Why Use Glue?

[SpottedBull]

Why do folks use glue to hold their leather projects together before sewing?

Not saying its wrong or right, just asking?

 

[Capt. Jas.]

I would think it would be from not knowing another method or receiving information from those who do not know another method.

I prefer the method of hand shoe tacks for most applications but have been known to use paper clamps in the past.

There are a few applications where a type of glue could be a help but for most leatherwork it is not needed.

 

[tg]

I would guess a lack of confidence in the stitching or as a way to hold things in place while sewing,there may be some projects where the extra strength is a good choice?

 

[deanscamaro]

In my case, I use glue to hold the two sides of my Navy 1851 holster in place while stitching. Even though I use a stitching pony to hold my work, it is much easier to sew the two pieces when they can't move. If you read Al Strohman's (Tandy books) stuff on holster making, he uses it and I'll bet it was for that purpose.
:v

 

[BrownBear]

I did it when I first started out because I was having trouble with basting (temporary thread ties at critical points). The issue was more with my use of a staking wheel and awl. I'd always seem to get the bastes in the wrong place, so when I went to sewing the holes wouldn't line up right. A really sharp awl and paying attention to details after a little more experience solved all that.

I still use a dab of rubber cement now and then in specific spots like loops on the back of a bag where edge-basting is out, but it's only a "cheat" to hold particularly challenging bits in place until they're sewn on. Take it as a sign I'm still learning and may quit that someday too, but for now it helps me be a little neater.

 

[Rifleman1776]

Just one way of holding pieces together for stitiching. A lot of folks, myself included, do some making of leather items but not enough to become expert. On thin leathers I have been known to staple the pieces together before stitiching. I say, do wat works for you.
Just lock the doors first to keep the PC police out. :wink:

 

Because it's stronger and results in a more finished looking edge. As far as it being due to lack of experience or knowledge, I would wager that most pros use glue.

 

[BrownBear]

Because it's stronger and results in a more finished looking edge. As far as it being due to lack of experience or knowledge, I would wager that most pros use glue.

I have to disagree on both counts. Glue will raise holy cob if you try to dye the leather after assembly, leaving original leather color wherever it peeks out to the surface. The "finished" edge you see on a lot of pro work is from the application of gum after dying and before finishing.

And done professionally, saddle stitching is super strong, especially with a welt. I know quite a few pros, and none use the glue to supplement seams. Sure it's used to laminate leather and sometimes to install padding or lining, but not on seams.

 

[necchi]

I use it like others too
hold things together proir to stitching
laminate layers,rawhide linners or fabric
Just a wee bit of contact cement along the edges does the trick and can be pulled apart if ya mess up.

 

[BrownBear]

Just a wee bit of contact cement along the edges does the trick and can be pulled apart if ya mess up.

Now there's an important mouthful!!!

Me? Mess up? :rotf:

I've weened myself from glue on seams in favor of basting, like I said. But especially when learning, I know of nothing better than contact cement, not to be confused with rubber cement! Just be sure to dye your leather first.

BTW- Here is an example of the finishing gum used by pros on leather edges. Fiebings Edge Coat is similar, but available only in black or brown rather than clear.

 

[LRB]

Craig is correct. Most pro's use glue. Once the edge is sanded smooth, the glue does not show, as long as you have a tight bond.

 

[Capt. Jas.]

Maybe I did not interpret the original question correctly.
I assumed the op was bringing this up from a recent thread concerning a pouch. I don't know any pros who are pouch makers who use glue and Spotted Bull specified to hold together the leather pieces.
I have used glue for portmanteau sides and modern holsters, etc. but find the traditional hand shoe tacks work for me on pouches, sheaths, double straps, etc.

Any references to using glue in the 18th century for harness or other leather applications?

 

[Capt. Jas.]

Additionally, I use a weak mixture of hide glue with a little stain as an edge dressing which takes a nice finished burnish.

 

[LaBonte]

I assumed the op was bringing this up from a recent thread concerning a pouch. I don't know any pros who are pouch makers who use glue and Spotted Bull specified to hold together the leather pieces.
I have used glue for portmanteau sides and modern holsters, etc. but find the traditional hand shoe tacks work for me on pouches, sheaths, double straps, etc.

Any references to using glue in the 18th century for harness or other leather applications?

Yes as noted using glue is not to make up for some perceived lack in one's sewing, but is rather used by most pros on all types of modern gear including saddles, gun leather, harness, etc. and yes it can add both strength and neatness to a piece when done right.
Period gear is a different item and seams were generally not glued at least on such things as pouches. On the other hand yes glue, both animal and vegetable, was used at times in harness, saddlery, bookbinding, and some other types of leather work from way back when. Unfortunately I do not have my references quickly available due to a recent move.
See the work of John Waterer, founder of the London Leathercraft Museum for info and the Circle of Mechanical Arts may also include some references http://books.google.com/ebooks/reader?id=6_oGAAAAQAAJ&printsec=frontcover&output=reader.

PS - Cpt Jas - did you get my return email re: the horse/pony? Still been having some email problems after the move.

 

[LaBonte]

BTW- Here is an example of the finishing gum used by pros on leather edges. Fiebings Edge Coat is similar, but available only in black or brown rather than clear.

Actually I know of NO custom pros that use that crapola (and I know scads of pros, both modern and period) - it's a sort rubbery glorp that messes up and looks terrible over time (usually a short time). All the pros I know burnish well (either by hand or using mechanical help such as hi-speed wheels or buffers and then apply edge DYE. This can then be followed with a coat or two of Gum Tragacanth, a type of vegetable "glue" that seals and burnishes. Other pros will seal and burnish with various waxes. The Edge Coat may be used by some "pros", but the only ones I know who do use it in an industrial setting.

 

[BrownBear]

I agree on the uses of glue by makers of "period" gear compared with modern. But among the makers of modern western gear I know, Edge Coat is pretty standard, with a few using the Tandy stuff if they don't want color. Might be a regional difference separating our experiences.

 

[LaBonte]

Bear I should have looked at the Tandy link - that is Gum Trag (good stuff) and not the Edge Coat (black or brwon crapola) I was referring to.

 

[troutabout]

I use pieces of flat wood a half inch back off to protect the edges of the leather from a small pair of vice grips that are period correct to my TV control - so that whenever I have to go chase off some rampant trout or hitch up my 167 horses to go to the store and come back the work piece is still intact just as I left it.

 

[BillinOregon]

I use my share of Barge cement, especially on holsters of 9-ounce to keep things lined up before I start poking holes with the diamond awl and saddle stitching. Historically correct? Heck no. Vitally necessary for a yayhoo with zero skill or talent in order to have a faint prayer of success? Absolutamundo!

:redface:

 

[crockett]

I use two methods, basting for soft leather- I pull out the basting as I proceed with the final stitches. On holsters- or heavy leather- I use wood working brads to hold the pieces together and then do the same thing- pull out brad by brad as I stitch up the heavy leather. I agree about glue being impossible to dye. The smooth edges you see on holsters and sheaths is obtained by burnishing- it makes the seam disappear. There are several ways to burnish but rubbing in one direction with a rough piece of canvas, wetted with spit works pretty good. Tandy leather sells a liquid compound for burnishing- do this after dying the leather.