Tree Reaper

For round objects I'll lay out a square pattern behind the leather, it helps to have reference lines when stamping or carving.

Looks very nice, where did you come up with the pattern if you don't mind me asking.

For sure, I'll keep you posted on the results. It's amazing how something so simple can become so complicated. I know it's a copy right issue for them but I'm not asking about the process they use to make the tool, they didn't invent the thread and because it's a bastard thread you can't find it at the hardware store so it seems like a case of paranoia.

Their prices look a little wacky.

Very nice. I couldn't find a web site for them but I can call for their catalog. I just dropped my punch off with the shop and I may get it back as soon as tomorrow.

My thoughts EXACTLY. Thanks for that tip J.

All I was looking for was a piece of threaded rod or pipe to thread on the cutters in order to keep my fingers safely away from the buffing wheel when sharpening. They must think I want to sell the information to China. Osborne is now at the very bottom of my tool supply list. I'll buy from Japan before buying another Osborne tool. I know the machine shop I work with can duplicate the thread on a piece of brass or aluminum rod in a matter of minutes. So long Osborne!

Tan- Kote will give you a mellow finish.

I have SAE and Metric thread gauges Tom and I can match the thread but the diameter of the thread doesn't match the standard threads. I checked pipe threads and couldn't find a match also but I know you can make any thread you want on a lathe and I'm pretty sure that's what they've done. When I find out everyone will know. They would have been better off just telling me instead of making it a Big deal.

I'm trying to find out what the thread is on this tool so I can make a handle for it. The handle that comes with it has the self centering pin pressed into it and I can't use it to sharpen the cutting punches on my wheel. I contacted Osborne and they are treating it like a trade secret. It appears to be a bastard thread so they may be using their own thread. If I can't find out here I'll take it to a machine shop. Thanks. Kevin.

Yes it is Mike, right side gets chucked.

You can tool it but when done put a coat of neatsfoot oil on it prior to finishing. Allow the oil to dry at least 24 hours before finishing.

It's very difficult to cut square using a ruler . You start with a single straight cut then make the other three cuts using a square to get a perfect square cut in your leather. With a ruler you get all four cuts the exact same length but the cuts aren't square to each other. If you prefer to use the ruler for cutting then lay the pattern out with a square and then use your ruler to cut.

Try to concentrate on downward pressure more than side pressure on the straight edge. I use a steel framing square as well, more weight less movement and you can put a knee on the end to help hold it. Clamping for cutting long pieces works real well, I have a 4ft. aluminum straight edge for that. Sharp blade is a must.

It's in "The Art of Hand Sewing Leather" How to sew with curved needles and awl.

I bought the set from Springfield Leather, mainly because of the center pin within the punch. It gets you dead center each time. A little pricy at $79 wholesale but decent for what you get. the set is # 88-0156 http://springfieldleather.com/24676/Punch-Set%2CSelf-Centering/

Another way is to butt the edges and sew with a curved needle.

Matt; I would disagree that you can't make curved cuts, I make them all the time, small or large radius. Kevin.

The Osborne punch works good for that. You'll have to sharpen them though.

That's a good idea, if you did that it would probably look something like this ...

If you want something heavier look at mini drill chucks. http://www.pjtool.com/keylesschuckwscrewgunadaptor.aspx

This is what I use http://springfieldleather.com/24733/Knife%2CUtility%2CAngled/ The secret is keeping it sharp and I do that with a cloth wheel and green compound. A single blade will last a long time.

Springfield has metallic and neon.

Look for "Pin Chuck". https://www.google.c...bih=491&dpr=0.9

Quality leather will burnish better. Use high end products for high end results.