Newbie With An Extremely Basic Question About Awls

[eminart]

I'm just getting into this hobby. I've spent about $500 on tools and supplies this week. I'm starting out with a dog collar.

The problem is, I promptly broke my stitching awl. I need to punch holes through 7-8 oz leather that is doubled over. What kind of awl do I need? The one I broke was this one: http://www.tandyleatherfactory.com/search/searchresults/31218-01.aspx

I was going to buy the one that has 3 or 4 interchangeable blades, but they were out at the time. Is it any stronger than the one I broke? Or is there another kind I need?

I have absolutely no experience with this.

Edited February 26, 2011 by eminart

[Tree Reaper]

Are you using a stitching horse?

I wouldn't buy another Tandy awl, in fact I'm looking at buying one from Bob Douglas next week.

You can probably get a replacement awl for that handle.

Kevin

[terrymac]

If you are using Tandy awl blades, sharpen, sharpen, sharpen, and then sharpen some more. After you sharpen, then strop. I did the same thing, and found out it needs to be sharp. I'm not familiar with the four blade set, I just use the diamond awl blades. Just be sure to maintain the angles on the blade giving it its diamond profile.

Terry

[eminart]

Are you using a stitching horse?

Don't even know what one looks like. I was laying my leather flat on a cutting mat and pushing the awl down through it.

So, sounds like I need a sharper awl. I'm going to drive back over to Tandy, for the 4th time in 5 days and get a new one and go get something to sharpen it with.

Thanks, guys.

[dbusarow]

Don't even know what one looks like. I was laying my leather flat on a cutting mat and pushing the awl down through it.

That could be part of your problem too. The awl blade shouldn't be running into anything too hard after going through the leather. Depending on what your cutting mat is made of, IT may be damaging the awl blade, OR you may be going through the mat and hitting the bench below and that could be hurting it.

Nothing intrinsically wrong with using the awl your way, just be very carefull that once the blade goes through the leather it cannot hit anything harder than the leather.

Dan

[eminart]

That could be part of your problem too. The awl blade shouldn't be running into anything too hard after going through the leather. Depending on what your cutting mat is made of, IT may be damaging the awl blade, OR you may be going through the mat and hitting the bench below and that could be hurting it.

Nothing intrinsically wrong with using the awl your way, just be very carefull that once the blade goes through the leather it cannot hit anything harder than the leather.

Dan

Thanks, it's actually a rubber mat. I think I broke the first awl by just not knowing what I was doing. I went back today and bought an awl with removable blades, and three blades. One of them I got from Springfield Leather (I'm in Springfield for work) and it seems to be a little better quality. The awl I broke had a fixed, round blade and I was pushing pretty hard and got a little side torque going I think, which broke it.

[Hilly]

Get the book "The Art of Hand Sewing Leather" by Al Stohlman. It will help you a lot.

[Crimson]

Hi,

I am currently using Tandy's 4 piece awl set to sew through 7 oz leather double over and it is possible. The trick as mention by terrymac is to frequently sharpen them.

I also have the stitching awl which you broke and I think its more suitable for 3-4 oz leather.

[stanly]

i've seen people use a block with a hole in it to back up the work when driving the awl through - guess idea is that way awl can't hit anything.

[impulse]

Thanks, it's actually a rubber mat. I think I broke the first awl by just not knowing what I was doing. I went back today and bought an awl with removable blades, and three blades. One of them I got from Springfield Leather (I'm in Springfield for work) and it seems to be a little better quality. The awl I broke had a fixed, round blade and I was pushing pretty hard and got a little side torque going I think, which broke it.

As you now have removable blades...........

If you have access to a drill press, try fixing the blade in the drill chuck and bring the lever down to pierce the leather. DO NOT turn the drill press on - it is just the lever action that you require, and not much force. This gives great control for placing the holes and a consistent angle of entry - and the needle slides into the hole in the platform below the leather, keeping it sharp. Alternatively for thinner leathers, place a piece of cork underneath.

Cheers

Lois