Drilling straight holes for stitches?

[MSCantrell]

So what's the best way to make holes for stitches?

Mark them on both sides of the sheath, and the welt(s) as well, then drill then holes, then try to line them all up, glue them, and stitch them?

How in the world do you make sure it lines up right?

Glue it all up, then drill the holes?

How in the world do you keep the holes perfectly straight with each other? (Easy to make sure the drill goes in the right spot... not so easy to make sure it comes out the other side all in a uniform line.)

This is just about the only problem that ruins sheaths for me nowadays. It seems like there must be something I'm missing.

Thanks!
Mike

 

[johnny reb]

I use a fork to mark my holes. I get four even holes per punch, Imake one punch, then move over two then punch again. Some times I make a guide line, and just follow that with the fork. To keep the hole straight,I use a drillpress, and clamp my two edges with c clamps.

 

[Roe]

I glue up the sheath and grind the edges to finished shape. I then use a stitching grooving tool to lay out the stitch line relative to the edge. I use a machinest divider set to a spacing to give five stiches per inch (1/5 inch) to lay out the stitch location in the bottom of the grove. I use a large needle in the drill press (press running) to make each hole while supporting the sheath edge on a piece of wood. Drill bits do not give me a true hole but the needle does. On the back side I just connect the dots (holes) with the grooving tool to complete the grove for the stitching. I now complete the stitching using a lock stitch with 2 needles.

 

[sheathmaker]

I glue up the sheath and grind the edges to finished shape. I then use a stitching grooving tool to lay out the stitch line relative to the edge. I use a machinest divider set to a spacing to give five stiches per inch (1/5 inch) to lay out the stitch location in the bottom of the grove. I use a large needle in the drill press (press running) to make each hole while supporting the sheath edge on a piece of wood. Drill bits do not give me a true hole but the needle does. On the back side I just connect the dots (holes) with the grooving tool to complete the grove for the stitching. I now complete the stitching using a lock stitch with 2 needles.

Yep, if I was going to hand stitch with minimum equipment, this is the way I'd do it. Read this man's post again and give it a try.

Paul

 

[MSCantrell]

So needle in the drill press, not a drill bit, eh? I'll give it a shot and report back. Thanks!

 

[Swivelknife]

Welcome to our world, Roe!! Your posting is right on except I would use a # 5 overstitch wheel to mark out the stitch length----------Sandy

 

[DC KNIVES]

I made this little setup for punching holes. Since I use different sizes of thread and lacing for various projects I sharpen the shank of assorted drill bits and chuck them upside down instead of using a needle.Make sure the drillpress is running as this helps burnish the hole and make it cleaner.Dave


The notched wood is for the belt loop and keeps the sheath flatter.The aluminum table is covered with UHMW which helps the wood move easier.

 

[leatherman]

I like that wood jig! I made several different sizes in scrap leather depending on what is on the back of my sheath. Those little pocket clips can be a pain to work around, and different attachments on the back of a sheath can cause headaches without some support around them.

The biggest key to straight holes on the back of a sheath is keeping it from moving while the hole is being drilled, a good flat surface for the sheath is a must as well as a firm hold.

 

[superc]

I know nothing. Total amateur getting ready to try a machete sheath. That said, when it becomes time to fold it together after attaching the belt loop I will glue it all together, mark it with the little wheel thingie (looks like a gear with a handle) I got from Tandy, then using a fine drill in my drill press make the holes in the same places in the #9 leather which will be clamped in place.

 

[butchesforge]

I know nothing. Total amateur getting ready to try a machete sheath. That said, when it becomes time to fold it together after attaching the belt loop I will glue it all together, mark it with the little wheel thingie (looks like a gear with a handle) I got from Tandy, then using a fine drill in my drill press make the holes in the same places in the #9 leather which will be clamped in place.

I have made a few sheaths and this is the way I so it.The important thing is make sure your sheath is flat,I use a piece of 2 by 4 on edge,run your bit up into the chuck,and go slow because the bit will flex on you-my 2 cent,I like the clean hole the bit leaves,plenty of space for your saddle stitch--Hope this helps--butch:thumbup: