Drill bit

[greyhawk]

I haven't seen your two replies, Greyhawk. No moderator action going on that I know of. Maybe there was some kind of a glitch when you were trying to reply. I had that happen myself on another forum (not CAS City) yesterday when I tried to post.

Skeeter
it went something like this (never comes out as good the second time around)
yeah ! worn out hands - you not the only feller !

Prepunching ? I use a stitch marker and punch holes (with the awl) over a little hole i drilled in the benchtop to let the awlpoint pass through but gives a solid support to push against - dont have to use other hand with any force to hold the piece - I stand up to do it so can use forearm strength to bear down on the work - that helps.

Some stuff I mark both sides of the work and awl punch each part separately - not sposed to do that but be careful and it works ok - just need to make sure the angle of the awl holes is right - (push a couple index holes through both pieces to be sure) - this is twice as much work but half the effort each time - works for me. Plus is perfectly neat stitch line on front and back side of the join.

I cheat with my stitching, mostly only use one needle and I have a nice smooth, fine, fid to enlarge the stitch holes on the return trip if its needed - dont use an awl for that, you can cut the previous thread - If you careful how you pull the stitches in its neat.

Also use pre twisted thread - that needs a one size bigger needle - the ball of linen thread I have is machine twist (by mistake) how I know there is a difference ? This works ok but dont even think about using reverse twist (for hand sewing) in a machine = big headache. 
 
A machine for prepunching to hand sew ? I dont reckon would be worth the bother - just load the thing up and sew it.
I have four machines in various stages of restoration/disrepair - Something for light work - like bags and chaps etc - plenty around and not expensive - but holsters ? needs a proper machine I think - compound walkling foot needle feed. Walking foot is good - needle feed is great! 

Like your work (who wouldnt!) I am not doing stuff regular anymore - just an occasional holster or belt but you will never find this house without a useable side of leather and the tools to work it.

[Skeeter Lewis]

Greyhawk - it was worth waiting for! There's some solid info there. Thanks.
Skeet

[Johnny McCrae]

Hi Cliff,

What I use is a finish nail with the head cut off in my drill press and have thought a cordless dremel would let me do the same thing while sitting in a comfortable chair since my back gives me so much trouble now.

One caution about using a Dremel tool as shown in the picture is that you have to be careful and hold the Dremel tool perpendicular to the leather. It takes a little practice. I'm not doing much leather working since I moved to Florida or I would get the Dremel tool drill press attachment.

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[1961MJS]

How would an awl be held securely by a drill press or Dremel?

Hi Skeeter, Cliff answered it.  Some of the awls have replaceable bits which will also fit in a drill press.  Beeswax is helpful in getting the bit back out.

Later

[Cliff Fendley]

Hi Cliff,
One caution about using a Dremel tool as shown in the picture is that you have to be careful and hold the Dremel tool perpendicular to the leather. It takes a little practice. I'm not doing much leather working since I moved to Florida or I would get the Dremel tool drill press attachment.

Hey Johnny, I'm not doing much anymore either, having lots of back trouble. I guess I'll have to stick to the drill press and nail. I clamp a block of wood in the vice on the drill press and can lay the work on the block of wood and let the bit make a hole through the leather and into the wood slightly.