Greater Dimension in Leather Tooling — Use of the Back Beveler Stamp

Why Take Less Time When You Can Take More

Why indeed?  This is a constant question that, I know, I face constantly when at work in my shop.  I'm trying to balance efficiency with vision.  It's easy to see where more could be done, so how do I decide when enough is enough?  This is a subject that I would like to engage in depth here.  For today however, I need to get back into the shop and continue work on an important deadline...

That's the dilemma.  Though I tend to come down these days more and more on the side of taking more time, the result of which is that I always have less time to do everything.  Glib I know, but that's all I have time for because I want to share this little video about a tool that I started making and using a few years ago.  The tool is not a common one, though it certainly is becoming more common all the time.  It is the Back Beveler.  The picture here shows the depth and sculptural effect that it has on the work, and this short video shows how I use it.

Please enjoy this clip, and please leave questions or comments.

 

Gordon

4 thoughts on “Greater Dimension in Leather Tooling — Use of the Back Beveler Stamp

  1. Great information, I am enjoying your book. Bob

  2. Thank you. Great info. I would like an e-mail notification if you ever have an opportunity to show the profile of some of your back beveling tools.

  3. Hi Gordon,
    I’ve Purchased and am following both of your instructional books. I wish they were in video. I have discovered that when I don’t understand a technique I read it over and over and over and finally understanding what I was missing. I guess it is a better way to learn.
    I can really say that my leather carving has gotten to a completely different level. I no longer carve and stamp to get the project done, now I look at the project and determine how I want the end result to appear, and start the swivel knife. Thanks for all your guidance, you are a great inspiration.
    Ron Brasfield
    Brasfield Leatherworks
    404-375-5726

    1. Hey Ron. Thanks so much for taking time to leave this comment. I understand the usefulness of videos. You’ve hit the nail on the head about reading and re-reading though. Some of this tooling stuff can be pretty complex, and we have to really dig in to understand it. I’ve learned so much about machining my tools from videos, but there’s no replacement for the books I use. I had the same experience as a teenager studying Bruce Grant’s braiding books. I’d get so frustrated that I’d put the book down, and later pick it up and the words made sense. Hands on instruction is best. Especially if we take good notes on the details that register with us. I do this when watching videos. I also keep volumes of reference material to go back to. It sure makes my day when I hear that my books and videos that I post are being helpful. Keep on beating that cow hide.
      Gordon

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