Using A Stitching Pony Or Horse

[seabee]

When using a stitching with a pony/horse, how tight should tighten the adjustment? I know its for holding the leather, but I don't want to crease the leather. I have never used a stitching pony/horse, and just finished making a pony.

Thank you in advance,

Seabee

[Tugadude]

You pretty much summed it up and answered your own question. Adjust it so that your project doesn't move when you are stitching, but not so tight that you damage it. It is just a third hand, so to speak. No need to clamp down too hard. Did you line the inside surface of the jaws with leather? If not, that also helps.

[mlapaglia]

+1 on the leather lined jaws. Place the smooth side so it holds the leather and you will be good to go. Start with less tension than you think you need. If the project moves add a little more. It's something you develop a feel for.

[smirak]

I just made one last week and used it last night. I only had a skillsaw to use, so it didn't have the "precision" that a table/mitre saw would have had. The result? My jaws didn't meet exactly. Meaning, I've got a little gap in there that I can't tighten down (one side only). All the above said, I used it last night to sew a project and it works as you described. Just a little loose.

[zuludog]

Tugadude has it about right. If you can afford a professional job - $ 100+? - all well and good. If not adjust/cut/modify/fettle the one you have so that it suits you, and get used to it.

[jk215]

I lined the jaws of my stitching horse with some old veg tan. I can make it very tight and dont get any creases.

[seabee]

Thank you all for responding. Yes I lined the jews with leather, NOW! lol. I used 2/3 oz. and hope thats OK. I used the pony today stitching a wallet and all went well. I didn't groove the stitch line because I thought the leather was to thin.

Thank you again. Seabee

[RavenAus]

I just made one last week and used it last night. I only had a skillsaw to use, so it didn't have the "precision" that a table/mitre saw would have had. The result? My jaws didn't meet exactly. Meaning, I've got a little gap in there that I can't tighten down (one side only). All the above said, I used it last night to sew a project and it works as you described. Just a little loose.

Stick some sandpaper to a flat piece of board. Put the board in the jaws just tight enough to catch and tighten gently as you rub the board back and forth. Should even out the jaws for you. Then line with leather.

[smirak]

Stick some sandpaper to a flat piece of board. Put the board in the jaws just tight enough to catch and tighten gently as you rub the board back and forth. Should even out the jaws for you. Then line with leather.

The problem is they aren't too long, but one end is too short. Actually, looking at it, the jaws would have been fine, but they "slipped down" when I glued and nailed them...therefore the gap...

This was a prototype though to see how I liked it and if I wanted a nice one made from maple or poplar or the like...need a reason to buy a miter saw anyway!