Cutting Circles

[LairdM]

Ok, search results came back with too many hits, so...

For a new sporran I'm making for a friend, he wants a 'targe' decoration.

What is the best way to cut a circle of leather? Would a compass cutter do? I tried tracing around a rond cookie cutter, but it didn't work very well...

[dirtclod]

The only problem with the cutters is they leave a spot in the middle of your circle where the pivot is. Or the one i used did anyway. Try a plate the same size or close the size you want ( turn it upside down ) when you mark the circle of try to cut it and you will have to hold it down.

[DoubleC]

Hi Laird. I have the same problem so a friend of mine showed me this.

http://www.amazon.com/Pickett-Temp-Circle-Radius-Master/dp/B000HF0KBM/ref=pd_rhf_ee_p_t_1

I ordered one, just came today so I haven't had a chance to use it yet. Hope this helps. Cheryl

[LairdM]

Dirtclod: Yeah, last time I used mine, wherever it may be hiding, it did leave a pin prick, but that would be covered by a rivet. Didn't think about using a plate or similar and holding it down...

Double C: Just checked Amazon Uk and they have them for about £7 ~$11, so might treat myself for Xmas...

[GlenH]

I use this: http://www.misterart.com/scrapbooking/tools/trimming-tracing-tools/fiskars-circle-cutter.html

Glen

[LairdM]

Hmm, replacement blades on evil-bay, Amazon, numerous craft stores, but no-one seems to either sell the tool or have it in stock...anyone coming over from the US to the UK soon?

[lwm803]

If the center will be covered, chances are the center will need to first be located and marked. Marking/cutting with a compass would be the absolutely best way of locating the center of the circle. Otherwise, anything round and about the right size could serve as a template and in many cases as a cutting guide. In the case of a targe with center medallion some form of compass/trammel would be my first choice.

[bruce johnson]

A trick to use with a compass is to tape a scrap of leather down in the center with blue painters tape. The scrap takes the mark and the tape pulls off cleanly afterwards.

[cajun]

Do your circles the easy way, go to a custom picture frame shop and most of them have oval / circle cutters and it will cut leather like butter. I use mine all the time to cut circles and ovals. Most frame shops have now gone to computer mat/cutters and nolonger have any use for their old manual ones and will sell them at a good price. I must still have 5 or 6 of these machines and will sell all of them.

Regrds,

Bill

[glockanator]

Anyone tried putting a scrap piece down in the middle? It would leave a mark on the scrap and not on the finished product.

The only problem with the cutters is they leave a spot in the middle of your circle where the pivot is. Or the one i used did anyway. Try a plate the same size or close the size you want ( turn it upside down ) when you mark the circle of try to cut it and you will have to hold it down.