Bench / Table Top Press

[Jason311]

Hey guys,

This might be a ridiculous question, but here it goes anyways.

I live in an apartment and I prefer to use a pricking iron / fork to set up my stitching - however, hammering nearly everyday isn't going to fly in my building.

Are there any presses that could be sat on a table top - and pressed down to push the fork into the leather? Would a grommet press or a snap press work?

I'm guessing this process would only take a little longer than using a hammer. I am not interested in a drill press, but one with a flat "bit" for the press.

I hope that makes sense - Thanks in advance,

Jason

[Chief31794]

I know you said you weren't interested in a drill press, but in an apartment you might want to consider a dremmel press, they are inexpensive, small and work hard. Load a #25 needle in it, mark your stitches and punch away resulting in a diamond pattern that will closely resemble real hand stitching. Of course you could always use an awl and that wouldn't be any noise at all and wouldn't insult any hand stitching purists.

Chief

[Jason311]

Thanks for the quick reply Chief.

I'll look into the press. I'm learning right now and am open to trying anything besides machine stitching. I have used an awl, but my stitching is terrible - even with a stitching horse, I cannot get the holes evenly made.

I'll look into the dremmel press.

[BDAZ]

An arbor press would be ideal

http://www.harborfreight.com/1-2-half-ton-arbor-press-3551.html

Cut some of the handle off the pricking irons or have a hole drilled in the press to take the handle. Also great for stamps. Average cost around $25 with the usual discount coupons.

Cya!

Bob

[Jason311]

That's it - I was checking those out on eBay and wondering if it would be mentioned.

I might give that a go!

[St8LineGunsmith]

that little press right there has a lot of uses in leatherworking.

you will have to make/modify your own arbors.

a stitching awl is probably the fastest method for making a saddle stitch

you will want to use a stitching horse/pony/clam in conjunction with the awl

the stitching clamp leaves your hands free to make the hole then applying the stitch to the project.

look for Nigel Armatiges stitching tutorials here or on youtube.

[BDAZ]

Jason,

Are you in the US or UK? Harbor Freight is the place to grab one of these presses. Get the 1 ton (a bit more $$) if you do any stamping.

Cya!

Bob

Edited April 28, 2014 by BDAZ

[Jason311]

Bob,

I'm in the US. I was checking them out. All my pricking forks are 4 to 4.5 inches. I think the one ton will have enough room for them, without me having to cut them down.

Jason

[BDAZ]

You can always have a machine shop drill a hole in the foot to take the handles. There are presses available that are pre drileld to take attachments:

http://www.zoro.com/g/00139275/k-G4937396?utm_source=google_shopping&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=Google_Shopping_Feed&kpid=G4937396&gclid=CI6Pi-bGhL4CFRRbfgodwiUAZA

Cya!

Bob

[Jason311]

Getting closer every post - I think I might go with the one you have posted and see how that goes.

Thanks for the help guys!

Jason