About edge beveling

O

Omega Leather Works

Joined
Jun 13, 2007
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Anyone not use an edge beveler, but instead use a knife?

An edge beveler is one of the few things that I don't have, or have coming.

I cut out my first pattern last night and on a scrap I cut the edges off using my leather cutting knife (a Cold Steel mini tuff light). I'm pretty confident and steady handed, but the cuts weren't perfect. After sanding, dying (black) and burnishing with beeswax I can't see any flaws, but I didn't want to try it on the sheath blank without asking if I can expect similar results on longer straights. The test piece is only about 3" long. Obviously the sheath has a much longer edge to cut.

I guess what I'm really asking is if the wonky line of a freehand cut is easy to blend in with the above mentioned techniques.

Btw, those warnings about wearing gloves when doing anything with dye are totally true. Things went fine with the green dye, but not so smoothly with the black. Both bottle of Fiebings (4oz) had issues with the tamper seal. When pulling them off it left a layer of clear plastic between the opening and inside of the bottle. I guess it shook the bottle when I pulled it off the black dye causing it to spill all over my hand. The best part was that I didn't even have anything under it so I had to grab some paper towels while the dye had plenty of time to seep into my skin.

I guess living skin is sort of like leather because it did a fantastic job of dying it! :)
 
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Do a couple that way and in the process you'll convince yourself that a good edge beveler is not only necessary but considering the frustration…..they're pretty cheap.;)

Oh, and in answer to your question, it's possible if you have allowed enough margin the get it all even and blended with a free hand knife cut bevel…..but it's not likely.

Paul
 
I agree with Paul. A super Sharp #1 and #2 beveler is all you will ever need. If you only make sheaths - only a #2. Worth every bit.

TF
 
An edge beveller and a stitch groover are about the only tools I've bought for my leather making . I just remembered my bone folder , so that makes three tools . I wouldn't be without any of them .
You don't have to spend much money to get the basic tools .


Ken
 
Thanks guys. Let me ask you this. On the edge bevelers from Tandy... The little legs off each side of the cutting edge, what do those do? If you can explain how they sit I may be able to make myself one. Is the cutting edge width different on the different sizes, or are the legs bigger? I'm trying to understand how one works without seeing one in front of me.

I'm guessing that the cutting edge is wider on the ones designed to take a bigger bite. I'm also guessing that the leg rides against the mat while the cutting edge gets pushed forward cutting a triangular section off the corner of the leather edge?

I'm not against buying every tool that I'll need. If I can rig something up to do some work in between supply orders (that my wife sees), well, that's better. ;)

On a positive note, I found the overstitch kit at hobby lobby for $20. I was surprised to find that there so competitively priced.

I made a really stupid mistake on my first order. I got an adjustable groover from china. The tool is supposedly fine but God only knows when it'll get here.
 
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It guides the beveler.

TF
 
I have an edge bevler. I am no pro. If you have a belt sander, and a steady hand, you can get a quick edge bevel with the belt sander. High grit, or worn belt, a quick steady hand. A belt sander and disk grinder combo can be had for cheap.
 
Thanks man, I've got a 1x30 and a 4x36/disk combo. I'll give that a shot. I've got plenty of belts for making knives.

I made a little tool that cuts pretty evenly, but I'll try the sanders. :)
 
These type of edge bevelers slip and dig into your fingers if you place your hand in front of your work.
Use the closed kind that have a hole and the a lip you cant over dig or gouge out your piece thereby
ruining it. they are made by Osborne and leather factory sells them under $10. get one of each size.
 
They're called Bisonette edgers, pretty nifty tool but not near as easy to sharpen as a standard edger.
 
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