using a splitter

[chocolateducttape]

So, I'm endeavoring to get into braiding, and from the reading I've done I figure the best way to start is by learning to cut my own laces. Which is far easier said than done, but I'm determined to figure it out. Now I'm just wondering- when I get to the point of using a splitter, how exactly do I use it? I've tried using one a couple of times but it always ends up skiving down and cutting through the leather, not splitting it to an even weight. I know I must be doing something wrong, but I have no idea what. Any thoughts?

[Rawhide]

So, I'm endeavoring to get into braiding, and from the reading I've done I figure the best way to start is by learning to cut my own laces. Which is far easier said than done, but I'm determined to figure it out. Now I'm just wondering- when I get to the point of using a splitter, how exactly do I use it? I've tried using one a couple of times but it always ends up skiving down and cutting through the leather, not splitting it to an even weight. I know I must be doing something wrong, but I have no idea what. Any thoughts?

I can't explain much on the splitter, but Beaverslayer wrote a tutorial on cutting lace that's pretty handy. Click Here

[kseidel]

need more info.... what kind of splitter, what kind of leather, for what project are you making lace.

Keith

[HorsehairBraider]

Gosh, it depends on the splitter you are using. Some of them work better than others, and of course if you are using a dull blade you won't be happy with the results.

I keep a finger on top of the lace as it goes through the blade, have the dress side down (I'm splitting leather, usually) and pull through downwards. Sometimes this goes fast and sometimes it doesn't; I have a hide here that does not like being split, and I've split kangaroo that just glides through. So your leather can make a difference too.

Just go slow at first. It could also be your splitter is not working quite right for some reason. Smilin'Jim of this forum makes a really dandy splitter.

[chocolateducttape]

Hey all, thanks for the replies and sorry I haven't replied yet.

I'm using one of the Craftool splitters and mainly I've just tried veg tan tooling leather... I'm trying to get techniques down now, I haven't got a specific project yet. I'm going to try and do a stockwhip at some point though.

[D.A. Kabatoff]

Hey Choco

if you are splitting rawhide lace on a bench splitter, you have to make sure that the blade is razor sharp... that craftool splitter blade is going to need some work. I'd take the blade to a good sharpening shop that can but a hollow grind on the blade that goes about 1/2" to 3/4"s deep and runs the entire length of the blade. Not only will you have a blade that is sharp enough to split anything, but the reduced thickness will also help it from digging in and cutting your string... I'll try to post a photo later of my own splitter that shows this hollow grind.

Darc