Put it in a vacuum chamber just like you would spalted wood.Quote:
Originally Posted by outback
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Put it in a vacuum chamber just like you would spalted wood.Quote:
Originally Posted by outback
Sorry.. What solution?Quote:
Originally Posted by 32t
Same as wood
Cactus juice?
I have never done it but read about it in knife threads about stacked leather handles ect. Of couse many different opinions on what to do/use Some say to use a minwax if I remember right and it soaks into the leather without vacuum. Others say leather is stabilized when it is tanned. Heat and pressure forms leather that I think would work for scales. Cactus Juice would probably work well for a wedge.
Since the wedge is so small and thin, I suggested runny CA because it should be possible to get it to soak right through without a vacuum chamber. It would be a cheap and pretty easy thing to try. But I imagine cactus juice and vacuum would be ideal.Quote:
Originally Posted by outback
If you take a piece of vegetable tanned leather, (chrome tanned, latigo, or bridle leather will not work,) and cut it to size, you should be able to boil it for 10-15 seconds. It will turn into a rubbery texture. Press it into the shape you want, and let it dry. The leather will shrink 30-50% during this process. This chemically changes the material, and it becomes a hard wood like substance. It can then be sanded and shaped like wood. I made some scale blanks last year from leather, but haven't gotten around to shaping them or putting a blade in them. I will be sealing them with Renaissance wax.
If you look up boiled leather armor, you will find more info than you ever wanted on this process.
cool idea drygulch i will probably try that with a test piece