How do I get consistent stitch holes?

[Scott1952]

Here I sit, just reading and learning...can't be beat.

[338uwm]

You'll have to email him. He's a member here, but go to his website www.petermain.com and he's got an email set up there. I think I paid 38 total for the blade and handle. Don't pass out when you see his beautiful works of art.

Make sure you tell him Marlon sent you. (if you still can't catch him, send me a pm and I'll see if I can catch him.)

I just sent him an email through his site. I cann't wait to get hold of him and throw the tandy awls in the scrap bin.

[Billy P]

What size needles would you use with the Osborne, Bob's, Peter's? Also thread sizes? Thanks Billy P

[Rawhide]

What size needles would you use with the Osborne, Bob's, Peter's? Also thread sizes? Thanks Billy P

Billy, right now I am using the 000 needles tandy sells, but I've been looking for some 004's that are a little smaller in diameter. the 000's are great needles, but just a little tight when using theses small blades.

Marlon

[Gibbsleatherworks]

If I can add something, I use the Tandy stitcher alot also for small stuff. When I used it for the first time I learned quickly that the needle isnt stiff enough to stay straight when punching the holes. I next moved to a simple ice pick that I sharpened, then used a plastic cutting board under it while pushing straight down. The plastic boards wont allow the awl to sink into it so the depth of the awl stays constant, as well as the hole diameter.

A good awl like Marlon said is worth it. The handle of an true awl is surely safer to put your weight on than a simple ice pick.

Someone asked about a groover...by using one, the stitch falls lower into the leather hiding very slight imperfections. Leaving a slightly cleaner looking stitch. It also protects the thread from abrasion and wear.

[RandyScott]

Billy, right now I am using the 000 needles tandy sells, but I've been looking for some 004's that are a little smaller in diameter. the 000's are great needles, but just a little tight when using theses small blades.

Marlon

Campbell-Bosworth list the CS Osborne Harness Needle in Size 4: OS-517-4

http://www.campbell-bosworth.com/catalog/i.../sort/3a/page/4

or http://www.campbell-bosworth.com/catalog/p...products_id/938

[Rawhide]

Thanks Randy,

That may be just what I'm looking for. I don't know why I didn't think to look at Campbell.

[Ladybug]

Marlon

Did you say you think cost of a Main awl is approximately $38?? And how often

do you need to sharpen.. That is my biggest problem with this leather work.. I

don't do so great sharpening my tools

Thanks

JoAnn

[Rawhide]

I don't do any mass production of articles, so take my info with a grain of salt. I sharpened mine when I bought it, just because that's who I am. I think anything can use improvement even if it's perfect. However, I haven't sharpened it since and that's been a year or so ago. I do strop it before a project to keep the edges honed though.

If you have a problem maintaining your tools, I suggest Al Stohlman's Leathercraft Tools book. This is probably the biggest gem in his works, and it helps you understand how to use, maintain and protect your tools.

Very good instruction.

Edited January 9, 2009 by Rawhide

[Pelallito]

Marlon,

Could you post pictures and perhaps the dimensions of the awls along with the punched holes? Do you know what steel Peter M and Bob are using in their awls?

Thanks for your help.

Fred

PS I read further in the thread that had this link and found the dimensions and photo. Thanks again.

I don't do any mass production of articles, so take my info with a grain of salt. I sharpened mine when I bought it, just because that's who I am. I think anything can use improvement even if it's perfect. However, I haven't sharpened it since and that's been a year or so ago. I do strop it before a project to keep the edges honed though.

If you have a problem maintaining your tools, I suggest Al Stohlman's Leathercraft Tools book. This is probably the biggest gem in his works, and it helps you understand how to use, maintain and protect your tools.

Very good instruction.

Edited April 18, 2010 by Pelallito