Tools For Lacing

[cjartist]

Thanks Guys!

[SooperJake]

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.

Mike, which brand of punch has these features you describe, please?

[Spinner]

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?

Also keep in mind that latigo lace is thicker than kangaroo or calf, the two most commonly used for braiding and lacing. Likely why it's filling the holes more than you were expecting.

[cjartist]

Spinner, I think that is very much the case. I now have some kangaroo lace on the way. Gosh it is expensive!

[Cyberthrasher]

Gosh it is expensive!

Yes, but it's EXTREMELY worth it.

Just a note, if you're practicing, go get some plastic craft lace and save the good stuff for projects.

[Spinner]

Spinner, I think that is very much the case. I now have some kangaroo lace on the way. Gosh it is expensive!

Yes, but it's EXTREMELY worth it.

Just a note, if you're practicing, go get some plastic craft lace and save the good stuff for projects.

+1 to buying cheaper lace for learning/practice. Superior Lace from Springfield or Tandy runs about $18 per spool, the nice Springfield pre beveled calf lace runs $25 per spool versus the kangaroo at $41-48 per spool. Once you get comfortable with the lacing & spacing & techniques, break out the kangaroo and you'll never go back.

Edited December 7, 2012 by Spinner

[Beaverslayer]

When I want to try a new lacing style, I'll practice by punching holes in some poster board, then use the lace I want to use when I do the real thing. Once I have worked it out, I just cut the poster board apart and still have my good lace to use on the project.

[Spinner]

When I want to try a new lacing style, I'll practice by punching holes in some poster board, then use the lace I want to use when I do the real thing. Once I have worked it out, I just cut the poster board apart and still have my good lace to use on the project.

Good idea. I do something similar when I am experimenting to try and discover a new technique (haven't done it yet, but one day...).

Poster board and ribbon work well together and the ribbon is cheap. That way if I screw up or pull too tight there aren't any kinks in the lace.

[Cyberthrasher]

Poster board and ribbon work well together and the ribbon is cheap. That way if I screw up or pull too tight there aren't any kinks in the lace.

That's why I get the plastic craft lace, it's only about $2 for a LOT of it and it's about 1/8" already.

[Beaverslayer]

One more thing that you can do, is, when you lace something and you have a foot or two of lace left over once you've completed a run, rather the throwing that short piece of scrap lace in the garbage, save them. This way you will always have pieces of different lace to try your new ideas with actual lace you want to use.

Scrap can be so handy and helpful...