Another Leather Project

[markiver54]

Looks great Jim!
What does it measure, and what do you intend to do with it? Heck, I'd probably frame and hang it!

[BrokenolMarine]

That evil little face means it's a surprise...
It'll show up here.

[BrokenolMarine]

Just a quick post. After 24 hours for the Watco Natural to dry completely, I am MUCH more pleased with the look. I have to admit I was a little disappointed at first as I thought the oil had darkened the natural color of the leather. I am very pleased now and the discoloration on the edges seems to have disappeared. It's a miracle.

Still have a step to go, a surprise. If it works. Watch this space, the few of you watching.

2n.jpg (210.23 KiB) Viewed 2468 times

[markiver54]

That is some fine work!!

[Dahliathemeh]

That looks so good!!! I thought hmm that would make a cool belt buckle...

[Hatchdog]

Your color choice for the rope border is perfect!

[BrokenolMarine]

That looks so good!!! I thought hmm that would make a cool belt buckle...

It would, except I don't have ANYWHERE near the skill level needed to attain the clarity for that size with this design. For a Texas Rodeo buckle, I might pull off the rope border and a basic brand though....

[BrokenolMarine]

Looks great Jim!
What does it measure, and what do you intend to do with it? Heck, I'd probably frame and hang it!

Mark, it's 7-1/2" x 12" or so now that I have trimmed it.
I was in the shop today, with another project at hand. I have a new piece of equipment due to be delivered on Tuesday, so I was moving some things, sorting thru some things and basically organizing. Then, when that was all done, I had a bit of energy left and started on the next step. Yes, I'll get this framed. I had a NICE piece of Oak left over from an old project, and I ran it across the table saw, ripping it into 1-1/4 inch wide strips. Then I cut the dadoes in the back with two passes per strip so when I cut the four sides, the leather and backing will fit.

2o.jpg (162.97 KiB) Viewed 2434 times

But, I have to use my antique molding planes to form the frame profiles. I always like that part, the whisper of the plane, the thin shavings whisking off... the finished form.

Or I guess wrong, screw it all up and have to start all over. Yeah, wouldn't be the first time.

[markiver54]

Excellent!!

[BrokenolMarine]

Back at it, and dipped into the molding planes to shape the edge of the oak I cut and dadoed to form the frame for the leather Henry Logo.
I have a dozen or so I got from Lee Valley. I chose a simple rounding plane from the group.

2p.jpg (159.13 KiB) Viewed 2421 times

Before applying that sharp edge to the custom formed oak pieces, since I don't have any more of that oak, I set it up using a scrap of pine. A tester piece so to speak. Always a good idea.

2q.jpg (168.35 KiB) Viewed 2421 times

Once we are good, I worked all four pieces of oak before I moved anything. They may not match perfectly, but that's the breaks of using antique tools. If you want perfect, use CDC... LOL. I'll sand them a bit to match them as best I can. I hate a router these days and only use one when I CAN'T do the job any other way. Noisy and throws dust and mess everywhere. I could hear "Elvis Presley's #1s playing in the background while I formed these pieces this evening.

2r.jpg (202.81 KiB) Viewed 2421 times

No more standing this evening, so I started on another project and set this aside. I'll start cutting the frame out tomorrow.

[BrokenolMarine]

Had worked in the shop a couple times at rearranging and reorganizing making more space and more efficiency. NOW I finally got back at the frame part of the project. I didn't take pictures of cutting the angles and all that, but here is the Frame in the Band Clamp. (One time... at Band Clamp..)

2s.jpg (182.07 KiB) Viewed 3426 times

I got that done, and then took some 1/8" luane and cut the back panel. It will hold and protect the leather. I haven't decided yet whether I will glue the leather to the panel. Most likely NOT.

2t.jpg (91.07 KiB) Viewed 3426 times

As the details for the frame were formed with molding planes and not machined, they aren't perfect. In addition, I hate it when something I have hanging on the wall suddenly FALLs to the floor because the frame's glue let go a while down the road. I put the frame on the drill press, and drilled a counter sink with the 3/8th forstner bit, then a pilot hole for a nice long screw. Before I set each screw deep in the countersink I screwed it in and out of a block of wax to lube it, so that it slide sweet and gentle into the oak. I didn't want it to split my frame. Lube and a proper pilot bit and I was golden.

2u.jpg (69.68 KiB) Viewed 3426 times

I knew I was going to plug the countersink, the only thing was, with what. Whenever I cut plugs with the plug cutters, I always make extras... so I had choices. Walnut, Oak, Mahogany, Teak....

