CFM chuck123wapati Posted February 23, 2022 CFM Report Posted February 23, 2022 5 hours ago, Klara said: Almost certainly true. But the thing is: I enjoy working this way, and not only because it's a lot more economical to work with an awl (and whatever cheap means of marking the stitches) than to hunt for the perfect set of stitching chisels. For me there's something very satisfying about using an awl. I've also found it faster. Yes, there's a learning curve, but I work for my pleasure, not for sale. learning to use the awl removes a ton of lost time and headaches trying to figure out how to line up pre punched or chiseled holes for sure. The old saying "practice makes you perfect". I can see not useing a clam or clamp for large items but i dont think thats what they were made for i think they were made to hold small items that you cant hold and sew at the same time. I dont see any person holding, using an awl punching and sewing with two needles a wallet with just two hands easilly. And my spell check isn't working for some reason? Quote Worked in a prison for 30 years if I aint shiny every time I comment its no big deal, I just don't wave pompoms. “I won’t be wronged, I won’t be insulted, and I won’t be laid a hand on. I don’t do these things to other people, and I require the same from them.” THE DUKE!
CFM tsunkasapa Posted February 23, 2022 CFM Report Posted February 23, 2022 6 hours ago, Klara said: Almost certainly true. But the thing is: I enjoy working this way, and not only because it's a lot more economical to work with an awl (and whatever cheap means of marking the stitches) than to hunt for the perfect set of stitching chisels. For me there's something very satisfying about using an awl. I've also found it faster. Yes, there's a learning curve, but I work for my pleasure, not for sale. I agree 100%. I've used an awl and stitch marking wheels for 35+ years. The whole chisel thing looks like a huge waste of time. Quote Hoka Hey! Today, tomorrow, next week, what does it matter?
Members Tugadude Posted February 23, 2022 Members Report Posted February 23, 2022 Chisels are not a waste of time, nor are they perfect. They have allowed aspiring leatherworkers to achieve a level of quality that they would not be able to had they only used an awl and traditional stitch spacing methods such as stitch wheel and/or pricking iron. People who haven't tried something probably shouldn't be pronouncing judgment. For example, I don't own a sewing machine and so I don't comment on them. I do, however, notice that there seem to be a ton of people experiencing problems with them, hence the number of threads asking for help. I could easily assume that sewing leather by machine is a huge waste of time, but I know that isn't the case. Nothing is perfect, not awls, not machines and not chisels. And there is a learning curve to all of them. There is some extremely fine work displayed on this forum by people who use chisels regularly. Maybe they will chime in and give their opinion on whether they find it a waste of time or not. Quote
Contributing Member Samalan Posted February 23, 2022 Contributing Member Report Posted February 23, 2022 On 2/22/2022 at 9:21 AM, chuck123wapati said: haven't tried, but I'd think a ball peen hammer would be prone to leaving dents, so probably not good for tapping down stitches I HAVE USED A BALL PEEN FOR THE VERY PURPOSE GOT A VERY COOL LOOK ALL THOSE BEAUTIFUL DISHES CAN LOOK REALLY COOL BUT IF YOUR NOT LOOKING FOR THEM THE BALL PEEN IS NOT THE TOOL NOT EVEN THE FLAT SIDE IT'S TO FLAT I USE AN OLD COBBLERS HAMMER WITH THE FACE POLISHED TO A MIRROR FINISH YOU CAN FIND THEM ON EBAY. Quote
MtlBiker Posted February 23, 2022 Report Posted February 23, 2022 2 hours ago, Tugadude said: Chisels are not a waste of time, nor are they perfect. They have allowed aspiring leatherworkers to achieve a level of quality that they would not be able to had they only used an awl and traditional stitch spacing methods such as stitch wheel and/or pricking iron. This very likely is a dumb beginner question, but your comment makes it sound like there is a difference between a chisel and a pricking iron. Is that correct? And a more general question to anyone... With two layers of 6oz veg tan leather and Ritza Tiger 1.0 thread, what is an appropriate size for the chisel or stitching iron? I'm confused as heck about this. For example, I have a "3mm" Craftool chisel #88045-06 (or is that a stitching iron?) and it measures 5mm point to point. My "4mm" one measures 6mm point to point. And my Craftool Pro (#88056-09) 3mm measures as near as I can tell, 3mm point to point. That last one is the only one which seems to be the right spec. How does this make sense? Quote Current machines: Janome HD3000 and Skyline S5, Consew 206RB-5, Singer Profinish serger, Techsew 2750 PRO, Sailrite LSZ-1 Premium, Consew DCS-S4 Skiver
