Leather Perforation, Not Many Answers Out There

[tparrish]

Hi Everyone,

I am looking for a solution for perforating leather. I have searched and scoured the web and have only come across the Tandy option as well as the CS Osborne ventilator punch. I understand that large production rum perforating is most likely done by a large roller or other large machine but there has to be a solution for us little guys.

So my question, does anyone have an idea or tool I can search for?

I am looking to to smaller areas up to 10" x 10" in round perforations and cross perforations.

Round:

• • • • • • • • •

• • • • • • • • •

• • • • • • • • •

• • • • • • • • •

• • • • • • • • •

• • • • • • • • •

Cross:

+ + + + + + + +

+ + + + + + + +

+ + + + + + + +

+ + + + + + + +

+ + + + + + + +

+ + + + + + + +

[DavidL]

There may be some broueging(not spelled right) tools that can get a row of round holes. For a single tool that can make those holes would have to be custom made by someone who makes broueging tools for leather shoes

[BondoBobCustomSaddles]

Tparrish, first, the cross pattern will likely fatigue with time and tear at the ends of the cuts, so unless there is a specific need for that, I would stay away from it. As for the round in a pattern, your best bet will be to call some of the tanneries that supply the auto makers, you can look them up on the internet. They have a lot of scrap hides, since the need for blemish free hides for the auto companies seating, leads to some scrap. You might be able to buy some by the hide at a discount price.

Hope that helps you.

Bob

[WyomingSlick]

I would think you could locate some perforated sheet metal to use as a template and then it would not take too long to do a 10 X 10 inch area with a single punch

[Nuttish]

Laser cutter.

[WyomingSlick]

I would think you could locate some perforated sheet metal to use as a template and then it would not take too long to do a 10 X 10 inch area with a single punch

On second thought it might be much preferable to have a clear plastic template so that you could see the hole placement better.

[Dwight]

You may also want to contact someone like Weaver Leather who make the cutters used on clickers. I am sure they could make one for you.

If you are somewhat handy with tools, . . . buying punch ends from Tandy, . . . drilling and tapping a piece of 1/4 steel, . . . you could make your own clicker plate.

Doing it that way, you could take out some or add some, . . . depending on today, . . . what you wanted to make, . . . size wise.

May God bless,

Dwight

[UKRay]

This is a perfect job for a small laser. I can't tell where you are in the world, but any laser operator can do this job for you at a relatively cost effective price - and much neater than you will, especially if you are using a hand tool.

Alternatively, you may want to explore the clicking knife option although the tooling for this could be expensive - and you do need a clicking press. I have used a solid plate, set with 3mm punches to achieve this effect. It worked well and saved hours of boring, repetitive work.

Hope this helps!

Ray

[tparrish]

Hi Everyone,

Thanks for the great replies. I have been thinking of a template, or like Dwight mentioned, make my own punch or die. I will have to check with Weaver as well.

Laser cutting was a thought of mine off the bat but I am not sure if the edges my show discoloration, burning on lighter colors. I am located in St. Pet

For durability I was thinking of doing this with lighter weights and using a second layer underneath. I don't believe the cross perfing penetrates the material fully either.

Also forgot to mention that none of my perforated edges will ever by left unfinished. They will always meet another piece to for a seem. There may even be welting in between.

I am designing somethings right now and it is difficult to get into the detailing of the design if I am not sure if a desired look is easily (relatively) obtained.

[Tree Reaper]

Did you try buying it?

http://www.hiriar.com/en/others/131-perforated-leather.html

[leatheroo]

You could try sewing machine with very large needle and no thread.....makes for nice even holes...not sure about the crosses. Gotz make brogueing punches but are very expensive, they are in their catalogue under tools.

cheers

[tparrish]

Did you try buying it?

http://www.hiriar.com/en/others/131-perforated-leather.html

Buying it isn't an option as I work with only chromexcel at the moment.

You could try sewing machine with very large needle and no thread.....makes for nice even holes...not sure about the crosses. Gotz make brogueing punches but are very expensive, they are in their catalogue under tools.

cheers

I will take a look through the Gotz catalogue again, thanks

[Tree Reaper]

How thick is your leather?

[tparrish]

The weight I am looking to to this to is 2-3oz and 4-5oz.

[Tree Reaper]

Garrett has that service and they may even have the leather you want.

It looks like they can perforate thinner leather.

http://www.garrettleather.com/content/pages/services