Breakthrough In Hand Stitching Technology: Backing Block

[will ghormley]

Many years ago, I discovered I could push my awl through my leather better if I backed-up the leather with a block of bee's wax.  In the summer, when the wax would be naturally softer with the heat, (don't believe in air-conditioning), it would be more difficult to keep the layers of leather aligned while pushing the awl against soft wax.

I'll finish a job this morning that includes: a money belt, three holster, a carbine scabbard, cowboy cuffs and spur leathers.  As the heat has risen, it's gotten a lot more difficult to do all that sewing.

Then, this morning it hit me!  Push the awl into the end of soft wood.  I've used soft pine as a flat surface as a backing for an awl before.  But, it splinters and wears out too quickly.  But, this morning I realized I could wrap a soft-wood dowel with copper wire and keep it from splintering too badly, pushing the awl into the end of the grain, rather than across the grain. 

So, I wrapped a short section of dowel, covered the end with bee's wax, and gave it a try.  It works so good, I doubt I'll ever go back to using plain bee's wax for a backing block again.

Since I'm not that great at posting photos, and folks ask for a closer look, I posted the photos on my photo website page.  If you hand sew, you'll want to check this out and try it for yourself.

http://www.willghormley-maker.com/Photos.html

Will

[santee]

Really great tip! I'll try it for sure.

[cowboywc]

Howdy Will
I've been using an old school chalkboard eraser to back my leather when I hand sew. They are getting harder
to find.
WC

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[Dalton Masterson]

Great idea Will! You too, WC. On occasion I will use a block of wood that I have that has a bunch of small drilled holes in it. I just lay the piece down on the board, and can get about 3 punched per hole in the wood. Then I just slide it down a little and keep going. DM

[Ace Lungger]

Great Idea Will, i am going to have to make me one, if I can every get the dumb back to give me a day or 2 relief.
Thanks for Sharing toyr idea! And them there holsters are mighty purdy!!
ACE

[Marshal Will Wingam]

Good ideas, pards. I really like the idea of a non-wax backing tool. Those both sound like good ways to go. Thanks.

[ChuckBurrows]

FWIW - I usually pre-punch, but when needed I glue up three or four layers of heavy bark tan (8 oz plus) and grind the edges smooth - that way you've got 4 edges to booger up before building a new one - mine's about 5 years old and I've worn out two edges............(and yes I forgot to show it being used in the DVD's)

[will ghormley]

Hey Chuck,

I'd never thought about goin' into the edges of the leather.  I had tried leather as a backing, but of course, goin' into the grain was as difficult as punchin' through the leather you are workin' on.  The thing I've noticed about this wood block is, it is easier goin' into the end of the grain of the wood than goin' through the leather.

Will

[Marshal Will Wingam]

I always keep my awls stuck in a piece of cork when not in use. It works great. Never thought about using it for backing, though. I'd think it would deteriorate too fast. I'm going to try both Will's and Chuck's ideas. That sure beats using your thumb for a backing. Thanks, pards. When I wear both those out (about 25 years from now) I'll know which is better.

[Springfield Slim]

Why not roll up a piece of leather like a cigar and use the end grain on that? Think I'll make one right now, I gotta BUNCH of sewing to do in the next couple weeks.

[ChuckBurrows]

BTW - I use the belly leather of the edge of the side to make mine - the edge grain is softer and it's a good way to use up that crap....

[HorsePen Henry]

I found that if ya put that crap grain side down while wet on yer granite slab and planish the flesh side it tightens it up and makes fine holsters. If the piece is big enough a course. Kind a like using a flatter on a piece a iron or steel. A little off topic but there ya go for what it's worth.

Keep the good ideas coming.

Many thanks,

X Horse Pen

[springfield]

I tend to make shotgun slides out of mine, they don't need the strength.