

 

I normally make knife sheaths which require an initial glue-up before stitching.  I've tried multiple different types of clamps, but they all seem to leave small indents in the finished sheath.  I've tried using scrap leather and felt as a buffer, but to no avail...

 

Anyone have a secret they are willing to share?

Fish tank air bubbler hose. Cut to length and slice up the side and push it over the clip. Silicon it on if used a lot.

[Handstitched]

6 hours ago, garypl said:

I put pieces of scrap leather (usually 6-8 oz) under the jaws of the clamps and the dents stay on the scraps and not on my project!

 Snap !! Great minds thinking alike here, because thats exactly  what I did this arvo on a holster . 

2 hours ago, RockyAussie said:

Fish tank air bubbler hose. Cut to length and slice up the side and push it over the clip. Silicon it on if used a lot.

Just wondering if clear PVC  hose ( not fuel hose)  is what you're thinking of ?  Great idea .

HS 

 

[RockyAussie]

10 hours ago, Handstitched said:

Just wondering if clear PVC  hose ( not fuel hose)  is what you're thinking of ?  Great idea .

Yep. Quick if you got a whole heap to do.