Splitter Question

[redcell7]

i pick this up at a garage sale ....im new to leather , but think its a splitter , i have never use one before but understand the general operation (i think)but im not sure on the proper way of using it ....i think you set the blade depth and pull it thru ....but on this one it has a handle that rotates ....does anyone no a link on this site or a web page ....r some one can give me a quick rundown on basic operating procedure on the use of this contraption lol ....thank u in advance

[reddevil76]

I have the same crappy splitter. The handle doesn't lock. You have to hold it down forward with one hand and leaves you only one hand to pull your leather through.

Sometimes for wider pieces, to get a even pull, I use my foot to hold the lever down in order to free up both hands.

[redcell7]

so the handle dictates the depth of the blade right ...i hav e access to a machine shop so i can fabricate some type of lock...i never have used one so i was trying to figure out splitting class 101 for newbies lol

with little modifactions i will have it locking ..... but for now ....so just put the leather in ..pull handle to required depth then just pull leather for a even split ? and if i am trimming a belt tip just pull a little harder to skive and then cut it for the fold ???

[reddevil76]

No, there is a stop screw on the handle side. That screw sets the depth of splitting.

Pushing the handle forward simply raises the roller bar, which then stops at the stop screw.

For level skive, put your leather halfway between the blade and roller, push handle forward, pull your piece through. Then turn it around to skive the other half.

For belt ends, I assume you want a tapering off skive. You do the same as above, except that you start with a light pressure on the handle and increase it as you pull through.