Splitting and Beveling

[entiendo]

I actually use the same tool to stretch that I use to cut and bevel. It's kind of like a large pipe.

Thanks for the tip. I wish I still had that bracelet so I could check it out in person. I see what you are saying, I didn't notice it until now. I'm not sure how I missed that, I wonder if it could just be the angle of the camera. I want that piece back so I can fix it! LOL Though the first thing that comes to my mind is I didn't tighten the string enough. So I'd try to tighten the whole button again and the role again. Maybe that would fix it.

[8thsinner]

Sorry about the wierd double post, I was typing that out on the phone..

Anyway.

I know how you feel, I would love the idea of taking things apart that I messed up but I grew out of it for one reason, Everything I do I can see the faults in, Nothing I have done is in my mind anywhere near perfect yet. I reckon it never will be, I am extremely critical of my work. And any thing that doesn't cut the biscuit it's good to have around to remind you of the mistakes made.

As other people have noted too, it's not as easy for non leather workers to see the faults in anything.

Most toolers probably wouldn't know what a twist under a pineapple would look like, or where a lace snapped and such.

But the way I look at it is, I will never stop learning if I am this critical and always seeking the perfect piece. But if I ever reach it thats not something I will ever sell.

But first I have to work my way through the 105 completely unrelated leather braided projects I have listed. I love it that much, I would braid my tooth brush, Infact I might just do that one of these days...

[HorsehairBraider]

Nice work, guys!

To address the question in the OP: I've used a splitter to thin down lace I thought was too square, but mostly what I use the splitter for is to make the lace the same thickness throughout the length. Even stuff I've bought that was commercially cut can vary in thickness, which just bugs the crap out of me. I want the lace to be the same thickness not only throughout the length, but throughout the entire piece. I had made myself a jig for this, but now have a really nice one that is much easier to use than the one I'd made myself.

I've never had a beveler until recently, and now that I have it I love it. But for years my work had these sort of square edges... I don't like it, but that was all I could do at the time.

Now I look back at some of my old work and think, wow, that could have turned out *so* much better if only I'd had this or that tool. But that's how it is - you do the best you can with the knowledge and tools that you have, at that time. You can't do better than that; and I try not to regret some of my old stuff, because that was how I learned. (And besides, I had made a headstall I still love to use, no point in not using it just because I own better braiding tools now!)

[entiendo]

I think I'm going to get a splitter after all. I too would like the string all the same thickness so that makes perfect sense. We spend a whole lot of time and energy doing this and we might as well do it to the best of our ability all the way around.

[HorsehairBraider]

I think I'm going to get a splitter after all. I too would like the string all the same thickness so that makes perfect sense. We spend a whole lot of time and energy doing this and we might as well do it to the best of our ability all the way around.

I agree. I think of it like cruise control. I learned to drive on old trucks that did not have power assisted steering, cruise control and so on. But once you use it, you think, why would you go back to not having that? It makes life so much easier. Sure, I could wrestle the steering wheel, or even get by with no brakes! But to what purpose? To prove how "tough" I am? I think it proves more how stupid I am, not to use what is available.

And you know, when you use lace that is even all the way around, it is SO much more fun. And to come right down to it, that's why I braid - because it *IS* fun, and I get a great joy out of it.

Edited November 21, 2009 by HorsehairBraider

[entiendo]

Yeah I poked around at splitters a little. I'm a little afraid of a hand held one because I couldn't make a hand held stringer work for me at all. The aussie strander had me so frustrated!

Anyways, by request here is the lead I made that lead to the original question.

Edited November 22, 2009 by entiendo

[Spence]

I too have not had great luck with the handheld stringers. I have 3 of them and they're all driving me nuts. But the handheld splitter is extremely easy to handle. To me, it has become invaluable. Every string I use for a project gets run through this splitter. Now that I'm venturing into strapwork, I am finding it equally easy to use on straps up to 1-1/2".

btw, I'm in no way connected to Dene Williams. I just like what he has done to make my braiding life easier.

If you're interested, I can email you a couple of pictures.

Edited November 22, 2009 by Spence

[entiendo]

That's good to know, thanks spence. I'll go check it out.

[Essentia]

That's good to know, thanks spence. I'll go check it out.

Contact details for Dene Williams

email:- denewhips@icr.com.au

Phone:- 07 4630 9708

Edited November 23, 2009 by Essentia

[entiendo]

I found him, thanks. If fact I just asked him to send me a bill.