Weber custom Leather handle wrap

[dazzo]

Beautiful

[Brain_STL]

Man, your work is beautiful!


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[jdorn]

That truly is stunning.

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[inkaddictedchef1]

If you end up not like any samples I'll take one

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NIL

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[inkaddictedchef1]

Holy hell your work is beautiful

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[SmokinPerformer2]

Thanks for all the kind words.
This type of hand tooled leatherwork is a dying art form. Less and less ppl are doing this  type of heirloom quality work each year and it's becoming obsolete. It's really not that difficult to make, time consuming... yes.
There are a lot of steps involved but they can be broken down into basic sections. I believe these can be taught and with enough determination and practice, one could produce something like this. .
  I'm glad some of you enjoyed watching this project take shape. I look forward to completing this Cado BBQ tool set and can't wait to use it in the spring. I'll update this thread once I start moving on it again. Chris

[JEBIV]

Wow

[SmokinPerformer2]

If you end up not like any samples I'll take one

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NIL

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  It being the first side of one handle I've completed, their a few flaws with it that I'm not happy with. It's just a learning curve and I'll fix these issues on the next one. But that's what makes them unique and no two will ever be the same.
Another thing is I had to mix up a color close enough to match the porcelain color. I only mixed enough to complete just this side. Usually one should mix enough for the entire project and it'll be fought to mix the right amount again when the time comes to complete the rest of this set.  But it's just BBQ tools we're talking about so I'm sure a slight variation in color won't matter.

   Like the saying goes, " those who can't do, teach"
Well I can't do it for you, but I can teach you or guide you in the right direction.
     Leatherworker.org is a site that has many skilled users with way more knowledge than me. I have no affiliation with this site nor are they paying me to plug them in. I've scanned through this site and it's full of toutorials and information on what tools to start with. You really don't need that many hand tools to make what I did here. It's a good platform to start reading up and in some cities across the states, you can find free beginner classes. The advance classes like any other advanced courses cost money. But you really don't need those, I've never taken one. What you need are ideas and patterns to get started. That I've already provided and hope to provide more.
Chris

   

[dazzo]

Other than being afraid to use them for not wanting to get them dirty, would a diluted acrylic work for paint and coloring?

Also, I assume you have a little grommet tool?

[SmokinPerformer2]

Other than being afraid to use them for not wanting to get them dirty, would a diluted acrylic work for paint and coloring?

Also, I assume you have a little grommet tool?

In the past when painting on leather....  I've used thinned down One-Shot enamel paint as that was all I had. It worked but the drying time is long and the odor of this heavy duty paint doesn't go away till it's fully cured. I've used automotive paint and that basecoat paint is fantastic. Drying time is almost instant when airbrushed on. Again, problem with that  brain killing odor! I've used Createx textile paint but needs a sealer and if you're masking over paint,,, that shit flakes off. I never used their improved AutoAir formula as that's around the time I stopped painting.
   
   My advise is to use a trusted proven purpose made leather paint. A little goes a long way,,,  I've been buying the smallest 1oz. Angelus Colors at $2.95 each. Ordering multiple colors adds up quick, I just placed an order for 46 colors. I only had a few basic colors for a few projects I made within the last couple years so I needed to pick up more paint now that I'm getting back into it. Rather than mixing up basic colors to create multiple colors, it's better to just use a pre mixed color straight out of the jar. Makes touch up that much easier later.
With this Angelus leather paint, you don't get any bad fumes and cleanup is with water. Dries to the touch in a few minutes so long as you don't cake it on.  Clean your brush often while painting as this paint tends to dry fast. When done, You'll get a flexible permanent water resistant finish.
A clear matte top coat can be used but you don't need one. I use a matte clear finish if I'm rubbing a dark antiquing gel to bring out my decorative detailed cuts.




  There are many brands of eyelet setting tools. Any tool leather related branded CS Osborn is great. I'm a second generation hobby Leatherworker so I have some tools that are 60-100 years old.
You can find tons of these older hand tools on eBay really cheap. Like anything collectible, some tools are hand made by known makers and go for top dollar. Stay away from those for now.
     I'm using two Craftool USA brand #58 eyelet setters, one to strike on top and the other as my bottom anvil. I secure the bottom tool on my bench vice. The vintage (pre 1964) Craftool USA stamped tools were decent. They were low cost tools back then but made here in the US. Any newer tool just stamped Craftool is made in China and aren't the same quality.  I'm lucky to be using my grandfathers tools that were made before 1964.

 
   If I buy any new tool, it needs to be stainless steel and made here in the states. Today's stuff cost more so it's been taking me a while to save up to get leather working tools that I want.

[SmokinPerformer2]

I've been busy completing a few leather items for my kids Christmas stockings. I'm looking forward to getting back to my Weber tools project after the holidays.

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[SmokinPerformer2]

Finished items...

[jdorn]

Wow, just wow.... amazing work.

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[WNC]

Incredible work there!
Just amazing


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[Darko]

Amazing work! You are like the "leather whisperer".