Latest project and a question for the leather guys

[ctovey]

So after watching Beo-wulf's sheath making videos (which I totally recommend to anyone thinking about getting into leather work) I decided to make a sheath for my shiv. Its not my first but its the first I'm really pleased with.

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And on to the question. I used a overstitch wheel and groover and the stitching come out clean on the front. However the back has a bit of a Frankenstein look to it. Any tips on getting the holes punched straight, or is this just something that takes practice?

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[Rubberducky]

Im no expert but, it looks like when you punched your stitching holes in you leather it ended a bit crooked on the back, that is why they are lined up in the front and not the back. Depending on what process you used to could give an answer to the result but you most likely just need some practice is all. You did a great job either way and should be proud.

[2stoves]

I was having same issue with my stitching. Front would look good, back sucked. I used the overstitch wheel, dampened the leather, and even used a groove. What finally helped me was using a drill press device with my dremel. It helped me get the holes straight and even through all the layers. It is called a Dremel Workstation.

http://www.casa.com/p/dremel-220-01-...la&cagpspn=pla

Obviously a regular drill press would be great but I have no room for one so this works great for my leatherwork.

[HardBall]

Yep, I have similar issues using a handheld cordless drill. I'm thinking drill press is the way to go.

[clanmaki]

To be honest I prefer the handmade look. The stitching may be a little crooked on the back but that tells me it was done by hand and with that in mind i am blown away by the work involved! your stitching holes are really even and consistant! So over all you can see a lot of detail, care and time involved which speaks of quality and craftsmanship. Impressive Job!

[Vantramp]

Your sheath looks good, you should be pleased

I usually do mine with a foredom(flexshaft) to drill the holes(on thick material) but it isn't any better than the dremel without a guide of some sort. Mainly it is something that you get better at with practice, like everything else. Muscle memory takes over and now I don't even have to think a lot about it. I haven't gotten to the point where I will do a backside groove before drilling/punching though. I always do one after.

A drill press attachment is good idea, but I agree with Clanmaki about the handmade look. It does add something more IMO.

-Mike

[Paul Foreman]

well done ...

[ashman]

Glad I am not the only one that can't punch straight holes. :-) I think it looks great!

[1066vik]

I took a 6p finish nail, chucked it into my drill press, turned on the drill press, and sharpened it to a needle point with file and sandpaper -- this punches cleaner and straighter holes than I was ever able to get with a 1/16" drill bit and because I'm not actually removing leather, the holes close up after I'm done sewing and the leather dries -- which makes for a tighter, more sturdy sheath.

[ohski]

I punched all my holes (both sides) prior to bending the leather in half and stiching... I use a 4 prong punch and use the last hole of the first punch to keep them even spaced. So after punching the first 4 holes I'm just punching 3. If you start at the same point on both sides it all lines up very well.

I got most of my pointers from J... he did a tutorial about a year ago.

Ski