How do I get consistent stitch holes?

[CodeJockey]

You're welcome.

One last question? Where would I find the Peter Main awl? I've tried googling it and searching here but can't find anything.

[Rawhide]

One last question? Where would I find the Peter Main awl? I've tried googling it and searching here but can't find anything.

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.)

[westtxcowboy1979]

I use a dermel tool with a small drill bit for holes when I need to hand stitch. You might give it a try it works for me.

[Rawhide]

I use a dermel tool with a small drill bit for holes when I need to hand stitch. You might give it a try it works for me.

I tried this once on a briefcase made out of saddle skirting. The holes inside of the gussets were all over the place. I couldn't keep it straight for sh#+

For me, I'll stick with the awl and leave the dremel to evening up the edges.

[TwinOaks]

I use a dermel tool with a small drill bit for holes when I need to hand stitch. You might give it a try it works for me.

Drill bits remove leather, awls push it aside. Drilled holes won't close up like stabbed holes will. I tried it too. Fingers don't close up as well either.

I'm PMing Peter on this.....Marlon, you forgot something when discussing the different awl sizes- Modify! File the blade down to the size you need!

I bought a second Osborne, stacked up the leather washers, and hit the diamond sharpener (flat) to reduce the size of the exposed blade. The net result is that if I remove all the washers, I have a stepped awl. Still, a little whittlin' and it's punching holes similar to the small end of the Bob Douglas awl holes (as seen in your pic). I won't even try to discuss the steel used, but I think Bob Douglas uses better materials- otherwise, everyone would just buy the cheap ones and file them down.

[Monticore]

i was thinking of using a speedsticher/stiching awl without thread to punch my holes and then hand stitch .

would that work or do you need the angled/diamond shape to avoid tearing etc..

also when using an awl do you use the groover or mark the backside to keep your lines straight?

i am still finding better results using thinging chisel(the smallest size) are giving me the best results for my watch straps.

cory

[Rawhide]

The speed stitcher is really for repairing stitches. Plus you'll have a hard time punching the holes with it vs. a sharpened diamond shaped awl. I guess I'm just partial to the look of the diamond holes and how the stitch lays when there done.

[Monticore]

i just need a better awl i guess using the tandy one( .

cory

[TrooperChuck]

Marlon, thanks for posting that picture! Seeing the different sized awl holes was a real eye-opener! I enjoy hand stitching and have done okay with Tandy-quality awls, but now I'm thinking I need to get myself a Peter Main awl, or modify one of my existing awls.

I learn so much from this forum, and its FREE!!!! Wow!

[Rawhide]

Marlon, thanks for posting that picture! Seeing the different sized awl holes was a real eye-opener! I enjoy hand stitching and have done okay with Tandy-quality awls, but now I'm thinking I need to get myself a Peter Main awl, or modify one of my existing awls.

I learn so much from this forum, and its FREE!!!! Wow!

You're welcome. You know no one here knows it all, but with the collection of great minds and artisans here, there's nothing we can't accomplish. Also, don't discount the Osborne awls. They do have their place. They do require some sharpening, but they are easy to sharpen and hold an edge for a long time. But for a ready to go blade and use of smaller cord, you can't beat Bob's or Peter's blades. One note, Peter's blade comes with the haft. Bob's doesn't.