What Board To Punch Holes?

[ShortBBL]

What is the best type of board to use to punch holes, so that you don't dull your punches fast and also so you don't leave nasty rough marks on the leather, as shown?

I use a kitchen cutting board but the surface is rough and well, you can see the result. I also plan to punch a LOT of holes and don't wanna ruin my punches and/or dull them too fast!

What do you recommend?

[BIGGUNDOCTOR]

END GRAIN WOOD would be my suggestion. With end grain the punch easily separates the wood fibers,, and makes a nice clean cut. This is what I use for punching gaskets, You can make your own by taking scrap pieces of wood, and glueing them together. Most of the time I just use a chunk of 2x4, or 4x4 that I have laying around.

With plastic, or edge grain wood, the stamp has to compress the material to cut clean, and it takes a lot more effort to do so. End Grain easy peasy..

[EricDobson]

END GRAIN WOOD would be my suggestion. With end grain the punch easily separates the wood fibers,, and makes a nice clean cut. This is what I use for punching gaskets, You can make your own by taking scrap pieces of wood, and glueing them together. Most of the time I just use a chunk of 2x4, or 4x4 that I have laying around.

I can see a market here for any wood-crafters out there: end grain punching boards.

[abn]

ShortBBL, I've been very happy using an Alvin self-healing cutting mat. They last forever and provide a very smooth surface for punching clean holes. Plus, the center is a harder material, so they're literally impossible to punch through. I think they can found at most craft shops (or ordered online).

http://www.cutting-m...ling-green.html

[dirtclod]

Put a file folder or poster board between your leather and the board. That should stop the pattern transfuring on to your leather from the board.

[Bob Blea]

I had trouble getting good holes with a four hole punch till a saddle maker I know recommended punching on top of another thick piece of leather. I place a piece of saddle skirting leather (really thick stuff) on a firm surface that won't give and pound away. It works much better than the poundo board I used to use.

[mugwump]

I had trouble getting good holes with a four hole punch till a saddle maker I know recommended punching on top of another thick piece of leather. I place a piece of saddle skirting leather (really thick stuff) on a firm surface that won't give and pound away. It works much better than the poundo board I used to use.

that trick works very well... i've also used a cork tile between the leather and the board, it's about 3/16" thick or so... hope that helps...

eric

[joquarter]

I use the same cutting mat as abn , works great.

[keableleather]

End grain pine is a good surface to punch through with your hole punches and will not damage your punch edge, and horses for causes too, i use a hardwood floor board and have glued a piece of 6mm or 1/4" rubber insertion rubber or conveyor belt to it and punch through on this surface, it's great for awl or lacing punches and releases easy. also a block of bees wax is great for awl work as it lubricates with each hole you push through.

[Mrvista]

I use a Chesnut log, it's about 12" across, and 36" high

The end grain is perfect for punching holes, and I use it if I am using pricking irons.

Oh, and when it gets too used, you can just plane the top, and start again!

Edited November 4, 2015 by Mrvista