Harag Report post Posted June 2, 2013 (edited) Hi all I recently bought a thong cutter: http://www.leprevo.c...aker_thong.html to make some lacing so I can lace around things like kindle covers etc. With it I bought item # 105: http://www.leprevo.co.uk/hides.htm Near the bottom - "Kid Lining Leather", thinking this would be ok for lacing - I think I'm wrong on this as every time I've cut a 4" square and put a hole in it, it just goes all out of shape and I can't seem to get it started. What type of leather should I be using to make lacing with? Any help / advice would be appreciated. Thanks Edited June 2, 2013 by Harag Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Harag Report post Posted June 5, 2013 Anyone? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
shtoink Report post Posted June 5, 2013 That's the best part about this tool. You can be making lace from nearly any leather you like, provided it doesn't fall apart when lacing with it. You can pick up scraps and cut-off from your other projects and make lace from that, or you can find a coordinating color that pleases you. Just make sure you have a fresh blade in it. I ran into an issue with a brand new one that refused to make lace right out of the package. It turned out to be dings in the blade from the shoddy assembling procedures. Replaced the blade and it made short work of my left-overs. I was even able to make some thin-ish suede into lace, too. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
mlapaglia Report post Posted June 6, 2013 +1 on a fresh blade. Make a small cut with a knife and pull it through the hole on the cutter then hold the end and pull on it. It should make lace and work fine. You might try some thicker leather just till you get the hang of using the tool. It will work. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Harag Report post Posted June 6, 2013 Iv'e got some "1.8 - 2mm" (4-5oz) natural veg tan leather which is the next thinnest one I have, but think if I use this it will be more like thongs rather than lace. which would be good for some arm guards I'm making, but I've never seen pre-made lace before so not sure what sort of leather I need. On that subject, would I be best dye the veg tan before making the thong? For the blade, it's a new cutter, so will the blade need shaping and then running through with some jewellers rough ? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
shtoink Report post Posted June 6, 2013 For the blade, it's a new cutter, so will the blade need shaping and then running through with some jewellers rough ? Yes, on a new tool, the blade has a good chance of being all nicked up and dull due to the "mass production" nature of its assembly. This was the case with mine. It's common, but does not mean it's a guarantee that yours will be that way. However, It is common enough to merit pulling the blade out for inspection first, just to be on the safe side. Nothing worse than shredding up your leather trying to get it started and then finding out that was the problem from the very beginning. Unless getting a package of new blades is an issue where you are at, they tend to be cheap enough to just replace rather than spending time to resharpen. That doesn't mean that you can't resharpen them, though. The blades are a bit on the small side and can present a serious finger hazard when trying to sharpen and strop them unless you are able to hold them in some sort of fixture. I'm a little hand shy from too many errant bit a metal flying about after thinking I could just wing something. To be honest, I'm super lucky to have all my fingers and both my eyes from many such occasions. A true graduate from the School of Hard Knocks. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Harag Report post Posted June 6, 2013 Thanks Shtoink, I can get a pack of 5 blades, but didn't bother, but will add it to my next order. I'll remove the blade and sharpen it, I sharpen my stanley knife when that gets dull rather than replace the blade. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
rawhide1 Report post Posted June 6, 2013 Harag Kangaroo is the best for lace. Pricey but well worth it. Mike Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
electrathon Report post Posted June 7, 2013 I keep seeing this thread title and all I can think of is cutting the underwear off a stripper. "thong cutter" Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Chief31794 Report post Posted June 7, 2013 I keep seeing this thread title and all I can think of is cutting the underwear off a stripper. "thong cutter" That's the only reason I stopped by, I could use a good thong cutting tool, LOL. On a serious note, I've never cut lace I always buy high quality lace from suppliers, I'm pretty sure they can make a more consistent and usable lace than I ever could, that being said, kid lining is a little to "supple" for lace I think, not sure what would be best, maybe someone who does a lot of braiding will chime in. Chief Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
joe59 Report post Posted June 7, 2013 I've worn out two or three of these tools over the years. I've cut latigo, chap, goat, rawhide and kangaroo. A sharp blade is important. Any leather that is too stretchy ( deer, elk or bellies) I haven't had any success with. Although I have cut veg tan leather into lace, it does not make good lace. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Harag Report post Posted June 7, 2013 (edited) Thanks for all the feedback, I was asking because I can't seem to find premade lace from my current supplier in the UK hence the reason I bought the tool Oh well. I think I will shelve it for a while and see if I can find somewhere to buy lace from in the UK. Nevermind.. I've just found it on my suppliers site: called "Flat Leather": http://www.leprevo.co.uk/leather-thonging.htm Edited June 7, 2013 by Harag Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
