How To Prepare A Straight Edge Before Strap Cutting

[Gawdzilla]

I use a steel framing square, works for me.

If the leather has a curl I'll clamp it down prior to cutting.

Kevin.

I have more than one, they're very useful. I have found that bar stock can be very good for make imperishable patterns. If you have welding and grinding experience you can make a pattern out of bar stock that simply will not "fold, spindle or mutilate" (how long since you say that phrase?) under any reasonable condition. You can cut your own stock and have a local welder stick it together for a few bucks. (I have a friend who does it at home in his spare time to pick up a few extra bucks.) On patterns I know I'll be using many, many times it's the logical long-term solution. I drill the holes in the stock as well, and have been known to drill the leather as well, something you have to experiment with before getting it right. (A very sharp bit is required I find.) I use 1/8th bar stock for those. Maybe overkill for most people, but it works for me, so I'm happy with it. Your mileage may vary.

[rickmoo]

you could get a thick 2" aluminum rule. take a 1/4" strip of wood the size of the rule an glue it to the bottom.that'll give plenty of height to keep the blade at 90 degrees. glad it was

mentioned about the bar stock. i have a 1/4" thick piece about 5" wide and 5' long. plenty of weight so not to move.

[Alexis Sofield]

I use a 6 foot ruler and a 45 mm roller blade cutter. The roller blade will got through about everything up to 14 oz. With that it wll score it enogh that a quick pass with a roundknife in the cutline will do the job.

What roller blade cutter do you recommend for cutting up to 14 oz

[papaw]

I use 6' 3' 2' foot aluminum rule but also use 4' aluminum dry wall square