Runner

Hi CW I've not tried waxing the awl blade. I'm sure this will help. The leather is 3ml x2. I guess i'm not very strong. Never thought of casing the leather first. I wil try all three and probably more press-ups! Regards Runner

Hi Ferg Sorry I didn't explain more clearly. I am using a stitch Pony and clamp the two pieces together. I am using scrap pieces and not glue ( but I have on other projects). I have stropped my awl using J-rouge so that it is polished. I probably need more practice to raise a better burr. However, i have some experience of knife sharpening and can keep each side and corresponding bevel of the diamond awl sharpened using a 4000 grit Japanese Waterstone followed by a very fine Washita stone/and or Ceramic rod and then lots of stropping to polish the edge. Although the awl might not be super sharp, I think the problem is not wholly inability to pierce due to lack of sharpness. But rather the leather due to it's thickness. This leads me to suspect stabbing strength and technique is the problem. Any ideas? Help. Runner

Hi All This is my first time posting on this site. I am new to leatherworking and I am experiencing problems piercing two pieces of leather with a diamond awl. Because i am unable to pierce through two pieces of leather I have been trying different strategies or solutions. I have sharpened and polished the awl to improve piercing capability-not working. I have experimented using a Diamond profile hole punch. Work OK on one piece of leather, but not two pieces. I am finding it impossible to align two pieces of leather, punch holes through both to ensure that the holes accurately follow a stitch groove line on the other side of the leather. I have mounted an awl blade in a bench press-works OK, but does not accurately pierce the holes to follow the stitch groove line. I have viewed some expert leather workers completing saddle stitch and they make using the awl look easy. What am I doing wrong? Any help would be greatly appreciated. Regards Runner

Hi Ray Yep. That's what you taught me to do. Works for me too! Been pestering flooring/carpet layers ever since. Regards