Members CitizenKate Posted January 21, 2007 Members Report Posted January 21, 2007 (edited) Exactly, Clay, you got the point of what I was saying. With the marks made by the diamond hole chisel, it's very easy to get the awl cuts at consistent angles. My stitching rows also tend to be easier to keep straight with a chisel, too. These are probably not as big of an advantage for someone who is fairly skilled with the use of an awl and an overstitch wheel. That group does not yet include me. :biggrin: If I get to a point where I'm doing a lot of sewing, sure enough, I'll probably want to switch to the wheel to help me work faster. At that point, it will be worth the practice to learn to get the same results that I get now with a chisel. Kate They put the holes exactly the same as a Tandy #6 overstitch wheel. They punch a hole that is a little large for most sewing thread in my opinion. I did try them to just mark holes like Kate was saying, and it seemed to make it easier for me to then come back and use the awl and actually push the hole through the leather at the right slant. It would be a lot slower to mark them with the punch than with an overstitch wheel. I guess you would have to weigh that against having the proper slant marked. I think it's a useful tip and I something I might use until I learn to do the sewing like Al taught in his book (if I ever do). Edited January 21, 2007 by CitizenKate Quote
BruceGibson Posted February 2, 2007 Report Posted February 2, 2007 I have a few awls that I keep sharp and polished like glass. I even use them occasionally. But, in all honesty, when I have to hand-stitch something (or, if I prefer a hand-stitch on something for aesthetic reasons) I don't use an awl. Don't use a punch, either. I prep my leather to be stitched, cut my stitch groove, go over it with the appropriate overstitch wheel, and then I drill my stitching holes with a Dremel tool. I use a drill bit the same diameter as my harness needles. It's about as fast as it gets for hand-stitching, and it looks pretty good, too. Here's a picture of a little hand-stitching (using the Dremel to drill the holes) on a flat-plate rigging for a saddle I'm building. The leather is two layers of Hermann Oak 13/15 ounce skirting. It's pretty thick stuff--close to a half-inch pancaked together--here's a picture of it... http://www.gibsonprorodeo.com/FLATPLATERIGGING.htm You still need the leather fingers, or Band-Aids to protect the sensitive parts of your fingers, but I haven't stabbed myself with the Dremel yet...yet. Quote "Don't squat with your spurs on." www.GibsonLeather.com
Members MatthewD Posted February 3, 2007 Members Report Posted February 3, 2007 what size bit do you normally use for which needle? Quote
BruceGibson Posted February 4, 2007 Report Posted February 4, 2007 Hi, Matthew, The bit I use is roughly the same diameter as my harness needles. I also use a fairly thick piece of skirting to push them through the holes in the "sticky" places. I've got the palms for this, but prefer a piece of leather because I don't care to wear a bunch of stuff on my hands. I also have a couple of chap leather "sleeves" that I wear on my little fingers to absorb the wear & tear--they're real simple, and you could cut the fingers off some old cheap gloves and do the same thing. And, as I mentioned earlier, Band-Aids work real well, too. If you'll give me a day or two, I'll take some pictures of the toys I use for hand-stitching and either post them here or post a few links. I'll also give specifics on the size harness needles I use, the thread and sources for all of it. Right off hand, WalMart's a great source for the Dremel, and there's several flavors to choose from depending on your budget. My harness needles and thread I get from Weaver Leather, and I'll look up the numbers so I can tell you what I'm using. Quote "Don't squat with your spurs on." www.GibsonLeather.com
Members MatthewD Posted February 4, 2007 Members Report Posted February 4, 2007 I would appreciate the pictures and I have a Dremel that I got for Christmas last year that I have been using for woodworking.. Quote
Ambassador abn Posted February 5, 2007 Ambassador Report Posted February 5, 2007 I've heard that some folks use Dremel tools as alternatives to awls, however, I've also heard that you have to be really careful to make sure the holes are evenly spaced and line up on the back side of the leather. Apparently, a Dremel tool has a little more propensity to wander than an awl does... (I don't have any experience with Dremels, I'm just passing along what I've heard others say, so YMMV...) Best, -Alex Quote
Billsotx Posted February 5, 2007 Report Posted February 5, 2007 [quote You still need the leather fingers, or Band-Aids to protect the sensitive parts of your fingers, but I haven't stabbed myself with the Dremel yet...yet. Mole skin works pretty well too. Quote
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