Rookie Toolmaker Question

[pinkingirons]

Since a picture is worth 1000 words, I uploaded a photo of what I'm trying to do. Can I take the arch punch in #1 and grind half off to a half round punch ( #2 more or less), then cut down to expose the thicker portion of the tool in #3, and finally use some files to convert it to a pinking iron (#4)? I need a specific size of pinking iron, 1 1/8". I have one but the teeth are too large for what I'm trying to reproduce. I know the odds of finding the exact size tool I need are close to zero. Thanks for any input anyone might have.

[TwinOaks]

You are hereby granted permission to modify your tools any way you see fit, using any process you want, provided you don't violate any local, state, or federal laws......or the laws of physics.

I would suggest though, that arch punches are not usually cheap, and you will need some pretty serious metal working tools to do this. You could alternately start with a belt slot punch which is what you have in pic #2. Have you considered using a piece of pipe instead? It is much less expensive, and would allow you to make an error or two in the production (and start over) without breaking the bank.

Also, there are several members here that make leather working tools as a hobby/part time job, and since they already have the tools/experience, you might check and see if they could do it.

[Luke Hatley]

Nessitity is the Mother of Invention....If the wall of the arc punch is thick enough and you have the perservance

go for it.

[pinkingirons]

I did think about using a piece of galvanized pipe, but a 1" pipe has an outer diameter over 1 1/8" and a 3/4" pipe has an outer diameter under 1 1/8". I don't have a metal lathe to reduce the diameter down to 1 1/8" and I'm not sure if there is something similar I could use.

If any toolmakers are reading this and want to try to make me one, please speak up!

I've attached a photo of the piece of leather I cut out of with the 1" pinking iron I just sold on ebay. The teeth were close, but I needed a 1 1/8" not a 1". I luckily found a 1 1/8", but the teeth are bigger. Also in the photo is what I'm trying to make.

Thanks everyone for the responses.

You are hereby granted permission to modify your tools any way you see fit, using any process you want, provided you don't violate any local, state, or federal laws......or the laws of physics.

I would suggest though, that arch punches are not usually cheap, and you will need some pretty serious metal working tools to do this. You could alternately start with a belt slot punch which is what you have in pic #2. Have you considered using a piece of pipe instead? It is much less expensive, and would allow you to make an error or two in the production (and start over) without breaking the bank.

Also, there are several members here that make leather working tools as a hobby/part time job, and since they already have the tools/experience, you might check and see if they could do it.

Edited August 16, 2012 by pinkingirons

[Bobby hdflame]

Why don't you try this place?

http://www.texascustomdies.com/index.php

There's others on the forum that have used them. That's where I got their name.

[pinkingirons]

I actually have a mallet die from Texas Custom Dies. Great product, great price, and fast delivery. When I inquired about a die with the pinked edges they said the pinked edge steel they had was not the right size and it would be too expensive to make from scratch. I later got two quotes from other die makers...$675 and $1000+.

Why don't you try this place?

http://www.texascust...s.com/index.php

There's others on the forum that have used them. That's where I got their name.

[Sylvia]

I wonder if Bruce Johnson would have something like this? Couldn't hurt to ask that's for sure.

[bruce johnson]

The thing on this one is the 1-1/8" width. I have or have had them in widths up to one inch. I can't recall one larger than that.

[SooperJake]

Find a local blacksmith and have it made. You could do a trade or something. Maybe even learn a little bit about forging. It's real good for hand strength.

Jake

Edited August 23, 2012 by SooperJake