Awl

[barra]

After Jimsaddler's post about the non existant awl blades for finer bridlework and his mention of making his own blades. As I read it I vaguely remember the ol boss mentioning the same method as Jim. Anyhoo, today I decided to give one a go.

I found an old wreck of a bicycle and cut off a spoke

I then found an old broomstick and whittled an awl handle and then got some emery cloth and tidied it up a bit

I then needed a ferrule and I went on the hunt for some scrap tubing. It then dawned on me where I could find some tubing for a ferrule.

I then went back to the wrecked bicycle and cut out a bit of the frame and tidied that up with the emery cloth.

I then fashioned the spoke into a diamond blade with a file and the emery cloth. I still think the blade needs a little polishing but it does punch out a rough diamond shape. I'll try a pic when I get back to my humble abode tonight.

[Bob]

Everyone claims Bob Douglas makes a pretty nice awl blade. I'm aiming a get some soon. Turns out he makes awl handles as well with real chucks in them too.

I think they're fair priced for what you get. All you need to do is spend half a day fiddleing around tring to make something work, and a new one from Bob Douglas is paid for.... They're nice folks to talk with on the phone. Very willing to help.

[barra]

Ok, pics I think. I stained the handle in a cup of tea and then oiled it with Ration pack butter. I then burnished the handle with a plastic dental floss pack. Came up OK I think. I have already worked out ways to make the blade easier next time.

If Jimsaddler reads this. Are the motor bike spokes strong enough to use as seat awls. Don't they bend if you use them to lever some item in place. I can see how they would make good seat awls for shifting the stuffling in a serge lined saddle panel.

Barra

[paris3200]

Looks good. I'm always interested in seeing how people make their own tools.

Jason