Primitive Archer

Main Discussion Area => Primitive Skills => Topic started by: stuckinthemud on September 26, 2019, 10:35:40 am

Title: Can I make tanned leather thinner?
Post by: stuckinthemud on September 26, 2019, 10:35:40 am
I have a small amount of leather  from a settee  I would like to make a bit thinner. What's the best approach? Sanding, skiving or hammering, or something else??
Title: Re: Can I make tanned leather thinner?
Post by: Hawkdancer on September 26, 2019, 11:20:59 am
I think sanding would give a bit more control over the process, assuming you are only looking at a 1/16th inch or so.  Also , you want to be sure you are working on a solid surface with the piece secured.  I have had some success scraping as well, but on a thick piece of leather
Hawkdancer
Title: Re: Can I make tanned leather thinner?
Post by: TrevorM on September 26, 2019, 06:15:47 pm
There's a special tool called a leather splitter. They're quite a bit though so you might want to check with anyone you know that does leather work and see if you can just borrow one.
Title: Re: Can I make tanned leather thinner?
Post by: Pat B on September 26, 2019, 10:00:27 pm
Generally furniture leather is fairly thin. How thick is it and how thin do you want to make it? How big are the pieces?
Title: Re: Can I make tanned leather thinner?
Post by: stuckinthemud on September 27, 2019, 02:26:27 am
The piece is 4X3 inches, it is 1mm (about 1/25") thick.  I'd like to take it down to 0.5mm (1/32).
Title: Re: Can I make tanned leather thinner?
Post by: Pat B on September 27, 2019, 07:07:37 am
Maybe tack it out and sand it thinner. A belt sander would do it but be careful to keep everything even and don't over do it.