The Leather Element: Hardening Leather

Purchase Weaver Leather Firmer here: www.weaverleathersupply.com/p...
*Note: the leather is baked at 200 Fahrenheit
In this week's "The Leather Element," Chuck Dorsett answers the question, "How do I harden leather?"
While there are many methods out there, Chuck's leather hardening methods are both easy and safe for crafters of all levels.
Buy Hermann Oak® Natural Vegetable Tanned Leather for hardening at www.weaverleathersupply.com/p...
#TheLeatherElement

[@kylestudinski9633]

I tell people he is the Bob Ross of leathercraft. Bob Ross inspired my girlfriend to start painting and Chuck Dorsett inspired me to start leather craft.

[@Rick_Sanchez_C137_]

You mean Master Sergeant Robert “Bob” Ross, United States Air Force, retired?

[@noboby4904]

@@Rick_Sanchez_C137_ yes that guy.

[@PetrusGladius]

yo, i was JUST thinking this. I just bought my first swivel knife and stamp set sitting here soaking up knowledge and practicing.

[@bobbobbing4220]

i seriously love how excited this man is to talk about making leather stuff,

[@leadhead880]

*smashes 100+ hour project with hammer* See? not a scratch. That's confidence.

[@TheBees95]

Its like shamwow but actually good

[@TLAS]

Weaver Leather is beyond fortunate to have him. His genuine and positive energy is rare.

[@wormhole331]

He's the perfect host for a show.

[@Thea_MojaveOutliersWhipmakers]

Note to self: Do not sass Chuck when he has a leather mallet in his hand.

[@grenshaw6836]

or talk shit about leather, he will turn you into leather

[@jethrox812]

or when he is wearing his leather armor

[@jonathanwall5784]

I would love to see a more focused in depth video on the "curing" of the leather

[@manuelkong10]

ME TOO

[@julialewis8794]

There is a Tandy's near my house but I've decided in going to buy some stuff from Weaver just because of these videos.

[@billman6364]

that's the general idea julia

[@rwtheomighty867]

Just got into leathercraft a month and a half ago. Made a holster, put it in water and then used my foodsaver to vacuum all the air out and wet formed the leather. Then stuck it in the oven to cure! Thanks for your videos!!!

[@WeaverLeatherSupply]

That's great, Ron! Thanks so much for watching!

[@podjawsomness4642]

A hammer to my project? I am an blacksmith.. thats kind what i do! Loved the vid and youre energy :)

[@OkieRCguy]

I think it would be great if you could do a series on the layout and construction of leather armor IMHO.

[@WindWolfAlpha]

Absolutely! That's a great idea!

[@kylediablo4464]

Just found your channel and I can't stop binge watching it. Great stuff!

[@robertkirkpatrick75]

Thanks for sharing your knowledge.We never get to old or to good to learn from others.

[@Pfurlan26]

Just recently picked up leatherworking because I'm a competitive axe thrower and throwing coach and wanted to make some sheath and axe beards. These videos have been incredibly helpful in explaining the little things that will make my projects go much smoother. You've got good energy, are concise and provide great examples. Your work is much appreciated.

[@WeaverLeatherSupply]

Thank you so much!

[@ILLDreams]

I have to say thank you. I have picked up this art and your videos have more than helped me on many subject's. Keep up the great videos.

[@franciscomoreno9916]

Man, you are amazin teacher, I learn so much from you, I bet you are the number 1 employee of the hole company, cheers and keep those vids coming

[@WeaverLeatherSupply]

Thank you, Francisco

[@DougWC]

These videos are exceptional. So informative and the passion for the craft is infectious. I never feel like you are pushing your products (which I'm sure match the high quality of the videos) but rather genuinely looking to share your knowledge and tips for the betterment of the art form. I've watched most of the videos twice and eagerly await the next ones. Thanks so much (from Canada, "eh")

[@urielcantarero4965]

Chuck....You 'Da Man!!!!! I was just looking into hardening leather to make some ladies bangles. This video is very timely. Thank you.

[@artfulcoyote]

Great video! Have watched several. Great teacher/teaching! Thank you for posting!

[@famvirious]

Dude, your projects are amazing and your craftsmanship is incredible. I love your content!

[@WeaverLeatherSupply]

Thank you so much!

[@hallstuart6604]

These videos are amazing!!! I cant believe I only found them now!

[@jrmorrisjr1471]

I have been waiting to get a closer look at that suit... THANK YOU!

