I purchased two new tools for the Leatherworking SIG. They have arrived and are now in place in the CA Leatherworking area.
Weaver Master Tools Edge Slicker/Burnisher
This tool has a sanding drum on the left side for smoothing cuts and edges, especially when two+ layers of leather have been sewn together. Use light pressure - it will quickly even up the edges.
On the right side is a piece of cocobolo with varied-width grooves turned into the side. The leather edges can effortlessly be compressed, burnished, and slicked using this tool. Smooth the edge on the sander (if needed), add a little āhelperā, choose a matching groove, and then use light pressure and allow the friction and heat from the wood to compress and slick the leather.
Note that the heat from burnishing will also darken the leather at the edge.
Helper?
Gum Tagaranth, water, saddle soap, or beeswax are often used to help with burnishing/slicking process. I personally like to use saddle soap, but in testing the tool Thursday night, water worked just fine. Gum Tagaranth is traditional, and may make for a tighter finish. If used, apply sparingly (with your finger is fine) and let it dry for about 5 minutes before using with the burnisher.
Burnishing Accessories
There is a C-clamp provided to attach the machine securely to the table when in use. There is also a spare sanding drum and a cordura drum which can be used instead of the cocobolo for burnishing - some leatherworkers prefer cordura/denim/canvas to wood for slicking. The burnisher is on top of the Leatherworking Cabinet and these spare parts are stored inside the leatherworking cabinet.
Flat Table for THOR
I purchased and installed a flat worktable for THOR. This provides a flatter surface when working on book covers, etc. The table installs with three screws and can be removed/installed in a couple of minutes.
The table was designed by Uwe Grosse and is well engineered. It is close fitting and has a gray magnetic access panel to the left of the needle which can be popped out to provide visual access for bobbin changes. The covered oil ports are accessible without needing to remove the table.
Note that this is somewhat smaller than the table sold by Sunny Sewing Center, but that extension is designed for a different rolling table than the one we have and is not compatible without some modification.
Converting From Cylinder to Table (and Back Again)
Here is a video on how to install the UT441 table. Removing the table is straightforward as well. Converting from one to the other takes perhaps two minutes.
The parts removed from THOR when installing the table are stored in an Altoids tin in the table drawer. They consist of the Throat Plate and the two Throat Plate screws.
The table attaches with three screws: two screws reused from the Accessory Plate (which often holds the adjustable edge guide) and a third provided screw.
When removed, the larger 3rd screw on the right center should be placed in the Altoids tin, and the other two screws are reused to reattach the adjustable edge guide.
Cash Donation From Leather Sale
The money to pay for these parts came from the Leather, etc. Sale that I held last month (with much help from @coloneldan). In addition to making a LOT of leather available for the local Maker community to use, we raised a total of $3,034. After paying for the storage building and the above equipment, I was left with $1,815.32. The entirety has been donated to DMS as well (earmarked for Leatherworking). Thanks to everyone who helped make that sale a success.
I sincerely hope that the Makers at DMS make good use of the leather they purchased (please share pictures here on TALK) as well as enjoying the new leatherworking equipment.
