Awl Haft Design

[RogerNixon]

In a recent thread, there was a picture of Will Ghormley's sewing setup. It appears he uses the Osborne No 143 awl haft.

As a noob leather worker, I'd like to know what haft designs you experienced folks prefer. I have some collets like this haft uses and I have a wood working lathe so I can make out pretty much any style.

[Narvi]

I like a haft that has at least one straight side to it so that A) it doesn't roll off the workbench, and I can use the feel of the straight side to orient where the blade is pointed.

[RogerNixon]

I agree. I now make my chisel handles in tapered octagons for those reasons and they are very comfortable as well. I was kinda thinking about making some awl hafts in that style. The one below is made of Osage Orange.

[Greenbarn]

I was wondering where you got the collets? I am really much more of a wood worker and would like to make my own handles.

Thank you,

[RogerNixon]

I bought a tool box at an auction and it had six awls in it. The handles look like the Osborne 145 haft but they are made of black plastic. From the other stuff in there, I think they may have been Navy issued.

[silverwingit]

That #143 is made to be struck by a hammer or maul, vis., the leather pad on the end.

I have found that my favorite awl haft is the Osborne #142, "Palm Awl Haft:" http://www.csosborne.com/no142.htm

I actually prefer that #142 in certain applications over my Barry King haft, which is a work of art. The reason is the narrow width of the neck of the haft close to the collet coupled with the narrow tapering collet itself. I make lots of wet-formed pouches where I need to get very close to the side of the formed top in order to stitch it to the flat bottom piece. If you look at that #143, that plain wouldn't happen. Not even with my cherished King model as its collet is a bit bigger than the Osborne one. With that #142 Palm haft, the neck of the haft is very narrow, and the actual collet is nicely tapered as well (as it is with the #143; they're the same collets) allowing me to get into tight spots. Functionally, the size and shape of the Palm haft is near perfect for my hand. Easy and comfortable to use.

Michelle

Edited November 25, 2013 by silverwingit

[RogerNixon]

Thanks, Michelle. That is a design point I hadn't considered. Do you push the awl with the palm of your hand or do you grip the length of the handle?

I see you do harmonica accessories, do you have any pix?

[silverwingit]

Roger, that's one of the reasons I like the Palm haft. My fingers are kept pretty busy juggling the needle. The Palm haft fits nicely in the palm of my hand so my fingers can concentrate on the needle until I'm ready to make a puncture. Then yes, my fingers guide the haft but it's the palm of my hand that applies the pressure. That way I am free to release the haft with my fingers knowing that it will just fall back into my palm.

And thanks for asking, yes you can see my work at my web site, http://silverwingleather.com/gallery/

The wet molded cases I mentioned are in the "Single Diatonic Cases" section.

Thanks,

Michelle

[RogerNixon]

Those look great, Michelle.

[silverwingit]

Thanks, Roger!

Michelle