Swivel Beveler...

[Cyberthrasher]

and with less hand cramping. LOL

Definitely, especially since my work piece isn't trying to move all over the place at the same time. All this is why I'm so surprised they haven't taken off more. I wonder if most of the folks who have been doing this for a long time just see it as a novelty or something.

[Sylvia]

Definitely, especially since my work piece isn't trying to move all over the place at the same time. All this is why I'm so surprised they haven't taken off more. I wonder if most of the folks who have been doing this for a long time just see it as a novelty or something.

oooooo you just reminded me... I need to make some leather map weights. (2 coasters, sew them 3/4 the way around, fill with aquarium rocks or lead shot, finish sewing = 1 map weight) 2 or 3 of those help hold things like maps, plans, patterns, slippery leathers. I suppose one could make it from scrap pieces cut square too.

[Amadea]

I love this forum! So many answers and ideas. Thanks to everyone who chimed in.

I was using the swivel beveler when the leather was wetter than usual and kept resetting as needed, which helped. But Sylvia, you're right, I don't think I'm cutting deep enough to begin with because the leather is so thin. I'll see how it goes on my thicker belt blanks. I also like the idea of filing down the beveler to get a finer tip.

As for sharpening the awl, I got a stone (but forgot the oil) and it seems to be sharper, but I probably need more practice to get it right.

[Sylvia]

I love this forum! So many answers and ideas. Thanks to everyone who chimed in.

I was using the swivel beveler when the leather was wetter than usual and kept resetting as needed, which helped. But Sylvia, you're right, I don't think I'm cutting deep enough to begin with because the leather is so thin. I'll see how it goes on my thicker belt blanks. I also like the idea of filing down the beveler to get a finer tip.

As for sharpening the awl, I got a stone (but forgot the oil) and it seems to be sharper, but I probably need more practice to get it right.

The amount of tools you'll gather is never ending. I've absconded with a good portion of my hubby's tools :D I still want about another $500 worth of hand tools but it will have to wait.

If you have sewing machine oil, it will work for your stone in a pinch.

[Amadea]

1330480435[/url]' post='236705']

The amount of tools you'll gather is never ending. I've absconded with a good portion of my hubby's tools :D I still want about another $500 worth of hand tools but it will have to wait.

If you have sewing machine oil, it will work for your stone in a pinch.

Tell me about it. I have to keep myself away from the Springfield website or I'll go broke.

I tried the swivel beveler today on a belt, which was not only thicker than my hide from Tandy, but also seemed to be better quality. I made deep, clean cuts with my knife and the beveler just glided along. That little tool probably saved me at least an hour in beveling, and no tool marks! I love it. I'm waiting for the oil on the belt to dry, but after I antique and finish it I'll put some pictures up. Thanks again for the tips.

[Sylvia]

Tell me about it. I have to keep myself away from the Springfield website or I'll go broke.

I tried the swivel beveler today on a belt, which was not only thicker than my hide from Tandy, but also seemed to be better quality. I made deep, clean cuts with my knife and the beveler just glided along. That little tool probably saved me at least an hour in beveling, and no tool marks! I love it. I'm waiting for the oil on the belt to dry, but after I antique and finish it I'll put some pictures up. Thanks again for the tips.

I made myself one of those "map weights" today and boy does that make a difference. It's about a foot long and maybe 4 inches wide and filled with aquarium rock. Weighs about 3lbs. I just finished it with satin sheen to seal it as I didn't want to have any color or oil transfer to my projects. It works great.

I've not bought from Springfield yet. I found their prices prohibitive. I may give them another look before too long though... I really need a proper awl.

I'm glad you are getting the hang of that beveler... be careful though I've "whanged" my stuff a few times with mine slipping out of the groove.

Edited March 1, 2012 by Sylvia

[js5972]

Swivel beveler...yes, a very handy tool. I've had one for at least 10 years; I think when I bought it they were called "speed bevelers." Anyway, I've found that you can't use them everywhere, but they are useful and FAST in many applications. True, they won't dig as deep as a tooling beveler, but good for long lines. like borders and big, sweeping curves.

[McJeep]

Grrrrrrrrrr - 'knew I shoulda grabbed a couple tips when I heard of em - apparently they aren't available anymore - at least not by my googling anyway - mutter mutter mutter

[Sylvia]

Grrrrrrrrrr - 'knew I shoulda grabbed a couple tips when I heard of em - apparently they aren't available anymore - at least not by my googling anyway - mutter mutter mutter

SLC has them. And I saw one at a second hand place online. They can still be had.

As for "not going everywhere" get a few tips and file them. I didn't like the bluntness of mine so I file a steeper angle on mine. It works much better for me now.

Here's the link at SLC. A few months ago I heard they were sold out and on back order.... so you might want to call before you order.

http://springfieldleather.com/store/search.asp

[McJeep]

Ayup, just spoke with them and found that out ;0)

Apparently, unless you search for "plastic edge beveler" it doesn't show :0/ I was searching for swivel beveler and the like :0/

So I have 5 of them coming LOL That's enough *shoppin* for one day ;0)

Thanks again