Members Tugadude Posted February 23, 2022 Members Report Posted February 23, 2022 22 minutes ago, MtlBiker said: This very likely is a dumb beginner question, but your comment makes it sound like there is a difference between a chisel and a pricking iron. Is that correct? And a more general question to anyone... With two layers of 6oz veg tan leather and Ritza Tiger 1.0 thread, what is an appropriate size for the chisel or stitching iron? I'm confused as heck about this. For example, I have a "3mm" Craftool chisel #88045-06 (or is that a stitching iron?) and it measures 5mm point to point. My "4mm" one measures 6mm point to point. And my Craftool Pro (#88056-09) 3mm measures as near as I can tell, 3mm point to point. That last one is the only one which seems to be the right spec. How does this make sense? Not dumb at all. It is easy for miscommunication to cloud the distinction and that's why I suggested the following "sticky" subject. Regarding Tandy, those chisels are measured differently than most. The one you mention as being 3mm, #88045 would be very appropriate for sewing two pieces of 6 oz. leather with 1.0 Ritza 25 thread. Quote
CFM chuck123wapati Posted February 23, 2022 CFM Report Posted February 23, 2022 2 hours ago, Samalan said: I HAVE USED A BALL PEEN FOR THE VERY PURPOSE GOT A VERY COOL LOOK ALL THOSE BEAUTIFUL DISHES CAN LOOK REALLY COOL BUT IF YOUR NOT LOOKING FOR THEM THE BALL PEEN IS NOT THE TOOL NOT EVEN THE FLAT SIDE IT'S TO FLAT I USE AN OLD COBBLERS HAMMER WITH THE FACE POLISHED TO A MIRROR FINISH YOU CAN FIND THEM ON EBAY. sometimes i even use a spacing wheel of the same SPI pushes em down real nice. Quote Worked in a prison for 30 years if I aint shiny every time I comment its no big deal, I just don't wave pompoms. “I won’t be wronged, I won’t be insulted, and I won’t be laid a hand on. I don’t do these things to other people, and I require the same from them.” THE DUKE!
MtlBiker Posted February 23, 2022 Report Posted February 23, 2022 1 hour ago, Tugadude said: Regarding Tandy, those chisels are measured differently than most. The one you mention as being 3mm, #88045 would be very appropriate for sewing two pieces of 6 oz. leather with 1.0 Ritza 25 thread. Thank you! But just to confirm, even though it says "3mm" the point-to-point distance is 5mm. And that's good with 2 x 6oz and 1.0 Ritza thread? Or were you thinking it would be 3mm spacing? (Sorry, just want to be really clear on this.) And thanks also for the link to that topic. I will read through it all tonight when I get home. I had just assumed those items were the same... you say tomato I say tomato. Cheers! Quote Current machines: Janome HD3000 and Skyline S5, Consew 206RB-5, Singer Profinish serger, Techsew 2750 PRO, Sailrite LSZ-1 Premium, Consew DCS-S4 Skiver
CFM chuck123wapati Posted February 23, 2022 CFM Report Posted February 23, 2022 1 hour ago, MtlBiker said: This very likely is a dumb beginner question, but your comment makes it sound like there is a difference between a chisel and a pricking iron. Is that correct? And a more general question to anyone... With two layers of 6oz veg tan leather and Ritza Tiger 1.0 thread, what is an appropriate size for the chisel or stitching iron? I'm confused as heck about this. For example, I have a "3mm" Craftool chisel #88045-06 (or is that a stitching iron?) and it measures 5mm point to point. My "4mm" one measures 6mm point to point. And my Craftool Pro (#88056-09) 3mm measures as near as I can tell, 3mm point to point. That last one is the only one which seems to be the right spec. How does this make sense? i tend to talk of either tool in stitches per inch,makes life more understandable than mm's. you can also talk about spacing wheels and such then in the same context. i use 1 mm theread with 7 spi chisels they are the craftool fine diamond in 3.5mm. I feel that thicker thread looks better in most cases than thiner thread no matter the spacing. Quote Worked in a prison for 30 years if I aint shiny every time I comment its no big deal, I just don't wave pompoms. “I won’t be wronged, I won’t be insulted, and I won’t be laid a hand on. I don’t do these things to other people, and I require the same from them.” THE DUKE!
Members Selvune Posted February 23, 2022 Author Members Report Posted February 23, 2022 (edited) Well, "first" official project completed. Not the prettiest, but functional Yes, I see quite a few issues with stiching and the opening cut at the bottom, but for a very first attempt, I am pleased. Can't wait to see the improvement as time goes on. Thanks again for all the advice. Edited February 23, 2022 by Selvune Quote
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.