plinkercases Report post Posted September 9, 2018 (edited) I had to use some black pipe for something else and so I though I would try banging a piece of it into a slot punch for belt slots. as the math would have it 1"ID flattens to just about 1.5 long and .75 wide. the shape worked well and with what I have on hand for sharpening... hand wheel grinder , some files and 600 paper it work but needs some professional sharpening help. tomorrow I will temper it (torch heat and then oil dunk) and then when the sharpening guy comes by in his little van next time I will ask him if he can do a better job.... I also need to take some material off to lessen the slant away from the edge but hey for a butcher it makes me happy... two whacks and it goes through hard 12oz..almost 1/4" harness leather as seen here. I kept the pre-threaded end and will put a cap on it to help the hammering and also it will keep the off cuts inside for a while. And its long enough to get a full wrap on it and still not have to hit myself (heard that happens..) Amy suggestion what to do next other than my plan? Edited September 9, 2018 by plinkercases Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Rockoboy Report post Posted September 9, 2018 That is a great looking tool, and capping that end is a good idea as well. The sample holes are perfect, and that's the important thing. I don't know if there is likely to be enough carbon in the steel of your pipe to make it worth hardening, but it might help. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
YinTx Report post Posted September 9, 2018 How did you manage to get the perfectly rounded ends? Tool looks great. YinTx Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
battlemunky Report post Posted September 9, 2018 Agreed, looks great and I want to know how to keep the ends perfectly round too! One thing I thought of but may not mean anything is keeping an eye out for discoloration of the leather. Know how iron filing will blue the leather? Other than that, I think that if it works, why the hell not? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
plinkercases Report post Posted September 12, 2018 On 09/09/2018 at 12:37 AM, YinTx said: How did you manage to get the perfectly rounded ends? Tool looks great. YinTx They just ended up round when I inserted one of my metal loop sticks and was carefully when hammering not to square it...one side is a little squared off but only I can tell... On 09/09/2018 at 9:17 AM, battlemunky said: Agreed, looks great and I want to know how to keep the ends perfectly round too! One thing I thought of but may not mean anything is keeping an eye out for discoloration of the leather. Know how iron filing will blue the leather? Other than that, I think that if it works, why the hell not? it is bright steel at the cutting edge and whipped down with mineral spirits so no staining. And I got a better file and had at it again with more shaping and sharpening and am much happier with it now. Still need to cap to help save the mallet head and spread the blow better but perhaps I can get on tomorrow. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ScoobyNewbie Report post Posted September 13, 2018 (edited) Nice! I just got my brother to make me 2 sewing awl hafts. A straight sword point and a curved point. He thought He would try an egg shape and size for the handle and they work nicely. Edited September 13, 2018 by ScoobyNewbie Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
plinkercases Report post Posted September 13, 2018 3 minutes ago, ScoobyNewbie said: Nice! I just got my brother to make me 2 sewing awl hafts. A straight sword point and a curved point. He thought He would try an egg shape and size for the handle and they work nicely. PICTURES!!!! I love well made wood bits and metal bits. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
battlemunky Report post Posted September 13, 2018 12 minutes ago, plinkercases said: PICTURES!!!! I love well made wood bits and metal bits. This^^^^ Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ScoobyNewbie Report post Posted September 13, 2018 I’ll take some today and upload them tonight. Today is 8pm at Tandy, so it will be late. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
