Leather Workers Career Description
In the leather industry prepared hides of animals (leather), plastics or other materials are used to manufacture various products. This article describes the general work connected with leather preparation (tanning) and the manufacturing of the various products.
What am I going to do in this occupation?
There are four sections within the leather industry, in each of which the nature of the work varies considerably.
Tanning
Preparing the hides of animals involves various chemical processes. The hides are soaked to remove the salt and thereafter they are treated with chromium salt or vegetable products to de-hair and de-flesh the hides. In the drying process stakers, stretchers and togglers work on the hides to produce a satisfactory shape.
Splitters, using sharp knives, split the hides into pieces of similar thickness and shavers remove the remaining hair and unevenness of each section. Sprayers, using special equipment, spray on different colors according to demand, and buffers buff the leather to impart a smooth surface. The pieces are machine-measured for size and dispatched in bundles or bales to the processing plants.
Footwear
At the footwear factory, clickers cut out or press the leather or imitation leather for the uppers and lining-cutters cut out the lining. The skiver thins the seam edges, so that the seams do not become too thick and heavy when stitched. The machinist sews the uppers and the lining together.
Sole-cutters and insole-cutters cut out the various parts of the sole. The assembly department collects the various parts and matches soles and uppers in the correct sizes for completion of the shoes in the lasting department.
The pull toe lasters fit the uppers to the lasts and these are joined by using lasting machines. Sole-attachers apply adhesives, sole-stitchers stitch around the soles and heel-attachers fasten on the heels. The solemoulder applies rubber soles, where required.
The edge trimmers, who trim the soles and heels, smooth the rough edges. The bottom scourer polishes the soles and the inker applies black dye to obtain a black sole.
General Leather Goods
These include a variety of goods, such as shopping bags, briefcases, saddles and bridles. The making of each involves different operations. In the case of suitcases and shopping bags, for example, imitation board is used, which simplifies the procedure.
When manufacturing suitcases, the cutters cut out sheets, using a guillotine to cut the board, but use handshears or knives for other materials.
To produce curves and rounded edges, moulders shape the board when special machines are not used. The liners attach the linings and the fitters install the locks and hinges. Cleaners remove rough edges and spots or marks.
Handbags
Leather and imitation leather are used. Cutters cut out the outers, the board for stiffening and the lining. Machinists stitch the materials together and the framers insert the frames that give the required shape. The stiffeners insert the board between the lining and the others, and the fitters attach locks or special clasps. The cleaners remove loose ends and spots of adhesive or other material.
Requirements
What kind of personality do I need? A certain degree of mechanical ability,
together with steady, deft hands, should stand a leather worker in good stead.
The ability to persevere, even when routine tasks may become monotonous, is an advantage in this career. Manual dexterity and the skilful handling of tools are important.
Where can I work?
The leather industry employs a large labor force and prospects are good. There is often a shortage of skilled workers, particularly machinists. Advancement could lead to supervisory positions for those with the ability to manage people.
Can I work for myself in this occupation?
As a result of the specialized nature of all these occupations, it is not possible to work for oneself.
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