irnbndrs

What do you need...hmmm...first you need an anvil, then a vice, then some tongs, a better hammer, a gas forge, a bigger coal forge, some anvil tools, more anvil tools, more tongs, a welder, a drill press, a lathe, a bigger shop, a grinder, a belt grinder, a power hammer, a bender, a bigger power hammer, etc.,ad infinitum. I'm sure glad my wife is into this - she makes me stop for scrap piles and junk sales - darn, I'm lucky!

I also glue up most seams before stitching...Barge is fine, it sometimes helps to rough up the seam with some coarse sandpaper or a really small wire brush (hand held, not powered!) before gluing - I wipe the seam with leather cement thinner before glue up if the leather is particularly oily (I use leather cement thinner because it's there on my bench - lighter fluid or some other solvent will work as well...BTW...FLAMMABLE! Use common sense, be safe). The solvent isn't necessary on most leathers, though. I've not made one with the crossed straps, though I've seen 'em...looks like the way to go.

Howdy...new here, but I think I can help you with making an apron. The best leather for this application is known (oddly enough) as "apron split"; it's undyed, chrome tanned (the tannage accounts for the blue-grey color), and selected for density/toughness. Go for the 6 oz. weight (thickness), and buy the whole piece (don't ask the jobber to cut a hide - most won't do it , anyway). As for assembly, stitch any seams with linen thread (available at the place you buy the leather, usually - you won't need much). Linen doesn't melt or break down like synthetics, and cotton thread abrades/rots away in short order. Reinforce corners and strap attachments with two piece copper rivets (rivets & burrs), available at feed stores, saddleries, and such places. Make a paper pattern first (a simple project, but you want to make sure things like corners don't flap, all the stuff you need to protect is behind the apron, etc.) - I've been a leatherworker for 30 years...I make cutting patterns for everything but belts and straps. Paper is much cheaper than leather. Tandy/ Leather Factory frequently has this leather in stores, but not offered on their web page - you might call and ask. Good luck.