Sewing Tack

[moarkcav]

I am interested in sewing some of my own tack. My leather skills have been limited making some own my own basic repairs over the years. What I am looking for is advice on where to start...materials, basic tools I need, construction methods, etc.

Any help or advice would be appreciated.

Thanks,

Chris Talburt

[AZFarrier]

Re: Sewing Tack

Chris
My advise would be to visit a local leather shop. They generally will sell needles, awls, thread, ect. To start I would recommend a simple leather project and then work up from there. Sewing leather is very simular to sewing cloth but you generally will need a pair of needle-nose pliers to pull the needle through. For small projects, that might save you money, visit the local feed store, sometimes they sell bags of scrap leather for tack repairs, usially a bag will run you about $2.00-$3.00.
Of course I don't need to tell you but reaserch, reaserch, reaserch! I recently made myself a M1855 cartridge box by hand, I had a little help from Troy Groves (AZReenactor) for loaning me a template, and I also have to credit Don Smith (TMD) for some advise from him. After that project I feel that I can start to take on bigger projects. My next project will be 2 feedbags.
Hope this helps.

Andy Miler
1st CAL Cav

[moarkcav]

Re: Sewing Tack

Thanks for the reply Andy.

Years back there was a thread that dealt with blackening linen thread for sewing leather. I have searched for that thread and I think it was lost in a crash. I have also searched the web but with no luck. I am probably using the wrong wording. If anyone knows what mixture to use please drop me a line.

Also where is a good place to find hardware for tack?

Thanks,

Chris Talburt

[Stonewall_Greyfox]

Re: Sewing Tack

Sir,

Your'e probably recalling the process of making kit (kit wax). The recipee for it is available in the Ordnance Manual, (although mine is currently packed in storage). The ingredients are simple enough, basically being beeswax and pine rosin.

The mixture forms a black tar like substance, which when applied will reduce wear on the linen thread from the needles, act as a sound binding agent and will help increase the life of the stitching.

I know this was included in previous discussions, but cannot pull anything up using the search function.

Perhaps Neil Rose or someone else can provide the exact composition.

**In response to using needle-nose pliers for pulling needles.**

Resist the urge to use pliers with any sort of teeth, if pliers are used in leather projects they should generally be devoid of the teeth (high end tool companies like Osborne, J. Dixon, V. Blanchard even make a variety of pliers for pulling needles). The teeth on these sort of tools have a tendency to scar the needles (further making them harder to pull through) and subsequently reducing the lifespan of the needle.


Paul B. Boulden Jr.

RAH VA MIL '04
23rd VA Vol. Regt.

[moarkcav]

Re: Sewing Tack

Paul:

Thanks for the reply. Does anyone know if the ordnance manual is available online? I am only finding snipits of it when I search.

Thanks,

Chris Talburt

[1st Maine Trooper]

Re: Sewing Tack

Yes the Ordinance Manual can be found on line here:

http://civilwarfortifications.com/library/ordnance-1850/index-frame.html

Dave Myrick