Cutting Very Thick Leather

[Schpacko]

Hi guys

I use very thick veg tan leather for my belts (14 oz). I simply use a straight edge and a knife to cut the straps.

It "kinda works", but it's a real pain. I own this strap cutter but its just impossible to cut leather that thick.

I have seen strap cutters on ebay germany, like this one:

http://www.ebay.de/itm/Riemenschneider-15cm-Breite-Sattler-Schuster-Leder-Gummi-Messer-Riemen-/150671132377?_trksid=p5197.m7&_trkparms=algo%3DLVI%26itu%3DUCI%26otn%3D5%26po%3DLVI%26ps%3D63%26clkid%3D3373665544420422217

Do you think this would work?

How do you use this tool? Just pulling like the other ones?

cheers

Schpacko

[bruce johnson]

I use both about every day. With the blade sharp enough, both will cut belt width straps. The differenece between the two is in the design.

The draw gauge is pulled. The blade on the end of the bar means the wider the cut, the more torque there is on your wrist to keep it straight if the leather is hard or the blade is dull. You should be able to easily pull the blade into the leather. If you have to push it in to get a start, the blade is too dull. The leather has to be off the table to use a draw gauge.

The plough gauge is pushed into the leather and the blade is in line with your wrist. No matter the width, there is no torque. The roller in front of the blade keeps the leather from riding up the blade also. The leather lays flat on the table with a plough gauge.

[leatherman1457]

Hi guys

I use very thick veg tan leather for my belts (14 oz). I simply use a straight edge and a knife to cut the straps.

It "kinda works", but it's a real pain. I own this strap cutter but its just impossible to cut leather that thick.

I have seen strap cutters on ebay germany, like this one:

http://www.ebay.de/i...665544420422217

Do you think this would work?

How do you use this tool? Just pulling like the other ones?

cheers

Schpacko

Schpacko. I use a tool that cuts any weight of leather with ease. I stumbled upon this tool while trying to cut some 12 oz leather and had a hard time getting a straight edge until the ideal light bulb came on and I used my 60" matt cutter. I also picture frame so I have a 60" matt cutter . with a new blade and If the leather is 60" of less in width or length ,it will cut it like butter with a hot knife no matter the thichness. try it ,it does work. now i use it to cut my edge straight and to cut the strips. works like a charm. ~~~~~~Gary

[JET4]

I use this one every day with great results. I mainly work with latigo in the 13-14 oz range. My most recent hides I'm cutting on is closer to 16 which is a lot heavier than I usually use. I've never used a draw gauge so I can't comment on those.

[celticleather]

I use this one every day with great results. I mainly work with latigo in the 13-14 oz range. My most recent hides I'm cutting on is closer to 16 which is a lot heavier than I usually use. I've never used a draw gauge so I can't comment on those.

An excellent tool! I've been using the same one for thirty years, and never had a problem (and I regularly use 16oz oak-tanned hide)!

Edited October 12, 2011 by celticleather

[King's X]

I just learned during the Texas show (I am sure that it has been out for quite some time) that Leather Wranglers sells a blade for that strap cutter you have and I will tell you something. That blade attachment is sharp and will cut that 14oz like butter. Take a look at their website. They are known for their round knifes and primarily their SK-3 Swivel Knifes.

Good luck!

[Schpacko]

An excellent tool! I've been using the same one for thirty years, and never had a problem (and I regularly use 16oz oak-tanned hide)!

I guess you're talking about this leather:

http://i.imgur.com/UOzdZ.jpg

Thanks a lot for the replies guys. I'll give the wooden one a try and if the price of the plough on ebay doesnt get too high, i'll probably

buy this one too.

Edited October 13, 2011 by Schpacko

[celticleather]

I guess you're talking about this leather:

http://i.imgur.com/UOzdZ.jpg

Looks familiar!

[Art]

I have a couple of Tandy ones that are made of Aluminum, they work very well on belt size pieces. However, on anything over 1.5" a plow works much better. I have a Blanchard plow I use for everything except very narrow stuff and my draw gauges and strap cutters collect a lot of dust. I used to keep a draw or strap cutter for all the different belt sizes so I didn't have to play with them, but the plow is just easy to adjust, leather lays flat on the bench when cutting too.

Art

[Schpacko]

I use this one every day with great results. I mainly work with latigo in the 13-14 oz range. My most recent hides I'm cutting on is closer to 16 which is a lot heavier than I usually use. I've never used a draw gauge so I can't comment on those.

Unfortunately, the price of the plough gauge went up too high, but in the meantime, i received the one pictured above.

Damn, that thing works fine! I've seen this tool before, but i just couldnt imagine that it would work that good, so i didnt buy it. earlier.

Thanks for the tipp guys.

BTW: how much would you pay for a used plough gauge in good condition?

cheers

Schpacko