[@davidlewisbrokenanvilforge4555]

I am super excited about this technique chuck I can see all kinds of things that it could be used for thank you very much once again great teacher

[@AaronLyNxAI]

Been learning leatherwork in my free time and these videos are amazing faucets for knowledge

[@KevinSmith-gh5ze]

Very impressive demonstration on the armor. It's always nice to see a craftsman who is confident in his methods.

[@carsoncluff166]

Thank you guys so much, this video is awesome. Great information and great ideas for new projects

[@andyd2960]

I just started working with leather today and I want to make one of those armored suits now. Looks awesome.

[@bullandtimber]

Awesome demonstration Chuck!! I remember seeing that armor at Tandy when you worked there, it was pretty impressive then and still impressive now

[@craigells4151]

My first project in leather was my hat. I accidently made it hard as a rock by wet forming with boiling hot water and then the dye hardened (dried) it even more. I ended up having to treat it with steam from a boiling pot on the stove to rehydrate the leather a bit to regain some flexibility in the leather and to adjust the fit. It was a learning experience lol. I know I could have taken a hammer to it it was so hard but I didnt.

[@TheRychanek]

could you demonstrate this technique

[@calebjensen1560]

I second this notion

[@tingcraft3920]

I third it

[@robertdelisle2412]

Soak it in bakeing soda and water

[@waytograce]

Thanks Chuck! I thought waxing was the only way one could go for hardening. Sooo much easier and delimiting for finishing. Fantastic and simple.

[@WeaverLeatherSupply]

That is great to hear - so glad it simplifies things for you!

[@rikospostmodernlife]

@@WeaverLeatherSupply Tod from the channel Tod's workshopp has a video where he hypothesizes it was made by soaking the leather in hot glue so that it becomes a composite material and it may have 'boiled' by bubling up air and gases. What are your thoughts on that method, sir?

[@barbnewton5980]

As always, nicely done. Thank you!

[@someonebartender]

you are the beeeeest. I tried everything, nothing worked . but your method worked so good :D thanks

[@WeaverLeatherSupply]

Thank you so much, glad it worked for you!

[@lazywolf8297]

I dont look up "Weaver leather craft" videos. But it seems every time I'm looking for an answer to a question on leatherworking this man here always has exactly the answers I'm looking for. On a completely different note I happened to buy some of their leather for a project recently and that was some of the finest leather I've ever used, most even thickness, not a visible stretch mark, scars, or tooling marks on it, and the backside looked like they went though and groomed it, no fibers hanging off it at all.

[@WeaverLeatherSupply]

Thank you so much, so glad the leather was good to work with and that the videos have been helpful!

[@bluesnake1747]

Thanks for another great video, you have really helped me to get over some bumps in my leather projects. Just also subscribed. Good info Chuck!

[@WeaverLeatherSupply]

Thanks so much, so glad the videos have been helpful!

[@richardkatzman1215]

Chuck, I can't believe how beautiful your Coat of Armor is! I'm going to use your method for another purpose. I don't plan on going to war with my project. I need to use your method to protect the skin my arms from the elbows down to my wrists. Whenever I do some work where my skin comes in contact with an object, I get bruising on my skin. I thought if you can use your suit of armor to protect your body from joisting and fighting with axes, I should be able to get the same protection from rubbing my arms against wood or steel. Thanks Chuck, you're the best. Best regards, Richard

[@bs78315]

Love the energy he has you can tell he loves what he does

[@SuperLonney]

That gives me more ideas. To try.Thanks.

[@LordHonkInc]

I might be a year late, but thank you. I recently started planning to make a custom sheath for one of my tools (old cheap one wore out) and was hunting endlessly for a nice and concise solution for hardening the leather. I've found so many pro/con lists for any imaginable method, but after watching this video and some time looking for second opinions (hope you don't consider that a slight) it seems oven hardening is the most reliable (or, better in my case, foolproof) option. Again, thank you!

[@WeaverLeatherSupply]

So glad the video was helpful, thanks for watching!

[@kevinleblanc5359]

I have been wax hardening leather for years (SCA heavy fighter here) and as long as you use straight paraffin for your wax, and watch your temperatures, it's not as dangerous as this gentleman makes it sound. And using only paraffin, it won't wick into everything it touches like oil might. If you don't want it to soften in the sun, adding stearic acid to your paraffin will alleviate that issue. All that said, I'm excited to try the soaking / baking method, as wax hardening does not strengthen the leather, only make it keep its shape.

[@brimcg4493]

Thank you so much for the lesson. Teacher!

