Any hope for a leaky leather gusset in a set of bellows? Air is leaking out (very slowly) from one of the creases on the bellows gusset. Should I try seasoning or should I just change the gusset?
Hi,
I made my own bag and bellows from leather.
If the the leak is from pin holes in the crease, re sealing should work.
The problem may return as the leather continues to flex.
If it gets to the point where there is a rip, you will have to sew it up first and reseal it.
or buy a new cow from Tandy Leather and replace it.
Tim
PJ,
If the bellows were previously seasoned, no harm in trying it again. If they were not, I’d try rubbing neatsfoot oil into the affected area on the outside of the bellows. If the leather is porous enough it may swell the leather enough to stop the leak.
Putting any oil based seasoning in the bellows may adversely affect adhesion of the leather to the clapper should you later decide to change the gusset.
If the leather has actually developed a crack in the seam, I’d go ahead and put on a new gusset.
Jim
Yep to whit the other callers suggested,but rather than replace the whole leather ye can always patch over the leak in the gusset.I did that to a set and it lasted for years. 
Uilliam
This is my dilema!!
The leak is at one point - where the gusset folds when the bellows is closed. The leather is at least 10 years old and hasn’t been seasoned.
The leather hasn’t cracked but has become very pourous at the fold.
I’ll give the Neats oil a go at the point of the leak and if that doesn’t work, a new gusset it is.
Thanks for the advice.
PJ - DON’T use neatsfoot oil! Do what Uilliam suggests and fit a patch internally over the leaking area. Instead of using contact adhesive (which would work) use silicone sealant; it is more flexible. It would be easier to do if you unscrewed the hinge so you can move the paddles around until you can get some pressure over the leak. Clamp for 24 hours and play the whistle in the meantime. 