Thread: Did I ruin this paddle strop

So I was making two paddle strops to paste, and used too much glue on one of them!
Is this ruined? It is three inches wide.
Could I maybe just sand down the edge that got glue on it?

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3047/...b0eb5f.jpg?v=0

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3237/...c857a7.jpg?v=0

I would just use a sanding block on it and see what happens. Try to do the whole surface to keep it even. If it doesn't work take the leather off and put sheet balsa on it.

bj

Not ruined as such, but if you're going to sand it out and sand just the glue, you will have an uneven surface. If you sand the whole thing to keep it flat, the leather will lose its smoothness. Even though you have 3" to play with it looks like if you use the X pattern you'll avoid most of the glue, so it really is just an aesthetics issue at that point. Another possibility would be to run it through a bandsaw and just take it down evenly on both sides, removing the glue and leather completely. (Everyone does have a bandsaw at home, yes???) If you take it down, don't worry about the light spot in the second pic, just get the dark parts gone. That's my advice. FWIW

I would try a light sanding, or as suggested just trim it a bit narrower to remove the glue. I'm guessing the glue on the leather is harder than the leather surface in which case it does need to be removed. If soft like the leather than maybe just leave it alone.


It's funny, I have woodwooker frinds who cut my paddle blanks for me but could never find anyone who could glue on the leather without making a mess of the surface. They either got glue on the face or beat up the surface. I had several different shops try it, both woodworkers and leather worker/harness makers with the same results. Not every job can be farmed out and you cannot make an employee "care" about their work. They either have it or they don't. This is why all of my paddles and hanging strops are made by me alone. Only my handles and caps are cut outside my shop and only when I am swamped. Even that will change next year as they just are not done enatly enough. I do have a friend help assemble my hanging strops on occasion but none select or cut the leather for anything I sell.

Tony

Thanks guys!
I'll try a sanding block first, that should do the trick.
If that doesn't remove enough material, I'll try shaving that leather edge off with an exacto knife, and if that doesn't work - a band saw.
It does make me feel better to hear Tony say that this is a problem encountered by others as well!

I'll be making a few paddle strops for myself and as a payback for a member who sent me a sample to try; any suggestions on how to neatly glue the leather without making a mess, Tony?

I was planning on using Elmers woodworking glue, since it cleans up with water pretty well before it dries.

Originally Posted by huntmol

Thanks guys!
I'll try a sanding block first, that should do the trick.
If that doesn't remove enough material, I'll try shaving that leather edge off with an exacto knife, and if that doesn't work - a band saw.
It does make me feel better to hear Tony say that this is a problem encountered by others as well!

If you have a small block plane and chamfer the edges of your strop I think you will be pleased.
Mike

I used a 3M spray fabric adhesive. A light shot on both surfaces. Let dry for about a minute and then stick together. Better be dead on because it ain't coming off! Bevel the edges with an exacto blade and you're done. Cutting the very tips of the corners off will keep from snagging them and possibly rolling up an edge.