Seasoning bellows

[mike delta]

Hello
I tried this thread on non uilleann pipes forum but got no response so I'm trying here.
How do I season my Northumbrian small pipe bellows (wood & leather) and what substance do I use either commercially bought or home made. I have several small leaks emanating through the stitching between the leather cheeks and the wooden boards. Nothing drastic and the bellows are still usable but I would like to staunch these small leaks now before they become an issue.
Regards
Mike Delta

[Ted]

For localized leaks, you can melt 5 parts lard with one part beeswax together and allow to cool. Make a worm of the mix and apply to the inside of the bellows where the leaks are with a chop stick or similar. Heat an oven to 130 degrees F. Turn off the oven and place the bellows inside. When the mix melts, cork off the outlet , open the bellows and cork off the inlet. Apply pressure to the paddles to force the mix into the leaks. It may take a couple of tries but will last for years. If the leather itself is leaky, you will need to replace the leather.

[mike delta]

Thank you for that
Mike Delta