Newbie help

[cactus cowboy]

Hi,

I just got into this about 6 weeks ago or so. I stumbled on your site looking for ideas, and tips and have gotten quite a few. I was wondering if you could help me out with a couple of things? I'm having problems using the beveler, I get lines all over and have resorted to just using the backrounder instead as I get a better look. What's the trick with the beveler? Also what's the trick with the basketweave? I can't get mine to line up correctly.

When I bought my first stuff at Tandy I managed to get out without anything to do edges and wanted to know what the most cost effective way would be. I already spend a bunch of cash on my first trip down there and then ordered more stuff over the phone. With Tandy having a minimum shipping charge of $15 per order, is there somewhere where I can get tools where I won't have to spend $15 to have a $3 tool shipped?

My first project was a rounder which I gave to my fiance. She must really love me because she kept it and were still together. My work has come along quite a bit (though I'm nowhere satisfied). My first stabs at the dyes was a disaster. I did a test on a scrap of leather and liked the colors. When I did it on my projects the dyes came out totally dark and even seem to be different colors (orangy or red). I read about using EVOO on this forum and did that for my last project and really liked it. I'll have to try the coffee stain too.

I'm sending pictures of my projects. In the order I did them were the wallet, checkbook, cowboy cuffs and I'm still working on the spur strap.

Thanks for all the great tips and ideas.

Cactus Cowboy

[Johnny Dingus]

Hi,

I just got into this about 6 weeks ago or so. I stumbled on your site looking for ideas, and tips and have gotten quite a few. I was wondering if you could help me out with a couple of things? I'm having problems using the beveler, I get lines all over and have resorted to just using the backrounder instead as I get a better look. What's the trick with the beveler? Also what's the trick with the basketweave? I can't get mine to line up correctly.

When I bought my first stuff at Tandy I managed to get out without anything to do edges and wanted to know what the most cost effective way would be. I already spend a bunch of cash on my first trip down there and then ordered more stuff over the phone. With Tandy having a minimum shipping charge of $15 per order, is there somewhere where I can get tools where I won't have to spend $15 to have a $3 tool shipped?

My first project was a rounder which I gave to my fiance. She must really love me because she kept it and were still together. My work has come along quite a bit (though I'm nowhere satisfied). My first stabs at the dyes was a disaster. I did a test on a scrap of leather and liked the colors. When I did it on my projects the dyes came out totally dark and even seem to be different colors (orangy or red). I read about using EVOO on this forum and did that for my last project and really liked it. I'll have to try the coffee stain too.

I'm sending pictures of my projects. In the order I did them were the wallet, checkbook, cowboy cuffs and I'm still working on the spur strap.

Thanks for all the great tips and ideas.

Cactus Cowboy

Welcome Cactus Cowboy,

Nice start on your leather work there.
Being a cowboy shooter I am smore partial to your cuffs and spur straps.

About your edges since you didn't pick up a edger you might try sanding the edges to start the round edge.  Then use some bees wax and a cloth and rub your edges to burnish them. 
I don't know to many places that sell 3 dollar tools that are as good as the tandy ones.  You might try picking some tools up off e-bay.


Johnny Dingus

[RollingThunder]

A bone folder/slicker/creaser is always a must have, as is Gum Tragacanth. If you want to slick edges, you'll need those two. You'll also need some punches.

The beveler requires a smooth touch, and an overlay. Don't hit it too hard, and overlay it quite a bit to keep it smooth. You'll also want to have a modeling spoon to help smooth out those edges created by a beveler.

I'm sure others will be along with lots of great advice too, so I'll just keep it briefly to that.

Glad to have you aboard though, and it looks like you're off to a great start!

[Ace Lungger]

Catus Cowboy,
I wished I could help, but i don't believe I can! You have been doing this a few weeks, and I have been doing this a year and a half, and you are miles and miles ahead of me!! Johnny give you cood advice on your edges, if you have a dremel tool, you might want to smooth them with a fine grit drum on it and then wet the edge's and use a dowel rod with a piece of demin glued around it and burnish it, and then use some bees wax and rub you edges with that, and then take your dowel and melt the wax in there!
There will be a lot of help on here for you, I am just not the person to give advice, because I still ask a lot of questions my self!
later
ACE

[Marshal Will Wingam]

Welcome to the forum, CC. Glad to see you with us. On the beveler, you m ay want to practice a lighter touch with the mallet on the tool so it doesn't imprint as heavily, that leaves some compression to work with using the spoon as RT suggested. It helps to have several different bevelers on hand for different applications. They all work a little differently. I use 3 or 4 on every piece I do and sometimes more than that, depending on what is required. Another thing you can play with is the angle you hold the tool. try tipping the bevel slightly away from the direction you are beveling. That will make a narrower bevel and keeps the high side of the tool from making a line on your work. You're doing good stuff there, looking forward to more of your posts.

[Dalton Masterson]

I hated using the narrow beveler (B198), so started using B205, which is a slightly larger beveler. I did a lot of borders, etc, where I beveled the entire length of a belt, etc. This beveler got me going strong, and taught me what worked for beveling. The extra width (almost twice as wide as B198) seemed to help the choppiness, and also made it go faster. The standard B205 has a rounded toe, which does leave some marks. I took a file and smoothed the end down square, and now it works wonders.

I can use the little B198 now, and do as the Marshall said, by leaning it to one side, but then I go back over and give it a bunch of quick taps to smooth it all out after I cover a few inches.

DM

[cactus cowboy]

Thanks for all the tips guys. I do tend to be a little heavy handed (favorite tool is a 5lb sledge with a short handle), so I'll try a little lighter touch and lean the beveler like was suggested. I'll have to invest in some more tools to work a nice edge out on my work.

Cactus

[cowboywc]

Howdy Cowboy
Here is a short video i just did on beveling. I hope it helps.
http://vids.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=vids.myvideos
WC

[Freedom]

Howdy Cowboy
Here is a short video i just did on beveling. I hope it helps.
http://vids.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=vids.myvideos
WC

I just tried to watch your vid WC  and can't get it to show...I even had to sign up but still couldn't find this?? I would like to see it ....is there more to watching than just clicking the link and signing up?

[cowboywc]

Howdy
try http://www.myspace.com/standingbears and click on videos

[Skeeter Lewis]

Thanks for that video, WC. Very illuminating. I'd been wondering where I was going wrong.

[cactus cowboy]

The video was great. I have a much, much better understanding of how to "walk" the beveler around. Can't wait to try it. I also got a better idea of how light you were tapping on it. It should make a huge difference. Thanks for the video!

Cactus

[cowboywc]

Howdy
You're welcome, anytime I can help just holler.
It's been good practice for me as well. I'm wanting to do a beginners how-to video.
WC 

[cactus cowboy]

Yea, a beginners video would be great. I got my Tandy starter kit with its little book and it helped me a little, and confused me a lot. I saw a video by someone on here with the swivel knife and it gave me enough confidence to try it out. My cuts still look like Katherine Hepburn did them, but they're getting better.

Cactus

[Ten Wolves Fiveshooter]

          Nice Video WC, this will be a big help to all of us. 


                              TW