Latest project and a question for the leather guys

[ctovey]

Thanks for all the replies everyone, very helpful info. Now I need a new knife to make a new sheath for... oh darn

[caladin]

You can put sharp leather needles like from a sewing awl, into the chuck of the drill press and use the
cam action of the handle to push it through the leather without even turning the drill on... does the same thing.

Cal-

[RandallFlagg]

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.

Attachment 70460

Attachment 70461

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?

Attachment 70465

I had the same problem in the beginning. i use an overstitch wheel and i slowly map the hole placement down one side then the other side im going to stitch. I make sure i start from same spot other side. i then use an icepick and poke through each and every spot for the hole. i've seen 4 prong punchers for same use just a line drawn or a groove down first then punch the four holes and then using the last hole as the first you then punch three holes over and over on both sides you plan to stitch. then of course fold it to match the holes and sew.

[Jandar]

hell, you did a great job for the first time, second sheath will be near to perfect..

[Silver John]

When drilling holes use a drill bit that has been modified as follows.
Using a grinding wheel, Dremel stone wheel or belt sander put a sharp point on the drill bit and the bit will not drift during the drilling process.
After grinding the point fine sand and polish it.
To keep the point centered on the bit during grinding, sanding, and polishing chuck the bit in a hand drill. Then keep bit turning while grinding, sanding, and polishing.

It takes about 10 minutes to modify your bit. Most of the time is spent getting the tools out and puting them away.

When drilling holes with the modified bit the point will keep the bit from drifting in the leather.

I hope this helps. Keep on stitching. -Silver John_