Awl lubricant, what do you use?

[Patrice Lemée]

For hand punching holes in 3 layers of leather, I need a lubricant. Beeswax works ok but is gummy and smells like a funeral parlor.

Anyone have any luck with something else?

Thanks

 

[Bigfattyt]

Pfssss, I just use my hammer and plyers to get it back out.

I stitched 10 or so layers of heavy leather for a khukri sheath.

Back side looks like a drunken dwarf did the stitching!

Of course, if I did it again, I know I don't need all those layers!

 

[Patrice Lemée]

Back side looks like a drunken dwarf did the stitching!

Yeah, pretty much like mine, hence the lubricant. Less force, more control, means holes a little more aligned.

 

[Bigfattyt]

I've used wax. But I've also used Aussie leather conditioner? It is pretty close to snow seal, which I also have.

Honestly, it's been a long while since I used it, but I seemed to remember it working better for that purpose. Much better than my hard sticky chunk of bees wax I used to add wax to my thread.


I think that one ended up over an inch thick of leather

 

[Patrice Lemée]

Thanks BigF, I'll give that a try.

 

[Horsewright]

Use the beeswax. Burnish with a piece of paper bag. Won't be as gummy. This works very well on your thread too. I use to line breastcollars with sheepskin and did this by handsewing. Until I learned this trick the wool fibers would stick to the needle and thread and come out the other side. Burnishing really helped this and just allows the needles to slide through. As far as the smell....hmmmm big cigars? Never tried the Aussie conditioner. That might be a good idea.

 

[Patrice Lemée]

Thanks Dave. I didn't try the paper bag but did put a mirror finish on the awl and it does help. The sticking is not that bad, I guess the smell bothers me more. And I don't smoke so the cigar is not an option.

 

[sheathmaker]

Paraffin wax, the stuff your Granny used to seal her Jelly jars with. You can find it in the canning supplies section at most grocery stores. It will probably be branded "Gulf Wax". No odor and works like a charm, just stab the awl into the wax every couple of stitches.

Paul

 

[Patrice Lemée]

Thanks Paul, that's perfect.

And didn't the jam taste better with that paraffin cover?

 

[Wotan]

I use beeswax, and don`t mind the smell.