Members BoogieMan2718 Posted November 2, 2022 Members Report Posted November 2, 2022 Hello, I am still relatively new to leatherwork as a hobby and I have bought all of the basic tools I need and made a few tools as well. I would love to have a set of good oblong punches but they are quite pricey! So, in your experience, if you could only have one size of oblong punch to do as much different punching as possible what width and length would it be? I have already considered making sure it is short because I can always step it forward to lengthen the punched area. Also, I have been looking at C.S. Osborne, but does anyone have any other good brand recommendations? Quote
CFM chuck123wapati Posted November 2, 2022 CFM Report Posted November 2, 2022 what do you make the most of? Quote Worked in a prison for 30 years if I aint shiny every time I comment its no big deal, I just don't wave pompoms. “I won’t be wronged, I won’t be insulted, and I won’t be laid a hand on. I don’t do these things to other people, and I require the same from them.” THE DUKE!
Doc Reaper Posted November 2, 2022 Report Posted November 2, 2022 (edited) I have need for only one and it is a 3/16th, it is used for belts to make the tounge lie down better. I’m sure a round hole, the same size, would do just as well but the oval looks better I also have bag punches purchased at different times that measure 3/4 of an inch up to 2 1/4 inches please be just a bit clearer on its use, I started out using 1 inch oblong and moved up to a 1 1/4 inch oblong to make the tounge slot on belts and straps Edited November 2, 2022 by Doc Reaper Clear statement Quote Doc Reaper
Members doubleh Posted November 2, 2022 Members Report Posted November 2, 2022 I have never owned one. I use the size hole punch I want on each end and cut the sides out with the appropriate sized wood chisel. When I started this long ago I had the wood chisels and not much money. It worked and I have stuck with it. Quote
Members BlackDragon Posted November 2, 2022 Members Report Posted November 2, 2022 I needed a couple of oblong punches but really didnt want to spend big money on them because I saw a few bad reviews on the big name brands. They stated the punches were dull and didnt hold up well. I took the chance on a set of cheap punches. There were 7 sizes in the set and only needed 2 of them, for $13 it wouldn't have be a big loss if they were junk. Once I got them they went right to my sharpening stones. They work great! They go right through 10oz leather and so far they're holding their edges. Quote
Members Tugadude Posted November 2, 2022 Members Report Posted November 2, 2022 Unless you use them a lot, just become proficient using round hole punches for the ends and then cut straight lines connecting them. If I made a ton of belts, I'm probably invest in one. If you are new, and you insist on having them, maybe look for some el cheapo imports for the time being. I know the old saying "buy once, cry once" as a reason to invest in quality, but if you are only going to use them a couple times a year is it really wise? If you use them regularly, then sure, buy a good set. Use your resources to invest in higher quality versions of what you DO use regularly. That's my free advice, and worth every penny! Quote
Members Burkhardt Posted November 3, 2022 Members Report Posted November 3, 2022 Check out @Oak Grove Leather Works he's selling all his tools and might have what you're looking for. Quote
Moderator bruce johnson Posted November 3, 2022 Moderator Report Posted November 3, 2022 I assume you are talking about slot or bag punches because some places do call them oblong punches. If not, ignore this. There is a general recommendation floating around to make the slot for a buckle the width of the strap. I don't like that. On a 1/2 strap that may not be enough or too much depending on thickness or buckle length. On a 1-1/2" it may be sloppy. On my smaller stuff usually a 5/8" was good. On a belt 7/8" was usually good. One horse gear with thick leather up to a 1-1/2 for back cinch buckles. Disclaimer - I deal in leather tools and have some opinions on makers/styles and generally they are wrong according to some email replies and phone messages I get. Feel free to contact me privately and we can discuss my opinions. Easiest way is through my website and there should be a link below. Quote Bruce Johnson Malachi 4:2 "the windshield's bigger than the mirror, somewhere west of Laramie" - Dave Stamey Vintage Refurbished And Selected New Leather Tools For Sale - www.brucejohnsonleather.com
Members dannyd Posted November 4, 2022 Members Report Posted November 4, 2022 On 11/2/2022 at 1:02 PM, doubleh said: I have never owned one. I use the size hole punch I want on each end and cut the sides out with the appropriate sized wood chisel. When I started this long ago I had the wood chisels and not much money. It worked and I have stuck with it. That is an excellent idea I have a old Stanley set from 50 years ago 1/8 to 2". Quote
Members Gezzer Posted November 4, 2022 Members Report Posted November 4, 2022 I finally broke down and bought a cheap 3/4 " oblong , I used it twice and went back to hole punch and cutting to connect the dots . But if I did a lot of that type stuff , I could see dropping some $ on a good set . Quote
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.