converted a crafttool press to punch and bag punch leather straps

[Canuck]

Over the Christmas break my dad and I converted a crafttool press to punch and bag punch leather straps.

The jig will centre the strap to allow the press to punch a hole or oblong hole in the centre of the strap.

I cut off the base of the press to allow me to use a tandy mini punch set and a series of punches that require a 4" throat.

I ground down the end of the punch holder so it would fit in the press.

I made a parrallel device that will centre the strap under the punch. It's spring loaded (using bungy cord). I can go from 1/2" wide strap to 3 1/4"wide

Costs. craftool press $100

mini punch $10

3/4" oblong punch $45

hardware $4

plywood, oak strips and maple base on hand.

The unit will be mounted on a bench. I will attach a cable to the handle to convert it to a foot press.

I will mount a ruler and use L shaped wire as a guage for the holes.

I also need to mount the press on a metal base instead of the hardwood as there is a lot of torque.

At the moment it works really well.

[Luke Hatley]

WHAT WE SAY DOWN HERE " THAT IS USEING YOUR HEAD FOR SOMETHING ELSE

THAN TO SEPERATE YOUR EARS" :beer:

[Skipknives]

that's a smokin idea,,love seeing what folks come up with in their shops,,cool beans.