How do I do these twists?

[ruthless]

Are there any books that give instructions on all the different kinds of twists and braids? I have the secret plait, but these are different I think?

Edited April 7, 2009 by ruthless

[DG Leather]

Maybe this site would help you.....look at this "secret braid"

http://www.ohboydenterprises.com/Instructi...rBracelets.html

[2MadJacks]

Its not the mystery braid. Its simply a slit in the center wherever you want your twist and then take the other end of the leash and pull it through. most of these are pulled through twice probably one cut. hope this makes since, James

Edited April 7, 2009 by 2MadJacks

[ruthless]

That easy?! It looks fancy!

[2MadJacks]

yep they look complicated at a glance, good luck

[HorsehairBraider]

For a book that shows all different kinds of braids, try Bruce Grant's "Encyclopedia of Rawhide and Leather Braiding". That one is in there but as explained, it's just a slit cut in the leather with the leather pulled through.

[rawhide1]

ruthless

If ya decide to do this get yourself some spade bits I think their called (flat wood drilling bits)

Use the same width of bit as the leather strap your working on. If your leather is 3/4" wide use a 3/4" bit to punch your slit in the center. Works great!!

Mike

[2MadJacks]

thats a good idea, I have always known them as paddle bits. and thanks for the tip

[tonyc1]

Yeah, we call them Spade bits down here in Tassy.

Tony.

[UKRay]

ruthless

If ya decide to do this get yourself some spade bits I think their called (flat wood drilling bits)

Use the same width of bit as the leather strap your working on. If your leather is 3/4" wide use a 3/4" bit to punch your slit in the center. Works great!!

Mike

MIke - the drill bits I'm thinking of have a spike in the middle to keep them centered - is that what you mean? Do you grind off the spike or what? Sorry, but I'm just not keeping up here! LOL

[ruthless]

My husband just asked the same thing. He's a cabinet maker and he said that part of the blade isn't sharp.

[rawhide1]

UKRay, ruthless

I always just used them as they come with the centering spike left on. When ya wack it with a rawhide mallet it will drive right thru. I reckon a person could grind it off with no harm being done.

Mike

[tonyc1]

iF THAT'S ALL IT TAKES, JUST GO AND BUY A CHEAP CHISEL!

Tony.

[Luke Hatley]

iF THAT'S ALL IT TAKES, JUST GO AND BUY A CHEAP CHISEL!

Tony.

[rawhide1]

well I reckon ya can go buy whatever ya want!

Mike

[cem]

I have a pamphlet book with those in it, it's by Ron Edwards I don't have it in front of me now but I think they are called Trinity Knots. Birdsall Leather in Sydney stock the Ron Edwards hardcover books and I think it may of been in one of those as well, possibly More Bush Leathercraft.

[DeeAnna]

"...iF THAT'S ALL IT TAKES, JUST GO AND BUY A CHEAP CHISEL!..."

A chisel has a one-sided bevel. Speaking from experience, the chisel will drift in the cut toward the bevel. That's not a big deal for thin leather, but it would be noticeable on something thicker like a dog leash. You'd need to regrind the chisel to have a bevel on both sides to make it work right. Not the end of the world to do, but it's not an off-the-shelf solution. --DeeAnna

[tonyc1]

I'm speaking from experience. If you push on the chisel firmly, the beveled side of the chisel will just push the leather away from the cut, it will spring back!!!

Tony.