Some time ago Kangaroo hide was mentioned rather extensively on the
digest and the general opinion was that drought conditions in Australia
had affected the quality of the skins available then.  I myself received
some less than wonderful stuff from Schaffs.  Does anyone have information
on what is currently available in both valve and bellows weight and pouch
weights?

I am planning on making valve seats for a Duo-Art cross valve with
Kangaroo bonded to a stiff backing material to create a seat that is
resilient enough to not take a permanent indentation but is stiff enough
to not curl during changes of humidity.  I think that one of the worst
aspects of the cross valve is that there is no room for a retainer for
the top valve seat.  

I know that everyone hates cross valves and thinks that they should be
all laid to rest, but I would like to try this as a possible solution to
the lack of a suitable leather available today for this valve.  Does
anyone have any ideas in favor or against this approach.  I really have
heard Duo-Arts play well on cross valves and would like to see them do so
after a rebuild.  If everyone agrees that this idea is worthless, I'll
give more thought to the round valve replacements.

Spencer Chase