bullwhipcracker Report post Posted January 3, 2009 (edited) I am interested in a splitter, but my budget is severely tight. I am considering a hi-tech or possibly the James splitter. Is the el cheap-o good enough for a start or should I toil away and save for the James or a used Osborne. I will be splitting leather of various thickness and type from latigo to 'roo for whip making. Ron Edited January 3, 2009 by bullwhipcracker Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
rawhide1 Report post Posted January 3, 2009 Ron First off I want to welcome ya to a great site!! If it was me I would save my money and get a old Osborne. I think you would be much happier . Which ever way you choose to go I wish you luck. Mike Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Randy Cornelius Report post Posted January 3, 2009 You get what you pay for. I would save for a CSO. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
rgerbitz Report post Posted January 3, 2009 Ron, Welcome. I have been at braiding for a short time. And have zero experience with anything but the high tech splitter from tandys. I get along fine with it. Course I wouldn't know if it is really bad, never having tried anything else. Good luck with it. Rob Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
bullwhipcracker Report post Posted January 6, 2009 Thanks for the welcome, and the advice! Ron Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Greywynd Report post Posted January 7, 2009 Maybe this should be a seperate thread.....mods feel free to split it if you feel appropriate. Does anyone have detailed pics showing the construction etc of a splitter? I'm thinking of ways I can build them, but there's a couple details that I haven't quite figured out teh best approach yet..... Of course one of the things I'm looking at is how it can be done economically too....if there's a demand, maybe I can build some extras? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
TwinOaks Report post Posted January 7, 2009 Here's something you might find interesting: http://leatherworker.net/forum/index.php?s...amp;hl=splitter Yet another thanks to SmilinJim. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jerryrwm Report post Posted January 10, 2009 Get the best splitter you can afford... If it is an inexpensive one then that's what you get. But the thing to remember is to keep that thing clean and SHARP! A sharp - (and I mean razor sharp, hair shaving sharp) blade on an inexpensive splitter will bring you more joy than a half-assed sharp blade on an expensive splitter. learn how to sharpen the blade with a good stone, and then use a buffing wheel and polishing compound to get that super SHARP edge you need. If you don't know how to sharpen a blade from a splitter, maybe find a machinist or tool maker. They can usually get you on the right track. Good Luck Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites