Re: [BKARTS] Paring Whole Skins/Labels

[Greg <71514.3705@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Elizabeth:

The Scar-f-fix machine (gadget) will do a fine job for you. It does 
take a little practice. Leveling the cutting edge for labels is 
pretty easy and it is absolutely critical. You can also adjust the 
cutting edge for a bevel cut (for turn ins). Do not be too economical 
in trying to scrimp on changing the cutting blade. You'll need a lot 
of these.

We pare cuts of goatskin about 4" x 18" pretty easily. Longer or 
wider cuts are possible but more difficult. You begin to loose 
effective control pulling wider or longer strips through the cutting 
area. I doubt you would be able to pare or split an entire goat skin 
without a good deal of trouble.

The commercial splitting service you mention is "Hohenfurst 
Splitting". he principal is Rick Hohenfurst. The address is 152 West 
Fulton St., Gloversville, New York 12078. (telephone 518-725-0012). 
They do split whole skins however I'm not sure they can split thin 
enough to give you label skivers.

If you need further guidance please contact me off list.

Good luck,

Gregor Campbell
Campbell-Logan Bindery, Inc.
212 Second St. N.
Minneapolis, MN 55401
800-942-6224



> I need a good source for whole skins, pared thin for labels.
>
> After doing this myself for a restoration of a 25 volume set of Dickens, 50
> labels in total, my arm and hand have cried uncle. Unfortunately, I don't
> have an apprentice I can pawn, I mean hand, this over to.
>
> Since I have about four other sets currently waiting restoration of the
> about the same volume total, I am looking for another way to achieve what I
> need than spending an entire day paring an entire skin wafer thin.
>
> I have been looking at the Scarf-fix machine, but while I am sure I would
> have to cut the skin in sections to pare it, will this machine really pare
> the leather thin enough for labels? When I make labels, I like to almost be
> able to see through the skin. Anything thicker and I think the label looks
> clunky, no matter how nicely tooled.
>
> I have also read in the archives about the company who has a splitting
> service (beings with an H). Can they split whole skins that thin?
>
> I have also looked at electrice skivers (Fortuna, etc) and the cost is just
> too much for me right now, plus, I have no idea if they would work to my
> specifications.
>
> I am using goatskin and calf for labels. I don't like sheepskin skiver, I
> have tried it, and it always looks cheap to me. And while skiver is thin,
> it's not thin enough, and does require paring, just not as much.
>
> Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
>
> Elizabeth Stegenga
>
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            ***********************************************
              The Bonefolder, Vol. 3, No. 2, Spring 2007
         Now Online @ <http://www.philobiblon.com/bonefolder>
                                   
    Visit "The Book of Origins: A survey of American Fine Binding"
               Online exhibit and catalog order form at
      <http://library.syr.edu/digital/exhibits/b/bookoforigins/>
                                   
            For all your subscription questions, go to the
                     Book_Arts-L FAQ and Archive.
         See <http://www.philobiblon.com> for full information
            ***********************************************