[@dustinmeritt5593]

this guy is awesome, i just started and this advice is really helpful

[@WeaverLeatherSupply]

Thank you, Dustin!

[@Jager-er4vc]

Dustin Meritt completely agree! I’m just getting started too (about 5 projects completed so far with #6 in the works). These videos are BEYOND helpful! Simple, no BS instructions and tips from a real pro. Can’t beat it.

[@James-ke5sx]

Well that was interesting it's an extremely fine craftsmanship

[@TheCooldrummerchic]

Wow!!! That is GORGEOUS armor!!!! Game of Thrones needs you! Beautiful!!!

[@WeaverLeatherSupply]

Thanks so much, Christina!

[@tykellerman6384]

Thanks chuck great info

[@heinzerhard5031]

Hey Chuck nice teaching out there in your videos! I have some specific questions about the when to do what and would be so glad if you, or anyone out there, can help me with this. I am making myself a leather armor. Do you tool and dye before you soak it and "bake"/cure the pieces? And do you assemble it after you cured it or before? Same question with paint or antique etc. I hope you´re doing well and i wish you all the best!

[@keithlehman1621]

I would like to see photos of Chuck's work shop. It is well laid out and would like to use some ideas from it.

[@AZTigerMMA]

I’m sold this man is great! Fan! Subscribed!

[@WeaverLeatherSupply]

Thank you so much!

[@cliffwarmoth9070]

Thanks for great info!

[@nancyleunens5110]

Thanks for the info. Great work as always! I was just wondering if there would be shrinkage to worry about when baking the leather.

[@WeaverLeatherSupply]

Nancy, good question. I haven’t noticed any shrinkage, but I usually over cut and then cut to size just so I can keep my edges clean. A little experimenting may be in order if you really need to get close to a certain size. Thanks for the comment.

[@BoilsonA]

I got the leather strap so often in school in the 1970s. It was definitely hardened leather given the state of my hands after a good few slaps.

[@asiac8968]

This guy is absolutely awesome 😎

[@toth2173]

That is some wicked cool armor !!!

[@wyattschmidt4166]

Hey Chuck! Love your videos! But can you cover when to stitch hardened leather? I love to use contrasting thread to my main leather color, so would it be possible to chisel and stitch my pieces after it's been hardened and dyed, or would I have to do this beforehand?

[@RustyNail5856]

very nice video. thanks for the info.

[@raramuri2013]

Interesting very good information I am just starting doing leather and I love it !!!

[@WeaverLeatherSupply]

That's great to hear, glad you're enjoying it!

[@icqtrinity]

Very educational, thank you.

[@joshicus_saint_anger]

I love this guy

[@kevinhall6099]

Hey, Chuck, could you do a piece on when to use stitching iron punched all the way through the leather and when to use it more as a marking tool and finishing the stitch holes with an awl. Thanks love the videos ...........and your highly caffeinated personality !!!

[@BigTex0516]

Thanks for the video. Possible diy rack for stamping tools like the one you have in this video -made out of wood ?

[@ArcticFlies56]

Chuck, that is quite a beautiful set of armor. I would like to see you wear that in a video. That would really be fantastic. The only armor I’ve ever seen was a full metal one at West Point. I always thought how hot it must have been inside. It must take you a long time to get in and out it.

[@Tromboneering]

Thank you, Sir!

[@w6dfmp242]

Great video, I’m not sure I have an application yet but it was still a great thing to see and that armor is amazing. You mentioned it was pro dye, could you tell me which color?

[@WeaverLeatherSupply]

Hi Mike, I used Light Brown Pro Dye with a Saddle Lac top coat, please note that the armor color has darkened a bit from use and time. Hope that helps!

[@vieuxacadian9455]

thanks ! love your videos .

[@WeaverLeatherSupply]

Glad you like them!

[@Ronisstyles]

Great information

[@thedude5880]

Could you do a video demonstrating the leather firmer and what the final result is?

[@matt79de]

Great one. One thing i'm missing: When would the slicking happen with hardening leather, before or after?

[@heathervenneman7567]

My big question on this has been Can you stamp/tool hardened leather? If so, when can you do that? It would seem to me that tooling beforehand would lose the impressions once wet, and tooling afterwards would be almost impossible on a shaped surface... Also dying? Assuming you would try to dip-dye after hardening? What if it is a larger piece? So many questions! I am LOVING all of your videos, especially love your passion for leather!

