Members gregintenn Posted December 11, 2010 Members Report Posted December 11, 2010 I use an adjustable groover around the edges, and a freehand groover for the outline around the gun. I then mark the stitch locations by rolling over the grooves with an overstitch wheel. I then put the holster on a piece of 2x8 lumber, and punch each hole with a diamond shaped awl and a rubber hammer. The diamond shape seems to draw back up around the stitches as you pull them tight. I use two needles, one on each end of my thread, and sew in a crisscross pattern. I believe this is called a saddle stitch. Quote
Members celticleather Posted December 12, 2010 Members Report Posted December 12, 2010 For the past 30-odd years I've used the traditional pricking iron, diamond awl and two needles - and they still work fine for me! Quote When everyone is somebody, then no one's anybody
Members Deanimator Posted December 12, 2010 Members Report Posted December 12, 2010 (edited) okay guys what do YOU do to make your stitch holes. i unfortunately dont have the luxury of machine so everything is done by hand. right now im using a mini drill press which is okay but im just trying to gauge what other people use, thonging chisels? just a regular awl? what? any input is appreciated guys I started out using a Tandy scratch awl. That worked, but it produced large holes than I wanted. I recently switched to a Tandy stitching awl with interchangeable blades. That produces a much more attractive stitch, although it's significantly harder to use. I groove using a Tandy adjustable groover. I use a Tandy stitch wheel to mark the holes, then the awl to make the holes. I groove the opposite side with a Tandy freehand groover. Edited December 12, 2010 by Deanimator Quote "When I was young, I looked like Al Capone but I lacked his compassion." - Oscar Levant.
Members Dwight Posted December 12, 2010 Members Report Posted December 12, 2010 Now I'm probably not going to say what you want to hear, . . . but here it comes anyway: Do you have cable or satellite TV? Do you smoke? Do you drink occasionally? Do you do a couple of Starbucks Latte's each week? Do you buy a handful of lottery tickets every week? If you answered yes to any two of the above, . . . you can afford a brand spanking new, . . . warranty and all, . . . Tippmann Boss stitcher. $1195 was the price the other day if I am not badly mistaken. Then you can honestly begin to turn out one extra belt every week (an absolute PAIN if you have to hand stitch a 52 inch belt), . . . or an extra holster per week, . . . and once you start doing that, . . . you can go back to your bad habits that you gave up to get the Boss in the first place. OR, . . . maybe you will be quit of the bad habit, . . . and can save the cash for a better machine farther down the road. Seriously, . . . I hand stitched for a while, . . . and I really am not sure I would go back to it if I could not use a machine. I love working leather, . . . but maybe I would find stuff that didn't need to be sewn, ................. Anyway, . . . may God bless, Dwight Quote If you can breathe, . . . thank God. If you can read, . . . thank a teacher. If you are reading this in English, . . . thank a veteran. www.dwightsgunleather.com
Members Rayban Posted December 12, 2010 Members Report Posted December 12, 2010 Now I'm probably not going to say what you want to hear, . . . but here it comes anyway: Do you have cable or satellite TV? Do you smoke? Do you drink occasionally? Do you do a couple of Starbucks Latte's each week? Do you buy a handful of lottery tickets every week? If you answered yes to any two of the above, . . . you can afford a brand spanking new, . . . warranty and all, . . . Tippmann Boss stitcher. $1195 was the price the other day if I am not badly mistaken. Then you can honestly begin to turn out one extra belt every week (an absolute PAIN if you have to hand stitch a 52 inch belt), . . . or an extra holster per week, . . . and once you start doing that, . . . you can go back to your bad habits that you gave up to get the Boss in the first place. OR, . . . maybe you will be quit of the bad habit, . . . and can save the cash for a better machine farther down the road. Seriously, . . . I hand stitched for a while, . . . and I really am not sure I would go back to it if I could not use a machine. I love working leather, . . . but maybe I would find stuff that didn't need to be sewn, ................. Anyway, . . . may God bless, Dwight Dwight, sign me up!!!! Quote Raybanwww.rgleather.net
Members RWP Posted December 12, 2010 Author Members Report Posted December 12, 2010 dwight great answer and i appreciate it and while i do smoke and have a few drinks during the week MOST of my money goes back into helping my mom and dad ( im only 22 and still live at home) neither of which can work due to either heart problems or disabilities but hey....the boss is a great goal to work towards! i dont mind handstitching at all at the moment im just trying to get some ideas for the future it might sound KINDA funny but theres nothing as therapeutic as handstiching a fresh holster! thanks for all the input guys! Quote
Members BondoBobCustomSaddles Posted December 12, 2010 Members Report Posted December 12, 2010 While I use a Boss stitcher and/ or an adler on some of the different areas of a saddle for convenience such as the sheepskin to skirts, I still use the hand stitch method with awl, overstitch wheel, and needles in certain areas like cantle binding, horn cap and such. It is a matter of getting the best result in the area you are looking to stitch. You can't beat a good hand stitch for strength and durability, you just have to be particular about your results, you want them to be professional. Bob Quote
Contributing Member TwinOaks Posted December 12, 2010 Contributing Member Report Posted December 12, 2010 When I hand stitch, it's with an awl, two needles, and a lot of time. I also overstitch the lines to mark the stitch locations. I was able to get a Boss, and I STILL hand stitch the ends to lock the thread in place (I think it was Dwight that mentioned that once- great idea). If you can't afford a stitching machine, keep hand sewing. As Art once said, "Hand stitching will help you save up your money faster". Quote Mike DeLoach Esse Quam Videri (Be rather than Seem) "Don't learn the tricks of the trade.....Learn the trade." "Teach what you know......Learn what you don't." LEATHER ARTISAN'S DIGITAL GUILD on Facebook.
Members Bronson Posted December 14, 2010 Members Report Posted December 14, 2010 If you want to keep hand stitching get this book: The Art of Hand Sewing Leather Bronson Quote
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