Looking For Tips On Cutting Perfectly Square

[radar67]

Dwight's answer is right on the money. Stand up to get the most pressure on the ruler, sharp blades, and practice.

[Chief31794]

Totally agree with dirtclod, my only other trick to cutting straight is when I start cutting I cut in shorter lengths and multiple passes, I don't try to cut the entire side at one time and I cut very lightly to keep from "pulling" the leather. That plus an extremely sharp knife and cork backed ruler should make your life less challenging. I also always check my scratch awl lines to make sure they are square before starting cutting. I do that by measuring from corner to corner, the measurement should be exactly the same.

Chief

Edited December 9, 2013 by Chief31794

[Red Cent]

The rafter square will hold the leather with the lip of the square as you push against the cutting blade.

I also use these:

http://www.irwin.com/tools/browse/clamps/hand-clamps

with the aluminum cork ruler to cut straight lines. I use a utility knife without intending to cut all the way through the leather on the first pass. Then it is easy to follow the cut for another pass.

[Ed in Tx]

The same sort of issue can occur when cutting a belt strap from a large hide. I also use clamps on the straight edge to keep it from slipping, they work like a charm. If you are using the angled knife from Tandy that uses utility blades I would recommend trying Lennox brand blades that they sell at Home Depot, they have a titanium coated edge and in my experience cut better and longer than others I have used. They cost a bit more than some of the others but I can use the same blade a lot longer than other brands. For the hand stitching issue I have used a thonging chisel to make my holes, in order to keep the aligned use a straight edge to start your holes on the opposing sides. Doing that will guarantee that you are lined up.

[MadMorbius]

I use a large ruler to lay out the line with a scratch awl, but I haven't used a straight edge or a utility knife to cut in ages. The point of the utility knife is just too small to cut a straight line... basically the same thing that makes them great at detail work makes them hard to use for long straight cuts. Consider a good quality head knife or round knife, sharpen, polish and strope it. Tilting the blade forward as you cut will make it relatively easy to run a nice straight edge, while tilting it back on the point makes it more maneuverable for curves.

[jenkins]

Thanks for the great replies. I made another effort with a new cork-backed steel ruler and it made a world of difference. Still plenty to learn, and still not cutting perfectly square (though there are some great tips in this thread I will try soon), but I'm pleased that I was able to cut a relatively straight tiny 5 inch line for the first time.

Thanks again to all of you that took the time to respond.

[gentle ben]

Do you have a cutting mat with a grid? I find it a big help to get two edges parallel with each other - just lay the one you've already cut up against a line, then line up the ends of the ruler with another. Make sure you are above so the parallax effect doesn't stuff you up.

[Tree Reaper]

It's very difficult to cut square using a ruler .

You start with a single straight cut then make the other three cuts using a square to get a perfect square cut in your leather.

With a ruler you get all four cuts the exact same length but the cuts aren't square to each other.

If you prefer to use the ruler for cutting then lay the pattern out with a square and then use your ruler to cut.

[WyomingSlick]

I see there are several replies to your 1st issue, and little on your 2nd. You are aware that many leather items are assembled with some kind of glue prior to lacing or stitching, aren't you?

For a beginner leather stitcher, I highly recommend that you get a copy of Al Stohlmans: The Art of Hand Sewing Leather. It is worth far more than it's cover price. I also recommend that you get his book on Tools.

Books on leather working will teach you far more, faster, and more clearly, than asking questions on this forum. If you have the information in the book and still are having problems, then it is certainly time to come here and ask away.

[MadMorbius]

Youtube is also a valuable resource. If you're visual-kinisthetic, it can be of enormous assistance.