The Leather Bench

Edge Finishing Timer

Plan realistic time for sanding, edge coat and burnishing.

Tool Operation Area

Builds a step-by-step edge finishing schedule from edge length, leather thickness, finish quality and the number of coats.

How It Works

  • Each step has a base rate per metre of edge, measured on 3 mm vegetable-tanned leather.
  • Thicker edges take proportionally longer to sand and burnish because there is more surface to work.
  • The finish level multiplies every step: a show finish roughly doubles a workshop finish.
  • Drying time is fixed per coat and runs in parallel with other work, so it is listed separately.
bevel -> sand -> coat -> dry -> sand -> coat -> burnish
Schematic diagram of the calculation.

How to Use

  1. 1Add up every edge that will be finished, including inside pocket mouths.
  2. 2Enter the edge thickness after glue-up, not the single-layer thickness.
  3. 3Use the total to quote work honestly — edge finishing is usually the most under-estimated step.

FAQ

Why is burnishing so slow?

Friction heat has to build gradually; rushing glazes the surface without compacting the fibres.

Can I skip sanding between coats?

Only on workshop-grade work. Retail edges need at least one intermediate sanding.

Does chrome-tanned leather burnish?

Poorly. Use edge paint with more coats instead, and increase the coat count here.

What about gum tragacanth vs water?

Both work; gum gives a slightly darker, harder edge and no extra time.

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