A New Twist On The Sewing Awl

[shtoink]

I stumbled onto an interesting thread over at The Home Shop Machinist that was dedicated to home brew tools and such. The main reason being that I have an interest in that sort of thing and thought I might be able to get a few ideas for future use. While digging through the nearly 200 page thread, I ran across this post. It was clearly made by someone frustrated with pushing a sewing awl through leather with their bare hands. I thought it might be something that could be appreciated and even replicated by those of you in the same boat here.

[Tree Reaper]

I have used a similar idea incorporating a drill press and a pin vise.

The biggest problem is having the leather come back up with the awl because there's nothing to hold it down like a foot on a sewing machine.

[shtoink]

No arguments from me on that one, but I'd wager that getting the needle out of the leather is a whole lot easier than getting in there.

[Lolligagger]

I figure it's only a matter of time before some industrious and curious person (ahem shtoink) makes a machine that can mimic a human hand-stitching and through it's use make perfect stitches fast and uniform. I understand that sewing machines exist that can sew leather, but from what I have heard they cannot compare to hand stitch in quality and strength. I can imagine all the motions involved with the awl and the thread and the tension put under the control of an algorithm with simple mechanics calibrated by a knowledgeable leatherworker, much like in welding today with its use of robotics. This could perhaps be the first small step.

Just a thought.

[BearMan]

Hi Everybody, Here is something similar I made a few years ago. I call it the "Rapid Repeater" stitching hole puncher. It uses a Douglas blade, & it makes short work of making holes at the correct angle. Since the picture was taken I've added a light. About every 15 holes, I rub some beeswax on the blade. Hope this helps. Ed the"BearMan"

[Cyberthrasher]

That's awesome Ed!! But, I'm actually more interested in what the "bearlac" is

[shtoink]

But, I'm actually more interested in what the "bearlac" is

Well, it's Semi-Gloss, of course!

[AndyL1]

Ed that machine is gorgeous! I must get one of your mauls one of these days.

[BearMan]

Hi Cyber,,, BearLac, is actually the same formula as the old, 50'-70's NeatLac. I only made it when NeatLac wasn't being made. But, there are a few places to buy the NeatLac replacements now, so I don't make it anymore. Thanks for the interest though,,, Ed

[Cyberthrasher]

Thanks for the interest though,,, Ed

It was just more of a curiosity