Awls

[DaveBromley]

Hi Guys

What do you use to punch your stitching holes through your leather?

I'm using a home made awl at the moment and am finding it difficult to get through 3 layers of leather (approx. 9mm) cleanly.

Do i just need a better awl or is there some magical trick to it?

Do you do it when the leather is dry (i do) or do you case it first?

Help would be appreciated

Thanks

Dave

 

[crosslandkelly]

Not strictly correct, but I use a 1/16th drill bit and my battery drill.

 

[EarthToSimon]

I've used a dremel with a 0.5mm drill bit before, the leather blunts it quite badly after a bit but it doesn't have any problems getting through thick bits.

 

[Wayland]

There is a trick to it...

Keep your awl just as sharp as your knife.

 

[mountainm]

I use stitching pincers, way way easier.

 

[Robbi]

I use stitching pincers, way way easier.

got a link mate ?

 

[mountainm]

http://www.goodsjapan.jp/item/prick...h/leathercraft-pricking-iron-lea/lid=29748830

 

[Robbi]

lovely, thank you

 

[bigroomboy]

Man I found the awl hard. I use the pillar drill and a 2mm bit. I find anything smaller and I really struggle to get the needles through!

 

[Monikieman]

Wayland.

That's a really nice awl. I thought I recognised the work. I've hit your web site a few times.

DaveBromley.

just watch your fingers. My awl has seen it's first blood ......twice!

 

[Dreadhead]

joseph dixon awl with a round point for me

 

[Teepee]

Watch out with those Awls!

[video=youtube;q_a1wxqloEs]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q_a1wxqloEs[/video]

 

[Robbi]

i use a round awl, i go in from one side then turn the piece over and go in from the other side as well, thats two "piercings" for each hole....count the stitches !

 

[Hibrion]

A diamond awl kept, as Wayland pointed out, as sharp as you keep any of your edged tools will go through leather easily. It's worth spending a few euro on good blades whatever handle you put them in.

 

[dwardo]

Pillar drill and 1mm drill widened after with an awl if needed. Only on multi layer stuff or its just the awl.
Will also use the drill with a larger bit if using thonging for stitch on bow handles for instance.

 

[grey-array]

As Gary said, as long as your awl is razor sharp is shouldnt matter how many layer you will have to go through.
I have stitched up to 12mm with just a standard awl blade, bu of course sharpened to a fine point, I also like to make it into a small convex blade shape.

Yours sincerely Ruud

 

[Wayland]

What on Earth did real leather workers and saddle makers do before someone on BB suggested using a pillar drill?

 

[Robbi]

What on Earth did real leather workers and saddle makers do before someone on BB suggested using a pillar drill?

big nail and wack it with a big hammer

 

[Dreadhead]

sorry if i'm hijacking the thread here, just sorting myself out a wee travel kit, thinking of making myself a new awl handle on the lathe. reckon it would be sturdy enough without the metal cap/collar you get on most awls?

 

[Everything Mac]

Would have thought so bud.