Ok, been a while since last update. Some $$ came and I was able to purchase some adhesive, borrow a cutting matte & rotary cutter, and I've done the rough cutting of the buckskin to the perimeter shape, allowing 1/2" for fold/over on the edge for reinforcement so I'll have 2 holes on the front and 2 holes on the back at each lace event. Sort of like a pair of shoes with the tongue underneath.
I did some research and found an adhesive that was not too agressive, so I can cut, check fit, cut again, etc... It's an "Easy Tack" adhesive in a rattle can from Michael's.
I've cut around the bridge, neck pickup route, and control cavity route. The ferrels will mount as seen, so will the neck mounting plate.
I'll have quite a bit of hand work left such as sewing and such near the routes, doing "whip-stitches" around those to reinforce the edges, and I'll be doing an inseam at the neck heel where the leather goes around the corner.
More in the next week or so, waiting on some ordered parts to come in, ala leather hole punch pliers and a bunch of leather lace "thongs" made of smoked elkskin, which will be used to tie the front piece to the back.
ccasion14:
