1911 Jerry Report post Posted May 18, 2011 What is the trick to making a good grove that you can sew into? I try and I try and I still can't make it look right.. I'm using a tool from Tandy that has a deal on it to keep your grove so far away from the edge. It's also removable so you can free hand it. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Art Report post Posted May 18, 2011 Hi Jerry, I assume you are using the new tool, not the one that looks like it has an Allen wrench for a cutter. Wetting will of course make anything (leather) cut easier. Using the new tool, I can pretty much cut a groove to lay 277 in. This was using a dry piece of 15 year old Tandy leather; so it will definitely do the job. Place the tool about 60 degrees from horizontal and draw toward you. Art What is the trick to making a good grove that you can sew into? I try and I try and I still can't make it look right.. I'm using a tool from Tandy that has a deal on it to keep your grove so far away from the edge. It's also removable so you can free hand it. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
King's X Report post Posted May 18, 2011 I also use the Tandy Pro Groover and an old Rampart groover. What I have found is that I had to strop or polish my cutting tip right out of the bag. This will help you 90% of the time. The rest of Art's advice will get you there. As for the distance, what I was taught was that I use the thickness of the compiled leather to determine the distance, but do not exceed more than 3/8' from the edge. I say this because some makers use really thick leather like my two pancake holster that I made some years back around the belt slots for reinforcement. A couple more tricks or tips if I made impart on you (from lessons learned), if you happen to stitch too close to your edge and you notice 'bumps' or 'lumps' on your edges especially when you finish them. Your distance my be off or too close to the edge so be careful when guiding your distance. Finally, when I start my groover, unless I have practice on scrap (highly recommended), I would take a light pass to start off. Once you get the feel (or warm up to the tool) you can readjust the pressure and go for it. Good luck and Happy carving stitching! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Big O Report post Posted May 19, 2011 I've had good results by casing the leather before grooving, and making two passes. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
BIGGUNDOCTOR Report post Posted May 19, 2011 A good grove is one that the trees are spaced properly for best fruit production, harvesting, and pruning. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
