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Posted

I have begun making many holsters using button stud flap closures, both 7mm and 8 mm diameter heads. I use a nice punch set I keep sharp and which is of the Tandy advised size. I use my Xacto blade to cut the short cut one point off the punched hole. I use Lexol conditioner to soften the punched hole and slit before pressing it down onto the stud the first time. But I still get a little cracking on the outer side of the hide around the punched hole, and a few strands of flesh on the inner surface that drag into the punched hole.

Wickett and Craig and Hermann Oak veg tanned 7-8 ounce hides.

Any advise please? Thanks as always. Always tickled to learn new techniques. Don

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Posted

Are you just using Tandy round punches then making the slit with an exacto knife or the Tandy button hole punches?

post-32363-0-35159700-1452772352_thumb.j

"The only man who makes no mistake, is the man who does nothing." Theodore Roosevelt

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Posted (edited)

If using round punches, sharp punches and a firm surface plus a quarter turn and another wack at the end make alot of difference to how clean the hole is. If using the shaped type, put another piece of leather behind and punch right through.

Wet the leather before punching. Not sopping, cased as if for carving.

If the leather is pre finished, or water marks from casing need to be avoided:

Punch the hole too small, then stick a wet cue-tip in the hole, wait 10-20 mins, or until you see moisture spreading just past final hole size, and then punch to final size. Press onto the stud while still wet. Pull it off to dry. Then condition.

Edited by TinkerTailor

"If nobody shares what they know, we will eventually all know nothing."

"There is no adventure in letting fear and common sense be your guide"

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Posted

Thank you all. Tinkertailor I will try the multi step approach too. Don

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Posted

Being a hobbyist I can't afford to carry multiple specialized tools so I always use a round punch the size of the neck not the top of the thumb press button and then punch my straight line with a 1/2" straight chisel putting the edge of the straight punch at the back of the first hole, then at the top of the newly punched straight line I punch my smallest hole punch at the top. I wet the large hole and use either a pointed slicker or just my scratch all and slick the inside of the edge of the large hole. The small hole helps prevent any unnecessary creases or tears.

Here is a pic of a key belt ring Ive been carrying for a while.

keyring.jpg

  • Members
Posted (edited)

Coreysyms that's just handsome! And my thanks to you also. Are you using a straight woodworking chisel for the clean slice? I'm not familiar with any other style chisel. Don.

Edited by Tallbald
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Posted

Coreysyms thanks. I didn't know about this style chisel. Tomorrow a Springfield leather shipment of belt buckles arrives to me. I wish I'd asked earlier this week! I need more holster lining leather soon. I'll add a chisel to my order. Thank you once more. Don

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