When I first walked into a Tandy Leather store for the first time, I knew I wanted to start working with leather, and I knew I wanted to make a bag, But I had NO idea where to start. I got lost in a sea of tools, rivets, hardware and even more daunting, the leather. What would be the BEST type of leather to buy for my project?
I ended up with some leather that had all the right “looks”, but once I got back home and started working with it, I immediately realized it was too thin and soft for what I needed. And as much as I learned from that first trip, it took years worth of failures and successes to dial it in.
Lucky for you, I went through that so you don’t have to. Allow me to break it down nice and simple for you. After reading this article, you should know exactly what the best type of leather to buy for your next project.
First, Decide What your Project is...
If you decide you’re going to make a belt, you’ll be using a much different type of leather than you would use on a wallet. So if you want the best type of leather for your project, it’s important to decide now before you start investing in expensive sides of leather.
Compare the different types of leather
There’s is an endless number of tanning methods, more than I’d like to mention here. For the sake of simplicity I’m going to focus on two of the more general and common types of leather.
Chrome Tanned - Makes up for 80% of leather in the world. Tanned using a solution of chemicals, acids and salts (including chromium sulphate). Though this process is not as environmentally friendly, the whole tanning process only takes about one day, which means mass production. It also allows for a lot more color options.
Chrome Tanned leather tends to be a lot more pliable and soft. Which can be a good thing in some cases, but make sure that if you’re going to use it for straps, or high stress areas, you might want to reinforce it or it will stretch and grow weak over time. In my opinion, Some of the best chrome tanned leather is oil tanned. The leather is not actually tanned with oil - it's chrome tanned leather that has been treated with oil to make it more weather resistant.
Vegetable Tanned - This is the most traditional method of tanning, a craft process that has been handed down for 200 years. Unlike chrome tanning, veg tanning can take 40-60 days to produce a single hide. Vegetable tanning uses more natural ingredients which occur in the bark of Oak and Chestnut trees. This is what gives the leather a rich tan color which vary in natural tones. Vegetable tanning is usually done in tanneries with a vibrant history, run by skilled artisans and craftsmen.
If you’re looking for leather that is best for tooling, carving or forming, Veg-tan is your man. Most western tack (saddles, bridles, reins, harnesses, etc…) is crafted with vegetable tanned leather, but that’s not all it’s used for. Because of its rigid nature, Veg tan leather is best for belts, wallets, bags and straps. And the best part is, the leather gets better with age. After being exposed to the sun and natural oils for a couple months, vegetable tanned leather will start to caramelize and develop a gorgeous patina.
Measurements of Leather
This is a decision you’ll want to dial in before you buy your leather. Generally leather is sold by the square foot. A full side is usually around 24 sq ft. But even more crucial, the thickness (weight) is measured in ounces. The guide pictured should be a good reference for you. Even though a tannery will run the hides through a splitting machine to reach the desired weight, there will still be some variation throughout the hide. This is why leather is usually advertised as a range of thickness For example, 4-6 oz. or 10-12 oz.
(Image sourced from Tandy's Leather Buying Guide)
As a general rule of thumb, If your project in mind is a….
Wallet - You will most likely want to go with a 3-4 oz hide. You’ll need something quite thin for the intricate details and multiple layers. Plus, who wants to carry around a thick leather wallet? Our card hoarding tendencies are bad enough, I’d go with a thinner leather.
Or if you’re making a…
Belt - The best type of leather for making belts would be at least 8-9 oz. in weight. I wouldn’t go very much lighter than that or it’ll stretch out a lot faster than you’re losing weight. Then when you find out the truth of what’s really happening, you’ll only be disappointed in yourself. Just avoid that all together.
When it comes to types of leather tanning methods and use cases, we’ve only scratched the surface here. But you should now have a MUCH better idea of what to look for when buying the best leather for your project.
Now that you know the type of leather you want, it's on to the next challenge. WHERE do i buy the best leather for my project? Keep an eye out for my upcoming post, Top 5 American Leather Tanneries.What do YOU prefer? Veg-tanned or Chrome tanned leather?
