The things that make this job easier!

[toxo]

This thread should be gold for those that come after.

A couple small ones to start. How often do we need to find the center to place a tag or line up stitching? I might be slow on the uptake because I've only just stumbled across these centering rulers. One is stuck to the bench and the other is a plastic ruler that is see through with a metal edge for cutting.

This next one I've ordered but not here till tomorrow. I needed one of these the other day and didn't have one so like a lot of things I improvised.

Flexible Ruler 16 Inch 40cm Curve Ruler for Engineering Drawing, Design Graphics | eBay

More to follow.

Edited April 30, 2024 by toxo

[Garyak]

1 hour ago, toxo said:

This thread should be gold for those that come after.

A couple small ones to start. How often do we need to find the center to place a tag or line up stitching? I might be slow on the uptake because I've only just stumbled across these centering rulers. One is stuck to the bench and the other is a plastic ruler that is see through with a metal edge for cutting.

This next one I've ordered but not here till tomorrow. I needed one of these the other day and didn't have one so like a lot of things I improvised.

Flexible Ruler 16 Inch 40cm Curve Ruler for Engineering Drawing, Design Graphics | eBay

More to follow.

I don’t understand how folks even attempt something without the center finding rulers. I still use the same ones I ordered from Dick Blick art supplies in 94. Definitely one of the first mandatory items needed in the tool box. Work off the center for everything, you can’t go wrong. 

[tsunkasapa]

As a carpenter, I found center for 40 years without one. I have one now, and use it occasionally. But I never found it essential.

[toxo]

50 minutes ago, tsunkasapa said:

As a carpenter, I found center for 40 years without one. I have one now, and use it occasionally. But I never found it essential.

Well that's the point isn't it. We can all find the center but these gadgets just make it easier and maybe quicker.

[Aven]

I use round jawed jewelry pliers when I had sew.  Because of injuries I don't have the hand strength I should so I have found that the spring loaded pliers make all the difference for me.  Flat jawed needle nose pliers will work, but you need to careful using them.  You have to grab the needle along the length, not across.  And if you use regular needle nose pliers, you can damage the needle surface.  The round jaw pliers aren't expensive and having them spring loaded cuts down on hand movements.

Until the VA sorts out what's wrong with my shoulder, I am using a 1 ton arbor press instead of a maul to punch holes or use a stitching iron.  I would have liked to be able to have a 3 ton for the space between the back and the ram, but its too large for my shop  and its too heavy for me to move by myself right now.  I have two magnetic based LED sewing lights on each side to make it easier to see what I'm doing.  They make all the difference in the world in eliminating shadows so I can see.

[jcuk]

1 hour ago, Aven said:

I use round jawed jewelry pliers when I had sew.  Because of injuries I don't have the hand strength I should so I have found that the spring loaded pliers make all the difference for me.  Flat jawed needle nose pliers will work, but you need to careful using them.  You have to grab the needle along the length, not across.  And if you use regular needle nose pliers, you can damage the needle surface.  The round jaw pliers aren't expensive and having them spring loaded cuts down on hand movements.

Until the VA sorts out what's wrong with my shoulder, I am using a 1 ton arbor press instead of a maul to punch holes or use a stitching iron.  I would have liked to be able to have a 3 ton for the space between the back and the ram, but its too large for my shop  and its too heavy for me to move by myself right now.  I have two magnetic based LED sewing lights on each side to make it easier to see what I'm doing.  They make all the difference in the world in eliminating shadows so I can see.

I use these they are cheap also. There are more expensive versions but why spend more than you need to. They are smooth jawed also.

https://www.hobbycraft.co.uk/flat-nose-pliers/6306971000.html 

https://www.maunindustries.com/smooth-jaws-flat-nose-parallel-plier-140-mm/ Expensive but like the idea you can hide the needle in them less chance of an accident.

 

Edited April 30, 2024 by jcuk

[dikman]

I have a pair of parallel-jaw pliers that I used when I worked as a technician, they are excellent for grabbing the needle when hand-sewing and don't mark/damage the needle.

[toxo]

Here's a little gadget that I use for cutting circles. It's plastic but if handled gently will do the job. I've had this one for at least two years and I love it. If you don't want the hole a small piece of leather stuck in the center with double sided tape will do the trick.

Here's a small video.

 

Edited April 30, 2024 by toxo

[NatesLeatherGds]

Well.... a bit prosaic - but this was a game changer for me in an apartment - no banging. Everything from the die cutters to punching for belts to corners. 

[NatesLeatherGds]

12 hours ago, toxo said:

I might be slow on the uptake because I've only just stumbled across these centering rulers.

Faster than me! I have a clear one as well - but literally never though to use it for centering - duh! Now it opens things up quite a bit. I can and most likely will do some old school... measure 10,000 times - cut once - but this is a great tip. Thanks!