patches Report post Posted May 19, 2009 I have an old Randall Co. splitting machine, which I have read copied the Osborne No. 171. Can anyone tell me how all the adjustment screws work on this and how to use it to split my leather. Thanks Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
celticleather Report post Posted May 19, 2009 Sounds like a job for Bruce Johnson - the Forum's 'splitaholic'! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
bruce johnson Report post Posted May 19, 2009 First off, post a picture so we can see it. I have a few varieties, but here's how mine are set. I set the bottom roller so there is a scant 1/16" between it and the leading edge of the blade. I set the top roller so it is dead center over the top of the bottom roller. The bottom roller adjusts with the 3-4 machine scews in the back of the frame. The top roller adjustment is done with the two stop screws on the front of the posts. If yours has the spring latch, adjust it so the latch catches when it is in position. There are two screws about half way back on either side of the frame. These will raise and lower the position of the bottom roller. It all depends on how much you want to take off. I don't have mine set real deep, but play with them to see what works for you.. (Aside - I bought one from a guy who sold it because he could never get it to split. Ends up those screws had been taken out, and the bottom roller was higher than the blade.) I get better results and longer blade life by taking thinner splits and maybe 2-3 passes than to take skirting to 4 oz in one pass. Some of the older styles don't have a bottom roller, they have a sheet of thin spring steel that sandwiches the leather between it and the top roller. Check to see that the top roller is level with the blade edge. If yours has the two knobs on top with a connecting rod, simple fix. You unscrew the set screw on one handle, slide it off, and twist the other to raise or lower that side until it is level. Slide the other knob back on and tighten it back down. That is about it. I like the fact that with both rollers, the leather has no place to go but into the blade. It won't ride up the bevel and chop off. The blade is protected with the two rollers. Important safety disclaimer. Becareful replacing the blade. A few months ago I was setting the blade back into one and watching the screw holes to line it up. I brushed my fingertip over the edge and the first idea I had that anything was wrong was the blood pooling on the blade. The dime sized piece of finger tip was sitting there on the bottom roller. I have a flat spot on that finger. I use the DMT diamond stones with the folding handles to sharpen mine. I lay the blade on the edge of the bench and and work from the back. I talked to a guy who took off part of a finger by holding a stone from the front and pushing up into the blade. I strop mine on a wheel. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
patches Report post Posted May 19, 2009 Thank you so much! I will get a picture today. Right now I am printing your reply and I am goint to play with my splitter. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
patches Report post Posted May 20, 2009 Well I now can figure out how to adjust everything. I am still having problems with the actual skiving. Can you tell me, do I start it through from the edge of the leather, or do I leave a tab and then pull it with pliers? I just can't seem to get it started. Here is a picture. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
bruce johnson Report post Posted May 20, 2009 Looks like a cool one. I don't split anything that is finished size other than straps. Pullling them may distort the shape. Put one end in, lower the top roller and as you pull it should settle down into place. Turn the piece around, lower the roller and pull that end so it is two passes from the middle somewhere going each direction. You can leave a little excess to grab with pliers. With my hand issues in the past sometimes I used a pliers in each hand on wide pieces. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
patches Report post Posted May 20, 2009 Bruce-thank you so much-it is all starting to make sense. I kept reading about having to do two passes and could not figure out why. I am loving leatherworker.net. I am going to be working down in your area in a couple of weeks, if I have time I will stop by and introduce myself. Thanks again. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
bruce johnson Report post Posted May 20, 2009 Glad it helped. If you get down this way, give us a call first and we'll be sure to be around. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
