leather stitching question

[Agneezy]

What's the best way to make all the little holes you need to stitch leather? Should I go * with a drill with a small-diameter bit or is there a smarter way? Thanks.

[Derian]

Depends. Are you stiching armor grade leather?

If it's armor grade, a drill is probably your best bet. If not, you can get away with an awl. Either way, something like this will probably be your best friend: http://www.tandyleatherfactory.com/sear ... 79-07.aspx

[Magpie Saegar]

I recommend a set of leather hole punches with a hammer.


Then I use an awl to do the stitching.

[Agneezy]

thanks, guys

[Cyric]

I think tandy makes something that looks like a cross between a hole punch and a fork, so it makes 4 holes at a time. i have no idea what it's called or where you can find one, but they do exist.

[Sieglatan]

http://cgi.ebay.com/PRO-LEATHER-BELT-HA ... 43a6132c1d

I use one of these- note that it is solid steel- not stamped steel like most of the ones commercially available. I can punch through dry 16 oz leather if I go half way on each side.

[No'Vak]

I think tandy makes something that looks like a cross between a hole punch and a fork, so it makes 4 holes at a time. i have no idea what it's called or where you can find one, but they do exist.

http://www.tandyleatherfactory.com/sear ... 52-00.aspx

Only one I can find, says 3 oz leather though.

[Fitz Caliston]

the only thing I hand stitch anymore is the top dome decorations on helms, just because I can't get to it with my machine(s). (Tippman boss and Singer G-series)

However I prefer using a drill over punches (either cordless hand drill or one of my drill presses).

I used punches for years and they were just soo much extra work and headache.

[Arrakis]

Single-tine lacing chisel for me: http://www.tandyleatherfactory.com/home ... 0-291.aspx. Takes a while, though, esp. if you're having to hammer it through hardened armor-grade like I do...

[Gronk]

Dont use those hand squeezed belt punches, especially for 12oz leather. They wear out quick and the metal twists eventually and the punch bits dull quickly. A dremel works for 6oz leather and above, thinner leathers willget wrapped around the drill bit. Harbor freight sells a nice set of hole punches far cheaper than Tandy's price. Be sure to get yourself some scrap wood, cork or high density rubber mat to punch on.
One advantage of punches over drilling is that it slows you down so you don't **** a project up and waste alot of leather.