Leather help

[journeyoftheanimals]

Hello all.  II did not really see a leather section so I went here.  I have a few questions about working with leather.  I am working on designing leather and hemp harnesses for lizards.  I know it may sound odd, but I know these would sell on 2 other forums I go to.  The biggest problem I am having so far is how best to cut the leather.  Some of the hold I need will be much larger then any leather punch could do.


OK that s my first question and I will wait to make sure I get replies before I ask any more.


Ph, and I am on a very tight tight tight budget for now.

[SpottedFrog]

Exacto knives, and lots of replacement blades. That's the best I can offer. There are lots of leather punches in all kinds of interesting shapes, some surprisingly large, but if your budget is that tight these are probably out of the question. Check out Tandy leather's website anyway, it'll at least give you good ideas.

[journeyoftheanimals]

Thank you for the reply.  Now for another question I have thought of.  What can I use on leather to water seal it?  I would need something that is not a spray, does not change the color of the leather but seals well.  Also needs to be nontoxic but if you are unsure about it being nontoxic that is OK, I can research it myself.  Should be able to buy a little bit of supplies on Friday so perhaps I will post some pictures on Saturday of how things are going.


As far as cutting.  Yes I was thinking exacto knives.  I also have a dremal (spelling?) and can buy cutting discs for it but I think exacto knives is a better idea.


I really wish I could find someone to invest in this.  It is already proven that they will sell on the forum I am a member of. The first 2 I make are going to be given away to 2 people I know.  So they can field test these and make sure they work well and hold up under hard conditions.

[SpottedFrog]

Water sealing & weatherproofing are two different things As you are clearly making things for critters use/ wear you might go with waxing or oiling the leather to weatherproof instead of tring to waterproof.   Weatherproofing means it will tolerate getting wet and or dirty repeatedly but dry out well & return to it's original form/ texture/ whathaveyou. These will not stay dry, but will clean up nicely & be useable wet/ dirty & once dried out. Sometimes waxing can result in waterproofing as well, but needs to be frequently re-waxed to maintain itself.

[journeyoftheanimals]

Sounds like oiling might be best.  Can not expect my clients to wax these things often.  Besides that.  Part of it is braided so not sure how well rewaxing would do.  Thank you for the information.  I want to make the best product I can.