Sanding the edges of leather

[laffalotlouie]

Hello all,

Been gone from the wire for a bit while moving 5,000 miles across country, selling and buying houses and such.

Anyway, starting to set back up my leatherworking bench and I've got a question about sanding the edges of sheaths and holsters.

What grit of sandpaper do you use?  Wife bought me a bench sander with a belt and disc that looks to work perfectly for that function but I need some advice on the grit to use.

Hope to have some pictures soon of a couple of projects I'm working on.

Thanks all,

Laff-a-lot Louie

[Rascal Ralph]

I could sure use some in-depth instruction on finishing edges! Bought some gum-trag, but didn't know to use while slicking the edge down, or after! I used an edge wheel on my drill, but still didn't get a good edge. Sounds like sanding might be the best way to go. With two edges together, making a thicker edges, I dont have as much trouble. Hopefully someone will jump in and give some instructions! RR

[Marshal Will Wingam]

I would use the finest grit that will do the job. I've done it with 200 and it seemed to work but I was doing it with a block. I also have used a block plane to cut excess off when there are multiple layers (3 or more) to whittle down.

[Slowhand Bob]

I use an oscillating spindle sander for most of my main seam truing and other heavier touch ups.  I use the small dremel drums to get into tighter areas for touch up.  I general these are used with finer grits and a real soft touch as leather is softer than the woods that these machines were made for.  A none power alternative would be the dual grit sanding sponges sold in most paint or sheetrock depts.  I bone  my edge surfaces after this  until I get a polished look.

[laffalotlouie]

Well I tried the belt sander with 120 grit on a small knife sheath I had made.  This was a folded type with a thick wedge sewn into the seam to protect the stitching.  The sanding worked wonderfully.  Not I just have to find my edge beveler and slicker and I think I'm gonna love this sander.

I'm still trying to find 4"x36" belts in finer grits than 120.  Would honestly like to find something in the 320 range as well as 200.

Later,

Laff-a-lot Louie

[Klondike]

I've been using 120-180 grit on a 6" belt sander with pretty good results. Also use it to remove flaky skin or trash on the back side of the hide, much easier than running thru the skiver. For tight spots I use a 1" belt sander, also helps true up cuts or circles.

[Bojack]

Hi:
On holsters where I have added a filler to the edge whre it is sewed together, I sand it first with a 1 inch belt sander, using the finest grit I can buy. Usually that will leave a small ridge at the edge front and back.  This I remove with a #2 Edge Bevler. Then burnish with water first then gum to finish it. Finally the edge coat.

Bojack

[Hammerin Scherm]

Laffalot,

   If your looking for different grit belts for your sander try http://barbkat.com/ .   I get my abrasive belts for my 2X72 grinder from them, they might have what you are looking for.