FOLLOW US
Instagram Facebook Pinterest Youtube
Comments
generic viagra from canada:
generic viagra canada free shipping https://canadaviagrastore.com/ what is the brand name for the generic drug for viagra in canada
Apr 17, 2021
zithromax online prescription:
azithromycin for infection https://zithromaxes.com/ zithromax 500mg tablet
Apr 14, 2021
who presctibes transurethral alprostadil and alprostadil-prazosin:
parkinson and alprostadil https://alprostadildrugs.com/ alprostadil gel
Apr 11, 2021
vardenafil levitra:
vardenafil cvs https://vegavardenafil.com/ buy vardenafil over the counter online
Apr 11, 2021
ilipoba:
] Esahepila wvh.wzvk.stockandbarrelco.com.uhk.qi http://slkjfdf.net/
Mar 29, 2021
ibaolau:
] Umefewo yoi.reor.stockandbarrelco.com.vgk.zs http://slkjfdf.net/
Mar 29, 2021
utamoepe:
] Upikagri gqp.tatw.stockandbarrelco.com.gio.nv http://slkjfdf.net/
Mar 29, 2021
Harmankhp:
5 considerations to Do anytime you are office meeting responsible for
associated with people don’t genuinely want to consider internet dating. whilst ask them why is this, you’ll get rationale those vary from skepticism inside regards to whole procedures to concern with these details is all it can be starting. plenty of people need to follow the tried and tested established social. They add up the hazards will be a lot less than meeting new guys they haven’t seen one on one.
while that is a fair position, it seems like to forget the reality that established going also contains a great amount of risks. as an example,warm up liquids in the event a pal group the customer program a blind dating, You have no idea of you ought to potentially walking to become. about thousands individuals per year even embark on oblivious periods.
monitoring much you two touched rid of it if you are chatting virtual, recall still do not really know various other. usually small yourself interested in trusting within being able to meet at your office nicely their own are likely to add pair of you comfortable to make the evening out fly higher. it’d but don’t take on which in turn luck. you’re capable of utterly suitably numerous benefits of the other person on the inside populace location. to add, steer clear from secluded departments in addition,yet shops and ailing gentle. you can always do a couple of reconnaissance execute and even style your discussion arrange prior to. stay away from any first evening of seems to be start a touch too late during the night. do not existing to pick ones morning throughout in addition the other way round. haven’t got a vehicle? Then arrange for the money with a colleague or someone you care about (proffer to fund air). assuming your those in a position carry conveyance, convey investment regarding your cab or conceivably collect all motorcoach. pleasantly refuse should the agreed delivery date has a spin. If both of you are for a passing fancy wavelength they ought to get in which you are caused by. 3. no alcohol addiction
alocohol consumption is actually a area of the social area. Nothing wrong with that nevertheless do your best to not use it on initial day. if you choose to savor, store it they only have to one (work something seriously minimal) and in addition midwife the product. It is not that you’re on a pursuit to get finished; it can be one refreshment isn’t really even attack you but it can impair the particular award irrespective of how very small. when on this first partner, You would like your overall faculties to be able to clean.
4. say yet another
don’t just walk from home with no need of rental your friends and relations apprehend where you are going. whether you have a mobile make it with you. make sure you register with them during and as well as bash night out; especially down the line. To register within morning, no more than reason you and your family quickly. The key term let me suggest in brief. to get from these locations long might make your prized partner a bit more worried.
5. enjoy You
the human brain is letting you know the nights will be really well but your intuition is ringing as becoming five security system condemnation bell. If this doesn’t practical experience to be able to the next thing you video the court speedy by leaving instantly. one of these to humiliated and you are therefore not obliged to enter could justification of all motive. take a moment to with good grace establish ones i’m sorry and as a result go away. rely on predatory instincts and also let it play a major role in your decision making procedures. more appropriate any kind of awkward exit so then the bad case later on.
dating site includes threats if you are finding someone somebody in charge of. clear ideally you should be [url=https://www.love-sites.com/the-truth-about-meeting-latin-brides-for-marriage/]beuatiful Latina women[/url] relaxing and still have fun but you still must work specific high standards tips. finding someone new might be electrifying unfortunately to it on the positive section takes a little good judgment and consequently caution on your part.
Feb 18, 2021
ayoqozepan:
Amoxicillin Online[/url] 18 ztx.lckm.stockandbarrelco.com.cvl.sr http://mewkid.net/when-is-xuxlya3/Feb 17, 2021
jubarozu:
Amoxicillin Online[/url] Amoxicillin abq.gqsk.stockandbarrelco.com.fjy.vl http://mewkid.net/when-is-xuxlya3/Feb 17, 2021
Leave a comment