SOSHorses Report post Posted January 15, 2011 When using 3/16" wide lace how many holes per inch would you punch. When I use regular 1/8" lace I use a four in one punch for the holes. Of course the punch doesn't make holes big enough for the 3/16" lace to go through. Any suggestions? I don't want to make the holes to far apart but I don't want it bunche looking either. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
electrathon Report post Posted January 15, 2011 I did this sample up a few days ago. It measures out about 5 slots per inch. There are two styles of punches used on it, the lower ones are chisel shaped and tilled about 10 degrees. The top ones are straight. both are 1/8" slots. I sometimes use 3/16" slots and 1/8" lace, that gives a very nice full look. The checkbook cover is done that way, using two laces instead of one so that it is even fuller. One common lacing issue is that a lot of the punches you buy are spaced way to far apart. The space between the slots should not be as wide as the slots are. Also keep close to the edge when you punch your holes. Aaron Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
SOSHorses Report post Posted January 16, 2011 Well that is about what I have decided too. However I don't use a chisel I use round holes because I use the round lacing needles. Thanks Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
electrathon Report post Posted January 16, 2011 You might consider switching to Lok-Eye needles. They are way easier to use than round needles and virtually never pull off the lace, no matter how hard you pull. In general, round holes are best for round lace, so you use round needles. The lacing pattern also looks more porfesional with slots. The gap around flat lace in a round hole is sort of like trim that does not fit properly. I am attaching two pics showing edges with the differance between the two. Neither one of these are my work, but it is easy to see the cleaner look in the one with slots. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
SOSHorses Report post Posted January 16, 2011 (edited) I have never used the flat needles. The man who taught me used the round ones and I just never saw a reason to change. I can however see the difference. Thanks for the advice. I don't know who the first one is but I do know who the second one belongs too. ;-) Honestly I HATE lacing and would rather do anything rather than lace a project. However what I am working on has to be laced and unfortunately I am to far along into one of them to change it now. The other one however I can still change since I have not punched the holes. It will make it look alot better. ETA Hey went to order those needles and they only make them that accept the 1/8" lace. The lace I am using is 3/16 of an inch. Are there wider needles? Edited January 16, 2011 by SOSHorses Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
electrathon Report post Posted January 16, 2011 The Lok-Eye needles will work on all sized lace, you just trim the tip into a V so it will fit. Make sure you get the right ones. One style of flat needle has two pins, one has a hole and one pin, that is the one you want.The two pin one is terrable to use. Attached is a pic of the punch I usually use. It came from Hidecrafters, I do not think they have it anymore. The trouble with most lacing chisels is the spacing on them is wrong. As far as I know, all of the ones tandy sells has the prongs spaced wrong. I do often pull my needles through with a set of very small pliers. I want the holes to be too small rather than too loose. Aaron Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
SOSHorses Report post Posted January 17, 2011 What is the purpose of the hole on the lok eye ones? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
electrathon Report post Posted January 17, 2011 What is the purpose of the hole on the lok eye ones? You put the lace through the hole, then hold it with the pin. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
