Problem With My Belt Slots

[Andrewsky]

Hello,

I have been using the 1.5" oblong punch from Tandy to create my belt slots.

My problem is that at the top and bottom of the slot the leather cracks. You can see it in this picture:

Sometimes the cracks are larger. I don't know why this is happening. The tool is used and I haven't run it up against concrete or anything. I am glueing two pieces of 8/9 oz. leather together then punching the slots. The cracks are small at this point, then generally enlarge after I wet the holster. I don't think it'd be a good idea to try to cut the slots after wetting it though.

Any ideas?

[Rayban]

I think what's happening is that because the punch is tapered, the ends of the slot are stretching when the top part of the punch passes the actual cutting edge....and if the leather is too dry, it will split there.

I don't believe it's a bad idea at all to punch while the leather is wet....I don't mean dripping wet, just damp.

[Mongo]

You're pounding a large punch through a thick piece of leather. I had a similar problem with a small Tandy oval belt hole punch - I went back to an older punch. Here are some ideas to try:

1. If it's only cracking on the ends, try punching those out with a regular round punch and then use the oblong punch to do the sides

2. Make sure your oblong punch is as sharp as you can get it. My Tandy Al Stohlman punch needed a lot of sharpening before it worked well.

3. Dampen the leather a little and see it cuts better.

4. Don't try punching through both layers at once. Get through the first layer, remove that and then go through the hole to finish cutting out the back side.

Just some ideas. If all else fails, I'm very happy with the right size round punch and I cut out the sides with an exacto knife.

[marine mp]

I cut my slots dry. My process is to punch two holes 1-1/2 inches apart and then connect-the-holes with a wood chisel. I believe the secret is 1) As Rayban mentioned-do it when the leather is damp 2) My preferred method is dry leather and rub bee's wax or glyceryn soap on the cutting tool. That lets the punch glide through the leather without it splitting or cracking. Rub the wax or soap on the outside AND inside of the oblong punch. Semper-fi Mike

[Andrewsky]

Thanks. I just punched a couple slots and they look great. I just put a little tap water on the area before punching.

[Denster]

Thanks. I just punched a couple slots and they look great. I just put a little tap water on the area before punching.

You solved the problem before I could reply. Lightly caseing the leather will eliminate the problem completely.