Is the labeled leather thickness reliable?

[Joe R.]

In the lumber industry, if you want a certain thickness, you always have to buy one notch thicker than the labeled thickness because they measure the thickness of the board before it passes through the planner. It's always necessary to double check with your own tape prior to purchase.


Is the leather industry similar? Do you guys bring a caliper to check thickness?

 

[sheathmaker]

Simple, quick answer to your question is, yes it is reliable.

Leather thickness as noted on the leather is generally a range number ie. 2/3 oz., 7/8oz etc. One ounce weight designation is 1/64 inch of thickness. Generally, the slight variations encountered in weight (thickness) differences within a single side of leather are of no consequence in the finished product. Larger differences from side to side of leather ie. 2/3 oz versus 7/8 oz. in different sides can make a big difference in the finished product.

Even if you carry a pocket leather thickness gauge, you would have to measure all the way around the side at intervals and still would not know for sure about the center portion you could not reach, and your findings would probably be very close to the range number written on the side of leather. So... within a single side of leather it becomes almost a non issue unless it was grossly mis labeled. Your eye will soon be trained to pick up even subtle differences in thickness. Can't beat experience.

Paul

 

[Wild Rose]

What Paul said plus if you want the most uniform thickness piece overall buy backs aka bends - these are usually sold at a premium over sides or shoulders (avg $1.00 per sq ft more). Depending on your desire in leather the "advantages are - no belly leather at all, the most uniform in thickness, less chance marks or stretch marks, the least amount of stretching (the best belts for instance are generally best made from backs when laid out parallel to the spine.)

 

[Clem Kadiddlehopper]

What the two pros said above - their words are good as gold.....:thumbup::thumbup:

 

[Joe R.]

Thank you all for your replies. Good to know that the industry is generally reliable as far as labeling, also good to know about the back leather as well.