Members Eaglestroker Posted October 10, 2013 Members Report Posted October 10, 2013 I bought one from Texas Custom a few weeks ago to try. My first one was out of spec, and seeing how it was made I tightened my dimensions up for the remake so I could get exactly what I wanted. The second attempt was much better and it sure leaves a more professional look in a fraction of the time. Quote
Members Umebo Posted November 7, 2013 Members Report Posted November 7, 2013 I use hole punches and carpenter's chisels of various withs to make slots. I think it really works well as a cheap alternative for us hobbyists, even though it requires four mallet strikes instead of one to make a hole. Even the cheapest chisels are plenty good to cut leather, which makes it affordable to build up a very flexible tool set. Quote
Members PappyUSA Posted November 7, 2013 Members Report Posted November 7, 2013 I use a forstner bit backed by a piece wood and a chisel. It takes a bit longer than using a punch but they always come out perfect. I like to make them 3/8” thick and 1/8” - 1/4” longer than the width of the belt because I found that using a too tight of a slot leads to more squeaking. Quote
Members Dieselman Posted November 18, 2013 Members Report Posted November 18, 2013 I use hole punches and carpenter's chisels of various withs to make slots. I think it really works well as a cheap alternative for us hobbyists, even though it requires four mallet strikes instead of one to make a hole. Even the cheapest chisels are plenty good to cut leather, which makes it affordable to build up a very flexible tool set. This is exactly what I do as well. Quote
Members malabar Posted November 20, 2013 Members Report Posted November 20, 2013 The black ones are the stuff that tandy sells. I hate to say this, but you should avoid them at all costs. I bought one from a local Tandy and the edge didn't hold up at all. The manager of the place told me that if I was going to do any kind of volume I needed to buy Osborne (which they didn't sell). I ended up buying most of my strap-end cutters and bag punches from Osborne. They're a few bucks more but the quality is much higher. tk Quote
Members MStarmer Posted November 23, 2013 Author Members Report Posted November 23, 2013 Thanks for all the replies, I've came to the conclusion I just needed more practice and a sharper chisel. Sounds like it's hit or miss with some of the choices out there. I'm cutting them a little undersize and grinding them to where I want them. Quote
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