Hi everybody,

I'm to the point in building my rig that I'm considering places where there will be wood-to-wood contact (Mast thwart holes, lug-sail yards, etc).

The usual advice is to use leather in these places.

Not being much of a leather worker, I was wondering if anyone had any advice about doing this? Also are there any alternatives to leather? Would felt work?

In either case, do you just epoxy the leather on after varnishing? Do you need to treat the leather?

Does anyone think the whole leather thing is overkill?

That's a lot of questions but answers to even one would be great.

Thanks everyone.

--New to This

Use leather. I stitch it on or tack it on depending where it is. Working with leather is pretty much like using any other flexible material. You didn't say if you had access to a leather store, so....

Thanks Ed,

You were correct in guessing that finding leather was part of my challenge.

I was thinking someplace like Jo-Ann Fabrics might have it. But if you have a more industrial (less home-ec-like) suggestion I'd love to here it.

I bet you can find a leather store in the Alexandria area--try Tandy--there's one in Richmond.

Also try western and horse tack stores. As a last resort--maybe a first one--try a Goodwill or similar and find an old purse, etc. The leather is very usable and once treated with neatsfoot oil will be fine.

I doubt Jo-Anns would have it, but try anyhow.