[@WeaverLeatherSupply]

Thanks for the comment, Heather. Absolutely you can tool hardened leather. Tooling should be done prior to molding, and go a little bit heavy on the impressions if you are planning to mold and harden because a little bit of the depth will be lost as you wet mold; however, if done properly, you won’t have a problem. Yes, I always do the dip dying after hardening. If the piece is too large to dip-dye, then I use a wool dauber and apply the dye liberally.

[@kalel_8016]

Hey Chuck, love your videos please keep em coming. Just wondering, can you reuse decorative rivets? I’m just getting started and a friend wants his belt remade with his decorative deer rivets. Thanks for all you do!

[@WeaverLeatherSupply]

Kal El, thanks for the comment. Rivets, typically, aren’t reusable because the post expands into the cap to bite, but, it sounds like you may be talking about a concho-type rivet. If this is the case, then it may be possible. I’m having a bit of a hard time picturing this because I have never seen a decorative rivet cap with a deer and that sounds very cool! I would be happy to be more specific if you can elaborate on the type of rivet. Being new is no issue; we can get it figured out!

[@kalel_8016]

Weaver Leather Craft Supply it is a concho type that has 2 post on the back. So I may have used the wrong terminology 😁

[@JCraftvfx]

A couple questions on the baking process. I had already dip dyed all my parts, pro dye. Would it still work or should I have baked it first prior to dip dying? Also for the baking process, is it alright to roughly place rivets into the parts and put them together to help keep the shape I want them to be during baking?

[@jurgenruttlowsky3302]

leather, colored ore not, will darken in the hardening process. uncolored Leather will become Tan-coloured, middle brown will turn into ebony and dark brown into black... If you don't have a workshop-oven, do yourself a favor and use only undyed leather. Don´t turn the Oven higher than 80 °C because otherwise the water inside the leather will begin to boil and the leather will get too hard. That will cause the structure to crack. Don't close the oven completely during the drying, so the moist can escape. (Sorry about my bad English, I´m from Germany)

[@josephshaff5194]

NICE ARMOR ! omg ! You're amazing ! So impressed with all that can be done with Leather. It's like the all purpose material ! LOL! EM CAD Designer/Drafter 13 yrs. 2 yr. Deg. + 4 yrs HS Formal Edu M Drafting Physics Major (Off cycle currently xfer student)

[@wild-radio7373]

Thank you sir 🥰

[@OrokuSake1]

Thank you

[@cakecakeham5823]

I've been f&^%ng around with trying to get this right for ages, and you've solved the mystery in five minutes. Thank you! When you come to baking in your more complex-shaped leather pieces - for example, as with your shaped/moulded holsters - do you arraign them in the oven to bake in the shape you want them? If so, how do you get them to keep their shape in there? What's an oven-friendly way of doing that?

[@ScootLetsGo]

Hi. I hope you can help. I’m building a Viking round shield for full contact fighting. Should I harden the leather or just oil it to give it some give?

[@gaaraxluvr]

Great video! This is exactly what I was looking for. Quick question for clarification: when hardening using the oven bake method, are you dying/finishing your project before or after the bake?

[@lukemorris261]

Hope you get an answer, I was wondering the same thing!

[@gobblerridgefarms22]

Same here. I came across this video after I dyed the cover of a leather book but think hardening would be nice. But, since it's already dyed, I don't know what the outcome would be....

[@dougpeery8494]

Hello Chuck, I truly enjoy your videos. I have a question for you. I wet a leather holster and to shape it with suction. When I baked it, it shrunk into a piece of wood half the size it was. Was my leather too wet?

[@Earth.Plant.Protein]

Hi Chuck, really grateful for your videos. I veggie tanned a deer leg skin, does it make a difference how stiff your leather is to start? And what animal it is??? My deer leather is 1/8" thick fairly soft tanned.

[@joelheffelfinger2253]

Can you do this after it all put together for a knife sheath?. Been stitch up and rivets in

[@WeaverLeatherSupply]

Hi Joel, You should be able to since the oven is at such a low heat, the only thing to keep an eye on is to make sure the thread doesn't burn. You may want to test a piece of the thread you use in the oven at that temperature and see if it affects it in any way before trying it with the sheath.

[@Generalphoenix8438]

Im actually looking to do this for some leather projects im doing for uni. Im going to try this for pieces, does boiling water really work well. Ill put an updatevon how it goes.

[@CaulderLeather]

Hey Chuck do you think we could get a Leather Element strictly on the oven baking method with demonstration. Ive followed your steps best I can from this vid but cant get it to seem to turn out the way your armor does.

