Paging Gregintenn

[RobDude30]

I noticed in another post that you use the small rolls of Tandy waxed linen thread and their egg eye needles. I do the same as I like the way the thread looks on holsters and other larger items. The problem I have is that I have been using the humongous Tandy awl that comes in the kit, and while I have honed it down some and only use the first inch or so of it, I would like to find an awl that is a better match size-wise for this thread combination. So, may I ask which awl are you using?

I also had the same problem as you about wanting larger rolls of the waxed linen thread. I have started purchasing my Irish waxed linen thread from Royalwood, Ltd. They have it in various cord sizes and the larger one is very close to the size of the Tandy thread. It comes in much larger spools and in many different colors. Thought you might be interested in that.

Thanks!

Rob

[gregintenn]

I have this 4-in-1 set, and use the diamond shaped blade.

http://www.tandyleatherfactory.com/search/searchresults/3209-00.aspx?feature=Product_1&kw=awl

I lay the item on a wood board, and hit the top of the awl handle with a rubber hammer to make the holes. The holes seem about right to me, and seem to draw up around the stitches when you pull the thread tight.

[RobDude30]

I use the same awl, but use a stitching pony and push it through the leather by hand. I only use about the first 1" or less of the blade though because the hole would be way to big using the entire blade. Using my method, if I happen to slip and push the blade too far in, I get a big ugly hole. I can see where your method would work much better with the bigger awl. I may try filing mine down some more in the middle to make it more even in width over the length of the blade. Thanks for the reply!!!!

[gregintenn]

Yeah, the wooden board keeps the awl from going too far into my leather. If it went all the way through, you'd definitely have too big a hole. I started out making holse with a fid, bit it wouldn't hold an edge.