Cutting Leather

[HorseMud]

First, I am not a regular or full time leather worker. However, when I get on a roll, I tend to make myself a holster, belt, etc. at one time. I don't do any carving, trying to stick to the old dusty west styles, not the fancy carved, painted, silver trimmed works of art.

I have found that one of my biggest problems is getting good, clean holster cuts. I allways use new blades, just can't seem to get that good edge that others get. I was wondeing if anyone used mechanical cutters, i.e., band saws or scroll/jig saws ??? I know they really have some good thin blades for intricate cuts.

Your input and suggestions are appreciated.

Bob "Hose Mud" Hall

SASS # 74179

[TwinOaks]

Howdy and to Leatherworker.net!

You've asked a question that will have almost as many answers as members!!!!

In fact, we had a rather lengthy discussion about it ...Click me to read it.

Hopefully that will answer a good bit of the question, and you can expect other answers on this thread.

[CitizenKate]

Bob, what type of cutter are you using now? And what weight of leather are you cutting?

I did try cutting leather parts with a band saw once. It was easy to cut with almost perfect accuracy, but the edges... whew! pretty rough!

Kate

I have found that one of my biggest problems is getting good, clean holster cuts. I allways use new blades, just can't seem to get that good edge that others get. I was wondeing if anyone used mechanical cutters, i.e., band saws or scroll/jig saws ??? I know they really have some good thin blades for intricate cuts.

[Art]

Hi Kate,

I have a box of knife edge bandsaw blades, they work great on leather, especially sole bends.

Art

Bob, what type of cutter are you using now? And what weight of leather are you cutting?

I did try cutting leather parts with a band saw once. It was easy to cut with almost perfect accuracy, but the edges... whew! pretty rough!

Kate

[HorseMud]

Thank y'all for the replies. The leather I use is in the 8-9 oz. range, typically doubled. Also, thanks for the link - will check it out.

Horse Mud

[CitizenKate]

Art, are those really fine-toothed blades? The blade I used was somewhat finer toothed than what the saw came with.

Kate

I have a box of knife edge bandsaw blades, they work great on leather, especially sole bends.

[TwinOaks]

One of our members, when making holsters, does all the assembly then takes the edges of the leather to a belt sander. I think it's BOOMSTICKholsters that does that. Anyway, the idea is get it all together, and instead of worrying about an edge lining up, remove excess so that it does. Incidentally, I seem to recall that he allows a little extra on the edges during assembly because he's going to sand it.

[Kowboyboots]

I score mine with the laser cutter, actually burns the edges quit nicely also. But because of the fibers of leather it is hard to cut all the way through with out using to much heat and flaring the edges.

That's why I just score it then use a new blade in the excato knife. It has a nice line to follow an the knife stays in the lines.

Ok so not every one has a laser, but it is getting more common. LOL

[antipaladin]

I started out using a utility razor from Home Depot. It worked great. Then I bought a decent quality head knife and learned how to sharpen it the RIGHT way from a professional saddler. Took a good long time, but now I use it for everything except strap cutting. Cuts through everything (including my thumb when I wasn't careful enough...

I should also say that I do leatherwork for pleasure only, not for a profit. Part of the fun for me is learning how to do everything the "old school" way. For example, making my own hand wax, occasionally sewing with hog bristles, and learning to use a head knife for many different cutting chores. Then again, I still wear a Baracuta jacket and have a few 20 year old Lacoste sweaters in my closet...LOL My wife says I'm "retro", but is it really "retro" if you've never changed?

Edited September 27, 2008 by antipaladin

[Davy]

Clicking Knives are the go . You can interchange the blades (I make mine from hacksaw blades) . If made right they cut like a razor . A wooden hand clicking board is best to cut on or other boards made from end grain wood will do . You can get the knife handles from a bootmaker supplier . Heavy leathers use a hook in blade , thinner leathers require less hook . Great for cutting around templates , eliminates marking out . Cheers , Dave .