[@cobyanstly2169]

Wonderfully informative video! Would you dye and paint the leather before or after hardening it? Does baking or using leather firmer shrink the leather in any way? Does using leather firmer have the same effect as baking?

[@WeaverLeatherSupply]

Hi Ava, You should wait to dye and paint the leather until after hardening. This will prevent any cracking from the heat. Baking should not shrink the leather as long as it's done correctly. Leather firmer will also not shrink the leather and will have much the same effect, however it may not get quite as hard as the baking process will.

[@Corbyloc]

Thank you. This is great information. I would like to make a valet tray with a soft leather because I will be machine embroidering a monogram on the inside piece and glueing the front and back pieces together. I’d like the finished tray to be a harder leather. How do you suggest I do that.

[@WeaverLeatherSupply]

That’s going to be beautiful! I would say that backing the embroidered piece with a heavier weight veg-tan would give you some good strength and you can wet form. And it’s possible to harden that with some baking (we have a Leather Element on this) or use our Leather Firmer and use this piece as a backing.

[@Corbyloc]

Weaver Leathercraft Thank you for your response. I will look at your site and contact you when I have more questions. It will be my first real leather project; I’ve made some simple key fobs. I’d love a bit of hand holding so it doesn’t look like a Girl Scout project. Thanks again.

[@flytyer232]

Question: what if I wanted to slightly harden leather - for example I am making stitched belts out of 8-9 oz veg tanned bends. I would the leather to be able to hold its own shape - but not be like a piece of wood. I was thinking of stitching the leather before hand, wetting it, and then putting it in the oven for maybe 5mintues and seeing what that gives me? Thanks!

[@WeaverLeatherSupply]

I may go with something like our Leather Firmer before the oven approach. Hardening in the oven will make it pretty stiff, but, it will crack. Also, if you’re lining it and use a good contact cement (Barge) between the ply’s and then sew it you will have a pretty stiff belt.

[@unionse7en]

I watched this video. OUTCOME: I learned something. I watched it while eating lunch OUTCOME: I satiated my hunger. ;-)

[@Blinkerd00d]

Until this very moment, I had lived 3 decades without realizing I need a full suit of leather armor.

[@ryanpitcher64]

Thank you for the great video. I have a question regarding how to ensure the leather is waterproof after hardening. I'm trying to make a pair of huaraches (running sandals) and don't want them to lose their shape if i run through a puddle and they become soaked. Will hardened leather absorb more water or should i apply a wax after hardening? I would love to hear your thoughts, or anyones thoughts on the matter. Thank you again.

[@WeaverLeatherSupply]

Hello, Hardened leather will still absorb water, your best option would be to use a leather that is stuffed with lots of heavy waxes.

[@honeys8159]

Thanks, every time a great learn (sorry for the english)

[@scottschallock9403]

I am happy to see this. I would like to make some gift plaques for some friends of mine, using a hardening technique. The idea is leather piece about the size of standard paper, with a hand-tooled image of Africa (where we have worked) and their names/dates of service. Maybe add a very nice hanging feature with straps or loops. Do you have examples of something like this? Thank you so much!

[@davidsuzitaylor6756]

Couple questions, I've made a 8"X8" purse and wet formed it after assembly. Will the 200 degree oven hurt the hand stitching I've done ? Should I leave the forms in when baking ? Thanks

[@cavecreations]

Thanks for your amazing channel. What temperature should the leather be baked at? And can this also be done with upholstry leather?

[@WeaverLeatherSupply]

Hi Thess, The temperature should be 200° Fahrenheit and we would only recommend baking for veg tanned leather. Hope that helps!

[@rohnsleather9986]

Very interesting. I was just at Weaver Leather yesterday and made a nice purchase. Among other leather I also bought your Water Buffalo "Crazy Grey". I have never used this leather before so I am learning as I go. I am a holster maker and would like to know what kind of finish to put on it. Also can I mold it around my gun after I wet it like I do Herman Oak tooling leather?

[@WeaverLeatherSupply]

Rohn’s, thanks for your business! The Crazy Horse Gray has become one of my favorite leathers. Unfortunately, I am sorry to say that the tannage is a bit different and the Crazy Horse won’t mold like the Natural Veg-Tan, but I bet it will make a beautiful holster.