2v.jpg (203.6 KiB) Viewed 3426 times

I went with the walnut for a nice accent, however they are on the top and bottom edges so they are very unlikely to be seen. It's MY sense of aesthetics that makes me do things this way... I don't guess that's a bad thing.

2w.jpg (151.19 KiB) Viewed 3426 times

Once the glue dries I'll come back and cut these flush with a chisel and sand the frame and stain and finish it. We are close folks... we are close.

[markiver54]

Excellent Jim! Glad you decided to frame it! It is very deserving!

[Hatchdog]

That Henry logo leatherwork deserves to be framed. But… that framework also deserves to be framed. It’s a vicious cycle isn’t it?

[BrokenolMarine]

Meh, it's my first real attempt at woodworking since my left hand started working again. The table saw made my butt pucker. It's dangerous when you're 100% and comfortable. Coming back after a year, I took the time to think thru every action BEFORE I did it, and said a little prayer after, glad I still had all my fingers and thumbs. The table saw, band saw, and router will eat things.

But... Thanks. More pictures real soon.

[BrokenolMarine]

Back at it this morning after coffee. Gotta have coffee.
I clamped the frame to the bench and carefully, with a very sharp chisel held flat against the frame, shaved the plugs off even with the surface. I turned it and reclamped rather than try to shave at different angles. THAT never works as the frame will always move at just the wrong time and you'll dig in and pull the plug, or you'll nick the frame.

2x.jpg (124.89 KiB) Viewed 3406 times

Next step was move the frame to a different position on the bench and clamp it in place to sand the edges smooth. Once that was done, I sanded the entire frame, and did what I could to match the corners where the Molding Planes didn't match them up. Those expert with molding planes will get consistent edges. I am far from expert.

2y.jpg (164.28 KiB) Viewed 3406 times

Once the sanding was done, I used the cut offs from forming the frame as test pieces to decide what stain or oil finish I would use on the frame. Always a good idea to create test pieces rather than go to the shelve, look at all the cans and go... Hmmm? I'll use this. Once it's stained, you can't take it back. You can only start over.

2z.jpg (167.69 KiB) Viewed 3406 times

I stood back and looked at the test pieces and thought, "Hmmm. I'll go with THAT..." But, I sought a second opinion and took the pic of the test layout in to Miss T. She didn't hesitate and said... "Red Mahogany, second choice, Red Oak." Red Mahogany was my immediate choice and I went with that.


I applied a single coat of stain, wiped it away and let the stain dry. There was a glue spot blocking the stain, I sanded that away, and dabbed some stain. I let it all dry, then applied a second coat to the entire piece to insure we had even coverage. I think it will look pretty good. A couple hours drying time and I'll wax and buff it out. I use british bee's wax.

3a.jpg (208.01 KiB) Viewed 3406 times

Nearly done.... just a few more steps before Assemble. (Johnny Five.)

[markiver54]

Can't wait to see the finished project!!

[BrokenolMarine]

Another trip to the shop and time to wax. The wax I use is a British Bee's Wax. Everyone always asks what it is, so here is the wax I actually use. I was getting it from Woodcraft, but I don't know if they still sell it. I bought three cans the last time I ordered it. I still have this 1/2 can and a full unopened can. It smells wonderful and goes a long way.

3b.jpg (119.71 KiB) Viewed 3395 times

This pic shows the wax and the frame ready to go. Not hard to apply, it's very soft. Wipe it on, let it dry, buff 'er off with a soft cloth. I usually wipe on a second coat, buff 'er off again and then buff to a high sheen on a buffing wheel on the grinder, used ONLY for buffing the wax on wood. NOTHING else.

3c.jpg (192.79 KiB) Viewed 3395 times

Here is the frame after two coats and buffing on the grinder. A nice sheen.

3d.jpg (185.98 KiB) Viewed 3395 times

I did end up having to glue the leather to the backing board or the center of the panel puffed up and looked odd to me. No matter, it still looks good. The design is slightly off center to me, but hanging on the wall who's going to notice? Well, all you guys since I told you.

3e.jpg (224.06 KiB) Viewed 3395 times

We are basically done here, I have a couple small housekeeping things to do. I have to mount a hanger, and decide what I am going to do about the securing of the back. Do I put two small tiny nails to hold her in place or a thin strip across two edges so it can be removed if need be? Meh, points to ponder. I have something ordered so I have a day or two before I stamp this project done.

[markiver54]

Nice work! It turned out great. Let us know if Ya go into mass production!

[BrokenolMarine]

Nice work! It turned out great. Let us know if Ya go into mass production!

Yeah?

Nope, not happening.
Next up, perhaps try a paddle holster for a Glock 26, or a molded mag pouch.

[markiver54]

C'mon now!...