Replies

1. 
   joinerswork | Jan 05, 2008 02:23am | #1

   cback,

   If you are asking how it was done a long time ago, the typical leather inset was glued with flour paste (wallpaper paste) or hide glue into a recess that was usually formed by the application of a "frame", or border, of veneer (to a substrate) that roughly matched the thickness of the leather .  Handcut veneer is around 1/16" thick.  Sometimes, a frame of solid wood surrounds a panel of solid wood that is recessed (thinned) on one side, to allow for the the thickness of the leather.  The construction is like that of a panelled door.

   Using plywood in lieu of solid wood for the panel- nowadays- will prevent the shrinkage, and subsequent cracks, that often plague old work. 

   Ray

2. 
   allenb | Jan 05, 2008 06:28am | #2

   http://antiquerestorers.com/LEATHERinstall.htm

   Follow this link to some real interesting information on installing a leather desk top.

3. 
   ring | Jan 05, 2008 09:47am | #3

   Ray's response is quite right. I can only add that I've twice used regular Titebond to glue leather to an MDF substrate with good results. I used a second sheet of MDF (of the same size) to press with, setting about 50 kgs of weight on it overnight. I believe that the leather is not very fussy about how you glue it.

   David Ring

   http://www.touchwood.co.il/?id=1&lang=e

1. 
   joinerswork | Jan 05, 2008 05:49pm | #4

   Hi David,

   I've used titebond also.  I've used a clothes iron set on "warm" to set the glue right away, by ironing the leather (or felt) down, after getting it in place.  Trim immediately afterward.

   It is important that one does not stretch the leather, pulling it into position, rather just gently smooth out any puckers or wrinkles, to avoid shrinkage as the adhesive cures.

   Ray