First,
I'd like to thank Tom for the outstanding layout of my article in the current RodMaker 14-5 issue. An author/columnist can provide the text and photos but the layout is out of our hands. Fortunately, RodMaker magazine has at it's helm, one fine layout designer and editor! THANK YOU.

Second,
I provided the name and a photo of a tool in the article but failed to mention how it works or why to use it. So, from Wikipedia (they said it better than I could)
" A dead blow hammer is a specialized mallet helpful in minimizing damage to the struck surface and in controlling striking force with minimal rebound from the striking surface. The head of these hammers are commonly hollow and filled with sand or shot, which absorbs the impact of a strike, reducing the bounce-back".

Thirdly,
Another photo shows a plastic bag full of leather conchos which we used and recommended instead of punching out entire rings. Larry & I still recommend them but Tandy Leather Factory no longer sells them in that quantity (100) via a single purchase item. You have to buy them 6-10 per package.

FYI,

Raymond Adams
Eventually, all things merge, and a river runs through it..

Haven't read your article as yet, but would the stacked leather washers used in knife making work? I've bought 'em before for spacers in knife handles, though I don't know if they are as cost effective as the 'conchos; you reference above; but it looks like you can get 'em in bulk, at knifekits.com [www.knifekits.com] ; and there's other knife making shops you can them there too. I've only used them as spacers, but they would seem to be a good size for rod handles as well. I've seen knife handle making articles where they stack and glue 'em together, press 'em together, sand/shape 'em., etc

heck They would make a cool handle for a rod

Bill - willierods.com

Raymond, thank you for writing an excellent article. I had never considered stacking leather before. I grew up on a cattle ranch and, out of necessity, have done a lot of work with leather. This is a project I look forward to doing. You can find leather conchos in almost any tack shop.

Rufus
Port Saint Lucie, FL

The one concern that I have with leather is the wet/dry cycle of a rod handle and what it will do with leather.
Normally, when wet, leather swells quite a bit. Conversely, when leather dries, it shrinks quite a bit.
So, what ever method you use, to keep the handle looking nice, you have to address this issue.

Roger

Roger, if treated and maintained properly this wont be a problem. Particularly using the leather suggested in the article. I have saddles that were ridden every day in the soggy wet heat of south florida for 15-20 years and still have most of the original leather. The parts that have been replaced are all in high friction areas and not really a product of weathering.

Rufus
Port Saint Lucie, FL

Roger,

Your right about untreated leather but one should seal the leather with a finish product like Fiebing's "Saddle Lac", Eco-Flo's "Super-Shene, or any of the other popular leather finishes.

Steven,

Those stack washers for knife handles could work but at 1in X 11/4in you don't have a lot to work with after gluing them up and the "tang slot" already punched in them would present it's own issues.

Raymond Adams
Eventually, all things merge, and a river runs through it..



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 11/05/2011 11:56AM by Raymond Adams.

Roger,

That issue was addressed in the article. We don't let things like that slip through the cracks.

...........

Raymond's article was fantastic. He explains everything including sealing the leather. Leather is no different than woods or any other type material that can "move" or be effected by water. proper finishing and sealing will take care of this. Great article and idea Raymond. i really like the idea of embossing the handles. so many possibilities. there are just too many things to do and try and not enough time