Looking for a 7/8" bag punch

[skipj]

I'm taking the Holster making course in Wickenberg next month and I'm looking for a 7/8 " bag punch. Hidecrafters and Tandy don't seem to carry that size. Also does a oval punch differ from a bag punch?

Skip

[Johanna]

Bag punches ( also called "Slot Punches") are oblong. They are used for making slots in leather, usually for straps to pass through. Depending on what the slot's function is, I am not sure that an oval would do the job. I know folks that might use a 3/8 and a 1/2 to make a 7/8 slot, but one would have to be extremely careful, because you only get one chance to do it right, and you don't want any ragged edges or misalignment. I would call Kevin Hopkins at Springfield Leather and see if he can find you one, or maybe one of us has an extra we can part with. (Hint: Never give up on a leather or tool related search until you talk to Kevin!) That's odd that you can't find a 7/8 punch at HC or Tandy, because it's a relatively common size to use. Let us know how your search goes.

I'm looking forward to hearing about the class, and what you get out of it, too.

Johanna

[$$hobby]

the are the same punch.

Osborne makes the 7/8". you will have to find someeone that stocks osborne.

weaver has some of their own brand of punches also. More expenisve then osborne, but also better built. J. Watt makes some punches, but dont know if he makes any bag punches.

edit:

btw. if youre going to do this leatherwork for any amout of time, invest in good quality tools. they will last you longer.

there are some bag punches made from conduit. they are so-so and can work in a pinch, but i would opt for a better made punch.

Edited February 5, 2007 by $$hobby

[ClayB]

I'm taking the Holster making course in Wickenberg next month and I'm looking for a 7/8 " bag punch. Hidecrafters and Tandy don't seem to carry that size. Also does a oval punch differ from a bag punch?

Skip

Siegel of CA has Osborn bag punches from 1/4 inch to 2 inch. The 7/8 inch punch is listed on thier site for $34.50. https://www.siegelofca.com/itemdetail.asp?prodid=402

Also found one on ebay right now by searching for oblong punch. (didnt get any match when I typed in 7/8 but there is one)

There is a cheaper made oblong punch if it's not something you are going to use much. I have one that says Rampart tool co on it, but I don't know if anyone sells them anymore.

Clay

[skipj]

Thanks everyone for the info, wow that was fast. I found Siegels and Springfield both have them. I may have read oblong as oval. I have some of the Rampart punches They don't come in 7/8.

[skipj]

another question, has anyone heard of a "stitch chaser" ? It's used to press the threads into the leather surface after sewing.

Skip

Edited February 5, 2007 by skipj

[whinewine]

another question, has any heard of a "stitch chaser" ? It's used to press the threads into the leather surface after sewing.

Skip

I believe what you are referring to is an 'overstitch wheel'. You can use it to mark out your stitches for sewing, and, after the stitches are sewn, run it over the stitches to flatten them & press them into the leather. Tandy sells them, as do many other companies. However, I've never heard the term 'stitch chaser'- maybe this is why you can't locate it. The overstitch wheels most commonly sold are either #5, #6 or #7- (the numbers being the number of stitches per inch) although there are other sizes out there, they tend to be less practical than 5, 6 or 7 stitches per inch when it comes to sewing leather.

[skipj]

Thanks whinewine but that's not what I need. It looks like a little paintbrush with the bristles cut off. It's used in John Bianchi's Holster video. Looks to be a solid polished metal bar on a handle.

Skip

[Johanna]

A stitching groover has a little "L" shaped blade that you run down your stitch line for a light trench to stitch in. It recesses the stitches. You can't go too deep, or you will weaken the leather.

A bone folder can be run over completed stitching to flatten the thread into the leather some, but I was always taught, right or wrong, to flip the mallet upside down and pound them in, being careful not to leave little circles in the leather.

Doggone it...gonna make me dig out the Bianchi video? Bet I haven't looked at that in more than 10 years! You piqued my curiosity now! Can't think of the tool that fits your description.

Johanna

[Regis]

There is a neat $3 jewelry tool called a Bezel Roller that would do this extremely well for this. It has a well polished end that is used to push/roll gold or silver against a stone. If there is a jeweler supply near you, this is an easy solution.

Here is picture

[skipj]

Thanks Regis, that looks close enough.

Skip

[sheowahya]

Here is a great source for the bezel roller and lots of other jewelry/metal working tools and supplies.

http://www.ijsinc.com/IndianJewelersSupplyCo.htm

Here is the catalog page where you can find that roller.

http://www.ijsinc.com/catalogs/Tools%2012,...tonesetting.pdf

I have bought a lot of tools and supplies from them over the years. Their website is a little difficult to navigate, but they are VERY helpful.

Just a little FYI I thought I'd pass along.

Marilyn

[Regis]

I have also bought a lot from IJS over the years and like them. I even went well out of my way on a trip out west 7-8 years ago just to visit the people at the store in Gallup. Folks have always been helpfull and nice to work with. Glad to see others have found the same.

Regis