Tools For Lacing

[cjartist]

I have been lurking here for a few days. Reading all the great advice and soaking it all in while also working on my first project. I am still building my tool collection and have a question about lacing. What type of hole punch should I buy?

I have thonging chisels but it looks like round holes would be better. Most of the punches that Tandy have are not geard toward the thicker leather. So what do the pros use?

Thanks for all the help you have already been!

[Josiah]

Cs Osborne rotary punch on lace holes and reg hole punch for mount studs

[cjartist]

Thanks Josiah!

[TwinOaks]

If you decide to get the rotary punch, don't skimp on the quality. Cheap tools can and often DO yield cheap results. Stay away from the 'economy' versions, try to get one that has compound jaws so that the punch goes straight down instead of entering the leather on an arc. Also look for well built, positive locking positions - that will help eliminate slipping if you're punching holes.

[shadowryder]

I use a 2mm single cs osborne punch with 3mm lace 5 holes to the inch. gives a good tight finish with mexican braid.

hope this helps

JJ

Edited November 17, 2012 by shadowryder

[cjartist]

Thank you all for the advice. That braiding looks awesome Shadow!!!

[electrathon]

In general: Round holes are for round lace, flat holes (slots) are for flat lace.

Best lacing punches I have found: http://www.vendio.com/stores/goodsjapan/category/lacing-chisels/catId=4252436 The most common one is the one listed as out of stock.

[cjartist]

I hear what you are saying about the holes. But looking at the others that are doing motorcycle seats, it seems that round holes are often used.

Another question... I bought some 1/8" latigo lace to practice with and it doesn't seem like it will fit through 1/8" holes. Do you just have to force it through?

[Cyberthrasher]

I hear what you are saying about the holes. But looking at the others that are doing motorcycle seats, it seems that round holes are often used.

If the lacing is structural, you want round holes. If you use slits it will be a lot more likely to tear out under stress.

I don't know about latigo lace, but 1/8" lace should easily go into 1/8" holes. A lot of times we actually undersize the holes to make things a bit tighter.

[electrathon]

I hear what you are saying about the holes. But looking at the others that are doing motorcycle seats, it seems that round holes are often used.

Another question... I bought some 1/8" latigo lace to practice with and it doesn't seem like it will fit through 1/8" holes. Do you just have to force it through?

Are you using a needle? The tighter the holes are the cleaner the look. I usually use 3/32" holes and 1/8" lace, I have to often pull through with pliars.