Hello all. I'm nearing completion on a contemporary writer's desk shown in issue #270 of fine woodworking. Instead of a wooden desk surface, it's covered by a large leather blotter. I have never worked with leather before but I'm hoping some of you surely have some advice for it. It calls for a 10-12 oz weight leather - it's thick. I bought one described as "9-10oz full grain oil tanned cowhide". If you thought lumber was expensive, check out the cost of 10oz leather... I'd really like to NOT mess this thing up!
My leather-related questions are these:
1) The leather looks a tad dry and lightly scuffed from handling... If this leather were on my black dress shoes, I'd break out some shoe polish and shine them up a little. What sort of treatment should I use for this blotter/writing surface to refresh it? I've seen a variety of oils, conditioners, etc.. out there on the market but I am clueless where to start or how to chose which one for this application.
2) The edges of the leather need to be turned down a bit to hide the cut edge. People on the internet are able to shape their edges seemingly easy. I have a bone creasing tool, but it's not working. I suspect it may be because this leather needs a little moisture in it. Do I need to somehow wet the edges before working them or will the above suggested oil/conditioner help with this process?
Thanks in advance
Daniel
My leather-related questions are these:
1) The leather looks a tad dry and lightly scuffed from handling... If this leather were on my black dress shoes, I'd break out some shoe polish and shine them up a little. What sort of treatment should I use for this blotter/writing surface to refresh it? I've seen a variety of oils, conditioners, etc.. out there on the market but I am clueless where to start or how to chose which one for this application.
2) The edges of the leather need to be turned down a bit to hide the cut edge. People on the internet are able to shape their edges seemingly easy. I have a bone creasing tool, but it's not working. I suspect it may be because this leather needs a little moisture in it. Do I need to somehow wet the edges before working them or will the above suggested oil/conditioner help with this process?
Thanks in advance
Daniel
