Glass Paperweights in Leatherworking

[fredk]

I have a thick piece of hardened glass for burnishing the surface of leather but its not the best as only an edge can be used.

The other day I could not find it and searched out something else to use. Then I thought, maybe I should buy another couple of burnishers. I dropped that thought when I saw the price and size of the few that were available.

Then I thinked a thunk. What is needed is a perfectly smooth and hard surface. Something of reasonable size

A glass paperweight

I went onto ebay, looked up glass paperweights and found tens of thousands going for 99p each. No-one really wants them. The sting in the tail is the postage, or s & h to you US readers

Here are some I got;

1. Round, 70mm [2.75 inch] diameter. It has a very, very slightly depressed centre but it works fine. It fits the hand very nicely. Cost was £1.20 + £3.95 postage. I sort of bought this one because of the Celtic design in it, but thats just paper stuck on the base,

 

2. Better value was this set of 3. Obviously the one on the left is of limited use because its solidly attached to a base. I'll drop that one into a charity shop [thrift shop] But the other two are useful. The round one has a Christian saying in it so I like it. It is the same size as the previous one at 70mm diameter overall. A very, very slight depressed centre top surface but it works well because of that.

The rectangular lump is 107mm long [4.25 inches] by 65mm [2.5 inches]. The top is perfectly level and smooth. This lot cost me 99p + £3.20 postage

 

So, for under £10 I have three decent glass leather burnishers. And they can be used as weights. eg. I use some lead weights to hold leather onto my cutting table when the leather hangs over the edge. These will do the same job and look nicer to boot

If you go for the same, look for flat disc shaped paper weights. Watch out for clear plastic resin ones being sold as 'glass'. If unsure, ask the seller about the paperweight.

Be aware that this may start you off on another hobby. I have two more paperweights on their way to me, bought for their subjects not for burnishing, but they may get impressed into the work force

 

 

[dragonhawke]

old glass ashtrays also work

[DJole]

1 hour ago, dragonhawke said:

old glass ashtrays also work

Just make sure you empty them first... 

[fredk]

1 hour ago, dragonhawke said:

old glass ashtrays also work

The ones found here would not work. The bases are often too rough and there is not enough smooth area on the top, its often moulded in ridges & valleys around the rim

Yup, I checked them out whilst searching out the paper weights