jettrash Report post Posted March 18, 2009 Hey folks. I was looking at the Tandy catalog and wondering what's the difference between a Hand Sewing Punch and a Rotary Punch? Does the Sewing Punch work better than the Rotary punch for thinner leather? Thanks. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
HorsehairBraider Report post Posted March 18, 2009 The difference is size. If you need to punch little tiny holes for stitching, you want the sewing punch. If you need to punch bigger holes (from just under 1/4", or 3 mm) on up, then you need the rotary punch. You would have a heck of a time punching tiny sewing holes in heavy leather, so yes, the sewing punch does work better for a lighter weight leather. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
tonyc1 Report post Posted March 18, 2009 Use a sewing AWL. Tony. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
HorsehairBraider Report post Posted March 18, 2009 I agree, usually an awl is the ticket. But not always. I use the sewing punch a lot in my work of making authentic miniature tack... this mare in the picture has a head that is 2 1/2" long: If it weren't for the sewing punch I would not be able to get this effect of holes punched in the headstall. An awl would not do it. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Art Report post Posted March 18, 2009 I guess everyone by now has told you to use an awl. With thin leathers, you tend to use thinner thread, in the 46 to 69 range or even smaller. I've never seen an awl at Tandy that was small enough for that, Bob Douglas has the tool you need for that. Now if you want to make small holes, like for the straps on ladies shoes (hey Dad, you do leatherwork, can you fix this?), you can sometimes use the sewing punch from Tandy, works better on veg than chrome. If the holes won't stay open, then chuck a 200-250 sewing machine needle (a harness needle will work if you punch a hole first or sharpen it), or I have used a nail of the desired size and filed a point on it, and punch the hole and burnish it out. The other option is to use a small bit chucked in a Dremel tool. Art Hey folks.I was looking at the Tandy catalog and wondering what's the difference between a Hand Sewing Punch and a Rotary Punch? Does the Sewing Punch work better than the Rotary punch for thinner leather? Thanks. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
