RogerNixon Report post Posted November 21, 2013 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. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Narvi Report post Posted November 21, 2013 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. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
RogerNixon Report post Posted November 21, 2013 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. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Greenbarn Report post Posted November 22, 2013 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, Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
RogerNixon Report post Posted November 22, 2013 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. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
silverwingit Report post Posted November 25, 2013 (edited) 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 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
RogerNixon Report post Posted November 25, 2013 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? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
silverwingit Report post Posted November 25, 2013 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 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
RogerNixon Report post Posted November 26, 2013 Those look great, Michelle. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
silverwingit Report post Posted November 27, 2013 Thanks, Roger! Michelle Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ramrod Report post Posted December 6, 2013 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, this /\ /\ i've wondered where to get some, too. i'm guessing a woodworking tool catalog? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
RogerNixon Report post Posted December 6, 2013 I went back and looked at mine. They were some Arrow #2 awls (no longer made) and were marked USN so I'm thinking they were US Navy issue. Here is a picture of one : Here is a picture of a scratch awl I made with one of the collets. The handle is African mahogany Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ramrod Report post Posted January 29, 2014 soooo......roger. being a woodworker, you could probably make an awl haft or two in the form of the osborne #142....if a forum member wanted to buy them off of you? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
RogerNixon Report post Posted January 30, 2014 I could, but I don't have a source for the collets and I couldn't be cost competitive with the Osbornes or the Barry King's either. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
TXAG Report post Posted January 30, 2014 (edited) Ok, well since he doesn't feel like doing it, try this guy... http://www.blujay.co...ername=Chairman I bought a scratch awl from him and if that's any indication, it'll end up being a lot nicer than his anyway... He said he was working on a smaller design soon also... Edited January 30, 2014 by TXAG Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
pete Report post Posted January 30, 2014 I bought a scratch awl from him and if that's any indication, it'll end up being a lot nicer than his anyway... WOW- Do you wake up nasty or do you get going throughout the day! I don't believe that I have ever seen a nice or encouraging post from you on this forum. Do you even do leatherwork of some kind? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
TXAG Report post Posted January 30, 2014 WOW- Do you wake up nasty or do you get going throughout the day! WTF do you think you are?? I don't have to answer to you. I guess I'll lie about the scratch awl I got and say it sucked. Would that makes thou happy then, king peter? I don't believe that I have ever seen a nice or encouraging post from you on this forum. Then you are not very observant because they're there. Do you even do leatherwork of some kind? Yep. Probably better than you in some aspects. Oh, and don't get mad -- remember, you're the one thast came in here trying to pick a fight with me here... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
terrymac Report post Posted January 31, 2014 TXAG, Why don't you pick up your bag of marbles and go find another playground to play on. I agree with Pete. I have never seen one useful bit of info from you other than telling people they should use the search button rather than asking the question. Exchange of information is the whole idea on this forum, and intimidating some new person by implying they are some kind of dummy because they didn't search before they asked. You also really good at bad mouthing suppliers that a lot of use and will continue to do so in spite of you. I had a problem with Springfield not to long ago, but they took care of it. They are only human like the rest of us. Leatherworker Net is a great source of information and exchanging ideas. It was great way before you showed up and will continue to be long after you are gone. Terry Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
TXAG Report post Posted January 31, 2014 (edited) I think it's cute how you think I care what you think about me. Also, I will continue to tell folks to search when they ask questions that have been asked several hundred times and when they post "what leather should I use?" without any additional info. That's common courtesy on any forum. I always try to search first before I post...I don't get why that's so difficult for others to do. And if you think I haven't posted any useful/helpful posts, you also are not very observant because they're there...or maybe you just want to see only what you want to see, huh? Edited January 31, 2014 by TXAG Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ramrod Report post Posted February 1, 2014 I could, but I don't have a source for the collets and I couldn't be cost competitive with the Osbornes or the Barry King's either. ok...well i appreciate your candor. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Rayban Report post Posted February 4, 2014 Here's my Bob Douglas...I push on it with the heel of my hand, and NEVER set it down on anything flat. I don't use it as much anymore now that I have a machine, but it's my most prized tool in the shop. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
RogerNixon Report post Posted February 19, 2014 That is very nice. I hope everyone realizes I'm just saying I can't compete with those who make these on a commercial basis. In case anyone is interested, I found out Arrow awl hafts are still around. I thought it was the Arrow company that makes staplers but it is from a company that uses USM (not USN) as a logo. Here is a pdf of their awl hafts. http://www.unitedglobalsupply.com/assets/images/full_pages/tools-6.jpg Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
