Leather Splitter Use

[Sjm1027]

This may be a silly question to most of you but exactly what is a leather splitter used for or when is it needed in a project. I am confused because you can't pull to big a piece through so I want to know some applications you would use it.

Thanks

Steve

[bruce johnson]

I use mine for thinning down leather, mainly for straps. They can also be used for skives of different lengths. It allows me to buy heavier leather, and then thin to thickness I need, rather than several weights of leather. Also, I can match things better. I can have heavier brief case sides, and lighter handles from the same side. I have an 8" and 10" splitter. I pulled some 7-1/2 through the 10" today with not a lot of effort, both feet were still on the floor. There are some wider splitters that can split big pieces down. Some are motorized and some are wheel cranked. They are a bit spendy unless you find the right deal on one and have need.

Splitters are not the first thing a shop needs, but they are handy when you get going. Several styles are out there, and a ot of the old relics are more functional than new ones. Some prefer one or the other.

[Hidemechanic]

In most saddle shops I've seen 6"ers. I know a guy with 15" motor drive, but the issuue with all of them is keeping the knife sharp. I suggest getting the paper wheel sharpening outfit and learn to use it correctly. I've gotten hard hides that are hard on the edge.

I have an older Landis crank, I traded out of one of those relics Bruce mentioned(American). I'm not sure I made the best deal but the Landis has done well for me.

My first was a pull type Randle that I never got the hang of, probably before I know how to sharpen the knives. Hope this helps.GH