Jax

Hi get some paper or card & work the pattern out on that 1st then make yourself a template from it, I use anything I can lay my hands on thats round to draw around, or you could use a compass, hope I have helped.

Awesome

Welcome Edd from a fellow Brit

thats amazing!!!

I found these on ebay, hope it is of some use to you http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Leathercraft-Lacing-Sewing-Clamp-for-Stitching-Leather-/261208429471?pt=UK_Crafts_Leathercraft_LE&hash=item3cd13c539f http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/leather-working-stitching-clamp-saddlers-clamp-/230972103530?pt=UK_Crafts_Leathercraft_LE&hash=item35c7029b6a I hold mine between my knees, some have them attached to the work bench.

Ive never seen anything like this before but could it possibly be to cut a stitch groove to sink stitches into? Like for roundings when the groove is closed over the stitching.

I always line the jaws of my clamps with either leather or a rubber ( I cut rubber rein grips up) Have a look on ebay there has been a few sets of clamps on recently

Yeah I was gonna try & tell you where I got mine from, (could be where Dixons get them from) not sure if the company is still there & I dont know the address, but I do know where it is/was, but you have a long way to come so I guess thats not an option.

Thanks Invasion was wondering if you were near to Walsall but I see youre not.

Where are you based invasion?

Nige, you are crazy, I love it , thanks for all the info & fun

Very nice, I really like that, thanks for sharing

If it were me Id just prick mark on the outside parts, you are right about them not lining up if you mark both.

yes I understand the use of rivets/chicago screws instead of stitching but why have both?

I dont see the need for rivets if the stitching is good, imo it may even weaken the strap.

different abrasives have different colours, after reading stuff here & there, Ive come to the conclusion that the Tandy stuff aint all that good, I have used it for years, not knowing there were better alternatives, I have just bought these... http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/360612828048?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1423.l2649 http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/200905663189?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1423.l2649 rub onto a piece of card like whats on the back of an A4 pad, it does seem alot better.

Take care, hope to see you back real soon

ditto whats already been said I have an old Dixons splitter & that too will cut through the leather if its not pulled through leve (its so easy to do)l, dont give up on yours just yet, get it sharp & reset/check the position of the blade, roller etc before going to anymore expense. Good luck & please let us know how you get on

the middle 1 is definately an eyelet setter, I had a couple of them & couldnt get them to work right so threw them out, think the top 1 maybe too, the bottom I think is a snap setter as amh has said.

thanks TO I was interested in a Tangleboss & couldnt get the web page up

Angelus do empty felt tip pens too

I work in my bedroom & for small stuff I just put a piece of board ontop of a chest of drawers, with approriate cutting mat etc on top, then when I finished put it away again, or I sometimes just use a board on my lap while sitting on the edge of my bed.

I 2nd that Mike, my wooden strap cutter was 1 of my best ever tool buys, I use it more than my plough gauge.

I really love that, thanks for sharing

no Mike, step 5 is totally wrong it needs to be MY address