[@theslayer3787]

I wish I had this job or at least an apprenticeship

[@talexander7217]

The two major problems with boiling leather is it shrinks to about 1/3 the size and it is brittle. I made lamellar armour to fight in. I hardened all of the lames by soaking them in hot wax. It did have a parafin smell for a while, but I was fighting and sweating in it so it was less of an issue. The major drawback with the wax method is it gets soft when it gets hot...like when fighting out in the sun. The plus side of this is when it cools, it conforms to the body for a perfect fit. Another plus for the wax method is it is waterproof. I will have to give the hot-cure method a try on my next project. It sounds like a winner.

[@TheLupulalb]

In paraffin I think it's ok, paraffin has a higher melting point than wax

[@talexander7217]

TheLupulalb and it's four times cheaper than beeswax.

[@chrisapattee]

So, Chuck, you mentioned soaking the leather armor before baking but you did not mention soaking when you FIRST mentioned putting it in the oven. (2:25) Are there times when you put it in the oven dry and other times wet? Thank you!

[@WeaverLeatherSupply]

Hi Chrisa, You'll want to wet the leather before baking, otherwise it won't work very well. So soak your leather, let it sit for 15 - 20 minutes. Form it and let it sit for an hour and then bake for 20 minutes, remove and let it sit and dry for 24 hours.

[@marktaylor8659]

I realize this video is a few years old, however I have a question regarding the baking process. Do you place the leather on the rack or perhaps on some aluminum foil? I have some large pieces that I want to harden/stiffen flat, so I'm wondering if I should place the pieces on foil or something to prevent the rack from showing and/or heating too fast. And should I be concerned that the leather might curl during the baking process. Thanks.

[@MarvolOhWhat]

I've got a gallon of the Leather Firmer and I'm planning to use it in a couple days to make a couple "crowns" that will keep their stiffness through all the points, etc. I have a couple questions about using it and I'm hoping you can enlighten me. -Is there anything special about the process of using the Leather Firmer? I.e is it necessary to dip the piece in the solution or can I brush the solution onto the leather? -Since these pieces will be round and therefore difficult to dip without a large quantity of Leather Firmer, would it be possible to dip them or brush the solution on while they're flat and then quickly stitch them into the final round shape after I've applied the Leather Firmer but before it cures? As in, apply the leather firmer after tooling and making the stitching holes, then sew together as soon as the firmer has been applied. Or, would shaping the piece in that window of time compromise the hardening of the leather? I've got a bit of wiggle room on these pieces since they're not supposed to be hard-wearing, but it would be great if I didn't have to worry about them deforming in transit. Thanks! Alex

[@WeaverLeatherSupply]

Hello, We would recommend trying the brush application method after you’ve sewn them. This should work and give you the desired outcome. If not then you may need to give the dip method a try, if you do that then I’d use a flat container such Tupperware large enough to lay the straps in full length and then you’d just need about an inch of firmer in the bottom and should be able to submerge the entire strap. Hope this helps!

[@mikeboone4425]

Chuck let me get this straight in my head here. If I were doing a friction knife sheath I would first complete it then soak it as you said shape it then go to the oven is this correct. Happy trails

[@WeaverLeatherSupply]

You’ve got it! Just keep the oven at a low temp (200-220) so the leather cures more than bakes. I would let he sheath sit for about fifteen minutes after wetting it so the water can wick in deeply and it’s not dripping wet before it hits the oven. If you keep it at a short amount of time in the oven and then let it dry for about 24 hours you should have a snug fit with some good hardness.

[@alexyue5948]

Very useful method. Thank you. Just wondering, at what stage do you rivet the panels together? After or before the oven?

[@WeaverLeatherSupply]

Hi Alex, If possible rivet the panels after baking. However, if the pattern you are using requires riveting before you can form it and bake it that will work also. The heat of the oven is not hot enough to affect the metal in the rivets. Hope this helps!

[@alexyue5948]

Weaver Leathercraft Thank you! also, does this process shrink the leather at all?

[@Out_Law_Forge]

question can you use an electric toaster oven to bake? Not large pieces but lets say arm guards/bracers/knife sheaths?

[@danielpaulson786]

Hello Chuck,my name is also Dan and was wondering about layering multiple layers of thick veg tan leather.would it be best to harden the outer most layer before I combine the layers?and should I glue and stitch them together and rivet the layers together also?I'm not concerned on weight as much as I am function.also would it be possible to use a resin along with Kevlar or fiber glass in between the layers?what I'm trying for is an armour without a lot of metal that's functional also.thankyou.

[@propcustomz8731]

A hammer to my project? I wouldn't even consider it!! ;) Great vid!

[@robertbeaubouef735]

where do get patterns for leather armor. would love to tackle this later on.