eminart Report post Posted February 27, 2011 While struggling to push my awl through two layers of 7-8oz leather, it struck me how much easier it would be if I had a press. I saw the one that Tandy sells, but it's like $150. I can buy a simple arbor press for around $40 that would work great except there's no chuck or other way of attaching a blade. Are there any cheap presses out there that you guys commonly convert to use for leather working? I would assume they could also work well for setting rivets, punching holes, and all sorts of other things, so I'm guessing some of you have looked into this. A simple press with a chuck would be very useful for a lot of things. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
dirtclod Report post Posted February 27, 2011 Harbor Feright sells some cheap drill presses and you could chuck a awl in it. I belive i seen where some folks were doing that on here. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Tree Reaper Report post Posted February 27, 2011 A drill press will give you more room to work but an arbor press will work also, you will need a chuck. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
eminart Report post Posted February 27, 2011 A drill press will give you more room to work but an arbor press will work also, you will need a chuck. Does anybody here know of a way to attach a chuck to a harbor freight arbor press? If not, I guess I could get one of their small drill presses, but from what I remember, they cost a lot more. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
terrymac Report post Posted February 27, 2011 A drill press works well,, and if you can catch them on sale, the price is not too bad considering the work it saves you. I bought mine at Lowe,s for a little over $100.00, and it even has a laser sight that also helps. I did not get one of the baby models, but rather a larger bench model. For a chuck, I took my Tandy awl handle, and merely pulled the chuck out of the handle. Those things are pressed into the handle, and have abut a 1/4" round shaft. Just like putting a drill bit in the press. Not only is it much easier to punch the leather, but you can also rig a guide that will keep your distance uniform and all in a straight line. Hope this hekps Terry Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Tree Reaper Report post Posted February 27, 2011 You can take the ram to any machine shop and have it drilled and tapped for the chuck you have. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
eminart Report post Posted February 27, 2011 (edited) A drill press works well,, and if you can catch them on sale, the price is not too bad considering the work it saves you. I bought mine at Lowe,s for a little over $100.00, and it even has a laser sight that also helps. I did not get one of the baby models, but rather a larger bench model. For a chuck, I took my Tandy awl handle, and merely pulled the chuck out of the handle. Those things are pressed into the handle, and have abut a 1/4" round shaft. Just like putting a drill bit in the press. Not only is it much easier to punch the leather, but you can also rig a guide that will keep your distance uniform and all in a straight line. Hope this hekps Terry Good point. I'd actually rather have a drill press because I often need one. It's just that they cost a little more. I was thinking the same thing you said about a guide. It would make some nice, straight stitch holes. You can take the ram to any machine shop and have it drilled and tapped for the chuck you have. That's true. Being the quintessential do-it-yourselfer, I hadn't considered a machine shop. I may look into that. Thanks for the help, guys. Edited February 27, 2011 by eminart Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
