Help needed with weaver draw gauge.

[pentelaravi]

Hi,

I need help in fixing the recently brought weaver draw gauge for my belt project. I tried on veg tanned leather and found the issues.

1) The blade screw is not flat to the leather, causing pushing upwards.

2) The handle is overturning and not giving good grip to hold.

3) The blade is not parallel to the handle. After cutting an inch, the leather stuck between blade and handle.

After sending mail to Weaver for support, they sent me the below mail to fix the screws. i did tried and seems like still issue with the blade angle to the handle and does't want waste the premium leather for that. Is there any way to accurately measure the angle and fix the problem? Thanks for the help.

Hello,

We got your e-mail about the draw gauge. There are set screws on the front of the draw gauge that will adjust the handle, so the handle does not overtighten. That should take of issues #2 and #3.    

Thanks!!

Allen Burkholder

Machinery Sales

Weaver Leather

1-800-932-8371 Ext 223

 

 

[Wizcrafts]

You can file or sand off a little amount of threads on the end of the locking screw #1. That will allow it to tighten the blade with the head parallel to the ground, if you take off just the right amount. Hit and miss filing.

The sideways screw pitch adjustments should let you get a clean, straight cut.

If you find you cannot master this tool, consider returning it and getting an all wood strap cutter that uses a razor blade.

[pentelaravi]

Thanks for the reply. Due to the blade angle issue , not able to use the tool. I am not able to rotate the screw accurately, After after cutting certain length the leather stuck between blade and handle, i have to remove the blade to take the leather out. And again i have to start with making the straight edge and guess work of screw rotation.

i purchased this tool during hanks giving sale and started using January first week. The return period 30 days passed and only email support they are providing. Wasted lot of time and leather on this. Anyone has experience with master leather tools? Are they any good for paying extra premium? I really disappointed with this draw gauge. 

I will try with all wood strap cutter. 

[Rohn]

I tried a draw gauge a few years ago and did not have any luck with it. It was not from Weaver. I use the wooden strap cutters and they work good for me.

I do have other Master tools from Weaver. I love their Deluxe Round Knife and have cut out hundreds of holsters with it. Their hole punches and strap end punches are also very nice. I also like their EZ Edge Strap Edger, it has saved me tons of time.

[pentelaravi]

Thanks Rohn. 

After talking to them, they agreed to accept the return and is going back to them. I might got bad one but impressed with their customer care.

Yesterday i received Master tool strap end punch(1 1/2), build quality is good and worked nice. Just ordered all wooden strap cutter and waiting on that. 

[Mark842]

I'll admit I rarely if ever use draw gauges anymore as I have a strap cutting machine but my experience, for whatever its worth, is I always had the best luck with the El Cheapo wood draw gauges that you can pick up for cheap. They are a super simple design and they must be nearly indestructible because the old tandy one I have in my shop is probably 30 years old.

[oltoot]

I guess that there are "tricks" that I am not even aware of but I have successfully used a draw gauge for over 50 years. I think that pulling slightly into the leather is a big part of the trick after the adjustments mentioned by Weaver. For me, the wood/razor blade thingys are useless junk?

[Rohn]

30 minutes ago, oltoot said:

I guess that there are "tricks" that I am not even aware of but I have successfully used a draw gauge for over 50 years. I think that pulling slightly into the leather is a big part of the trick after the adjustments mentioned by Weaver. For me, the wood/razor blade thingys are useless junk?

Maybe it is all in what you learn on and get used to.

[Sheilajeanne]

Maybe it is all in what you learn on and get used to.

 

Very true,  I have an el cheapo from Tandy, and it works just fine! I can see having to replace the blade sometime down the road, but that will be cheap and simple to do.

[Bigfoote]

I also use a cheap wooden strap cutter, always worked great, no problem as long as you keep the blade sharp.

[Mark842]

8 hours ago, Rohn said:

Maybe it is all in what you learn on and get used to.

probably a lot to that. I never saw the need to try one like the weaver or an osbourne metal type cause the wood one always did a good job for me. Wasn't till I started needing 10-20 straps a day that I gave up on it and bought a Cobra strap cutting machine. Only time I use the wooden one now is if I just need one strap and I don't feel like moving the blades on the Cobra.

[Rohn]

I use a lot of 3/4" straps for making safety straps on holsters, and also belt straps.  Now I  have Weaver cut a side of leather into straps for me and am very happy with their service. Cheaper than buying a new machine.

[bikermutt07]

I use the Tandy strap cutter. I strop the blades on it and it cuts like butter.

I have one of the draw gauges with a Terry Knipschield blade. That thing is just scary. I used it once, then put it away. I don't like that blade sticking out.

PS can this be moved to "how do I do that?"

Edited February 2, 2018 by bikermutt07

[pentelaravi]

Finally i got my wooden strap cutter and happy with that. Big wooden handle provided me better grip than weaver draw gauge.