What weight/thickness of leather for Bellows?

Uilleann Pipes
1

If one were thinking about making their own bellows, what leather would one need?

Thanks!
Reepicheep

2

I use black leather that I buy by the hide from the Leather Factory. It is a 4-5 oz. leather about 1/8" thick. It is used to make chaps.

If you have trouble getting a scrap of leather send me a PM. I may also have a set of cherry clappers already cut out that are yours for the price of postage. I’ll also give you a pattern for the gusset if you want the clappers. I have a picture of the last set of bellows I made on one of the last posts in “Pictures of your pipes”.

If you have any other construction questions let me know. It’s pretty straight forward.
Jim

3

… and a nice looking set of bellows they are. I really like ‘birds eye’ maple.

4

Jim - check your PM.

Also would this leather need to be treated to make it airtight?

Thanks again for the replies!

Peace!
Reepicheep

5

That will depend on the leather you get. Some need no seasoning at all. For seasoning I would use beeswax and neatsfoot oil.

6

How do you know which leather needs seasoning and which doesn’t? I know we’re talking about bellows here, but the leather my bag is made form has an almost vinyl-type texture on the inside - smooth and fairly stiff, but it’s still porous as testified to by the amount of seasoning that has made its way to the outside surface over the years.
Cheers,

DavidG

7

Try holding it tightly against our mouth and see if you can force any air through it. If you can , it’s probably going to need seasoning.

8

Is that the standard procedure used by makers when deciding on what leather to use, or are there other ways of knowing which needs seasoning and which doesn’t.

I don’t know if my local leather merchant would like me kissing all his samples :slight_smile:

Cheers,

DavidG

9

David,
I agree it’s a bit odd…but it works. I’m not a pipe make, so I don’t know what others do. I just do what works for me.
Jim

10

I have seen Pipemakers check their leather, and it is sucking, not kissing…

Mike :slight_smile:

11

I’ll hafta give it a go then. I may be missing out on something :smiley:

12

Ooh, you are aweful… but I like you. Remind me to introduce myself at the next tionol, you beast! :smiley:

Dick Emery.