Me again, need more advice PLEASE! Irish Dave

[Ace Lungger]

As you all know I have limited tools and do make a lot of mine, but I need to ask a question, The two leather tools that i bought first was a overstich tool, then I bought a  Ajustable Groover, also bought a plastic bought a 3 and 1 bone creaser, I feel I need a bevel tool, do I? If so what one would should i buy?

I would be very great full for any and all advice, I would gladly take everthing in perspective.
ACE
i just went on line want is the deal with these that have multi blades?

[crossdraw]

Hi Ace
I haven't used a bevel tool yet either. I use a knife to cut a small bevel then sandpaper to round the edges. A beveler probably saves time and makes less mess but if you have time and don't mind the mess I don't see a pressing need for one.

That is my beginners opinion.

Also, I started using a Swiss made woodworking chip carving knife to cut leather. This thing holds a sharp edge for a long time (cost $11.00).  http://www.woodcraft.com/family.aspx?FamilyID=1354  I have "D" but B,E, and G look like they would be great for leather work.

[Irish Dave]

Ace:

Assuming you're talking about an edge beveler, I would highly recommend this as one of the most basic of leatherworking tools. They come in several sizes and I have 3-4 for use on various leather thicknesses.

One thing that adds substantially to the professional appearance of leatherwork is the edge treatment. It's pretty hard (in most cases I'd say darn near impossible) to get that look w/o beveling the edges.

There are many, many leather tools and generally far more than we have the budgets to purchase. But a few tools will find their way into your hands on nearly every project you make from here on  -- one of those will be a beveler.

I don't recommend tool brands -- I have a variety of tools from many different makers and sources. Some are newer, some older, some antique. Some cheapos some expensive. Most all of them do their jobs very well.

If you can only afford one beveler right now, I'd recommend a medium width tool that will work with the thickness of leather that you work with most often. There's plenty of time to add to the collection later.

Just a couple of thoughts.

[Ace Lungger]

Thanks to all!! For i must agree with you dave, a bad looking edge can make or break a holster, and as I am still learningI take all comments and store them away like a library, i am going to start looking for a #3, and when I get more money I will get a 4. Everytime i go to a flea market, I look for leather working tools, most of the time I have no luck, but I have bought 3 AWL for AWls, first one I gave $3.95 one needle, second one $3.50, #r3, this  one looks brand new with st.#8 needle, curved#5, the wrench, and the cloth $1.00. Also, i almost bought a cheapy rotary hole punch, my wife found me a Top od the Line Osborne $6.95. A person has to keep looking, but within a few days i will own a #3 Beveler.
Thanks pard's

ACE

[Whiskey Creek Adams]

Edge bevelers do get dull, so if you're buying used be aware of that.  There is probably a way to sharpen them, but I'm not aware of it.  Perhaps someone will post the method.

[cowboywc]

Howdy
To sharpen edge bevelers you need a small file. Push the file away from the edge. After it's sharp you need
to polish it. A piece of kite string with rouge on it. Hook it to your bench and pull the edger along the string.
WC

[Ten Wolves Fiveshooter]

Howdy Gents

          To sharpen your beveler , I do what Cowboy WC tought me , I take some cotton string, ( like kite string ) and I tie it to something above me, but anywhere will do, then I take red rouge polishing compond and rub it up and down the string untill it is covered, then put the beveler at the top of the string ( in the slot of the tool ) and strop it downward only, several times, at the right angle, this will help bring the edge back. but useing the tool will also kept it sharp. dampening your leather will also help the beveler cut easier, just run a damp sponge over the edge, and wait a few seconds , then use your tool, works for me ( IMHO )


                                                              tEN wOLVES 

[Ace Lungger]

Good Evening Pards!!

[Ace Lungger]

Good evening Pards,
Whiskey, Wc, TW,  I know that I can allways count on you guys!!
Yes I would like to have them all, and i would like Osboure, but that isn't going to happen! Do you guy's think the Kleen is better than the Craftool, right now those are my choices, I think I will get a #3 to start with.

Okay, so give me your thoughts, what to do! I got all my tooling done on my new set of holsters, tomorrow is the day, I put the Vingeroon on, I tested it on a test peice and it is black  I like it
The belt won't have any tooling because it is Buffola and it is chrome tanned I think?

Guys I realy thank you a lot for all the help you give me, and i enjoy the leather work so much!! I am a type A person and never relax, and with the bad back i have all most lost what little mind I have left! But when i start working on a leather project, or designing a new tool, it is total relaxsation (sorry about the spelling)
Please let me know on the Beveler?

ACE

[Ten Wolves Fiveshooter]

Howdy Ace

         I'm happy to hear you have compleated your new rig , can't wait to see it. You ask about what brand beveler to get , I can only say that the craft tools I have, have all worked well for me , some of them were given to me, all my bevelers #2 thrugh #5 were used when I got them, and their all sharp, and I couldn't ask the tools to do a better job than their doing right now, if you read the post I maid just above , this is how I keep the edge sharp, I'm sure there are a lot more expensive tools out there, but I have no reason to trade up as long as these Craftools are working as well as they are for me, like they say if it aint broke don't fix it. I've never been a label man , if something works well for me, thats all that matters.

                                                                  Take care Ace,



                                                                    tEN wOLVES 

[Marshal Will Wingam]

The belt won't have any tooling because it is Buffola and it is chrome tanned I think?

Bear in mind that the chrome tanned leather won't turn black with the vinegaroon since what turns color is the tannic acid and there isn't any in the chrome tanning process.

You may need to dye it with conventional dyes.

[Ace Lungger]

MW, The Buff. is already Black, so I don't have to worry about that! I should of explained that better! The only things I have to dye id the holsters!


Thanks
ACE

[Marshal Will Wingam]

Well then you're covered, Ace. Be sure to post pics when you're done.

[santee]

Ace, can't wait to see it. I just finished another holster that I was going to do with the walnut hull dye, but I'm out of space to store/make stuff like that. My reloading bench is now also my leathercrafting bench. Time for a garage sale, I guess...

[cowboywc]

Howdy
Like the rest of the tools. Buy what you can afford, trade up later if needed.
WC

[Ace Lungger]

It will be late in next week for it is totaly done, since i couldn'r tool on it, I hope it turns out like a Holster that a hot shot Mexican would wore in a movie, Kinda like the holster Ace's wore in the movie with Russell Crow as a ex bad guy turn preacher, Sharon Stone , The Quick and The Dead!
I am going to keep it so, it going to be wild i hope.

Talk to you soon, i will post pic's as soon as it is done!
ACE