Hello to all of you!   I've seen quite a few of you complain about the
availability of leathers -- especially thin ones such as the well known
(and often faulty) 'zephyr skin".  Here are two addresses in Europe which
have supplied excellent skins to me for the rebuilding of various
mechanical organs and bird pieces.

The procedure I used when I worked with both of these companies some
years ago (I last bought a big supply in 1993 or so) is to send them some
samples and ask them to send samples back with prices (in their
currency).  Then I indicated which leathers I wanted and sent them some
money - usually $50 to $100.  and told them to send me whatever that
covered after their expenses in conversion, plus the materials and the
shipping.  I've always been treated fairly and got more than I really
expected.

The first of these suppliers has an excellent variety of zephyr skin
materials in thin, medium and heavy thicknesses.  It is quite airtight and
is not oily.

By the way, a good precaution on any of these 'leathers' (they are really
materials made from animal intestines!) is to wipe them with some 90%
alcohol (from the drug store) before gluing them.  I still think that hot
glue, properly thin and properly applied is best for every kind of
bellows work.  Read some wood-working manuals in the library for the
right way to store, mix and use hot glue.  Freshness is very important as
is constant, yet gentle heat.

Here are the addresses, as I have them from the last time I used them:

  Mr. Karl Latz, Proprietor
  Friedrich Herzog & Co.
  Keltenstrasse 3
  Postfach 11 25
  63939 Wörth/Main
  Germany

The zephyr skin materials are usually called "Similileather" by
this company.

  J. Paris & Cie
  10, Rue de Marseille
  75010 Paris
  France

Perhaps my good friend Philippe Rouille can give them a call and see
whether they are still in business!  (I last dealt with them in 1982!)

Hope this help[s you 'pouchmakers'.  Perhaps we should start a little
'cottage industry' going here.  On second thought .... better not!

Regards,

Frank Metzger