Cutting Subtle Curves

[superpacker]

Are there any tips to cutting shallow, subtle arcs or curves in leather. On a simple billfold for example. If I wanted the lip of a card pocket to have a shallow dip, rather than be a straight line across. What the best way to measure and cut that?

[Tree Reaper]

I would use a template made of paper cut the same size.

Fold the paper, mark your line, cut on the line and then unfold the paper and there's your template.

[pete]

I use a protractor upside down a lot. You can use a small bit of it for a shallow dip or just lower it for a deeper and wider curve.

I use can lids and jar tops too

Pete

[electrathon]

I use can lids and jar tops too

Yup. Plates are great for bigger arcs.

Aaron

[superpacker]

So I guess my hang up is how to physically cut the arc? What's the best way to make rounded cuts? Most cuts are straight and I normally use a hobby or x-acto knife

[electrathon]

So I guess my hang up is how to physically cut the arc? What's the best way to make rounded cuts? Most cuts are straight and I normally use a hobby or x-acto knife

Push down hard on the plate and pull your knife along the edge.

[r lenna]

A french curve will work well. On my patterns I cut them from rawhide or linoleum. Then you can use it to cut around with out messing up the edge. Rob

[thekid77]

Are there any tips to cutting shallow, subtle arcs or curves in leather. On a simple billfold for example. If I wanted the lip of a card pocket to have a shallow dip, rather than be a straight line across. What the best way to measure and cut that?

I use a compact disc as a guide and make the cut with an x-acto knife. I don't try to cut through the leather all the way on the first pass, rather, I make 2-4 light cuts, one over another until I get all the way through the leather...

The disc may or may not work for you depending on how much of a curve you need. It works well for the pockets of card wallets that I make. Hope that helps!!!

[superpacker]

So while it will help of you have a hard edge to but up against, do yo need that, or can you cut it in stages with a knife, multiple cuts getting deeper, after you've traced your pattern?

[ramrod]

if you mean can you cut it in stages - going deeper with each pass? you can do it that way.

[Tree Reaper]

If you have to cut thin layer in stages your knife isn't sharp enough.

Once should suffice and no more than twice.