Stropping Boards

[Mint427]

Hi all: I don't have woodworking tools. Does anyone know of a source to purchase blank stropping boards that I can apply leather on? I'm specifically looking for a paddle type design. Thanks!

 

[Obsessed with Edges]

Home Depot, and probably Lowe's as well, carries 'project wood' in sizes/lengths/widths perfect for making strop blocks/boards. Wood available is usually poplar, red oak and perhaps a third option that escapes me at the moment. These are well-finished & smooth, and take very little prep work (if any) to adapt for this use. Thicknesses range from 1/4" thru maybe 1" or so, and there might even be some in square dimensions, such as 1-1/2" x 1-1/2" or so. Lengths from 24" thru 48" (maybe 60"), and widths from around 1-1/2" up to maybe 6" or so. I've used the red oak in 1/2" thickness x 2-1/2" wide, cut to desired length. The strop block seen in the pic below was made from just such a piece:

I've also seen some 'paddle' shaped boards in soft wood for hobby/craft projects at Hobby Lobby. Some of them are pretty big, but look like they'd be easily adapted for these uses.

A simple paint stir stick can be found at any Home center or hardware store. They're FREE as well; can't beat that. Not real wide or thick (maybe 1-1/2" x 1/4" thickness), but they'll do. I've noticed Home Depot has them in a somewhat longer length (maybe 24") for larger paint buckets.


David

 

[Mint427]

Thanks, David - I was just there this morning and found what you're describing -- I was specifically looking for a "paddle" style, but may just opt for the wood you suggested...charlie

 

[Ben Dover]

I, too, like the Red Oak 1/4 by 2 inch from Lowe's.

If you're willing to spend a few extra dollars, a glass supplier can cut 1/4 or 3/8 inch plexiglas strips. These are very flat and do not warp.

I also have a 3/8X3X12 inch strop made with float glass, and covered with Kangaroo for my .1 micron diamond compound. It's perfectly flat and a wonderful strop for delicate finish work. Of course one must exercise great caution to not drop it as the glass would shatter.

 

[Sadden]

Float glass is my preffered backing.

 

[Ben Dover]

Float glass is my preffered backing.

I assumed that I was not the only one here that had discovered that little secret!:thumbup:

 

[Cereal_killer]

Home Depot/lowes has these really great sticks they give out for free, they're called XL paint stir sticks (for 5gal buckets of paint). I just made a new strop last week, glue'd 2 stir sticks together and then sanded the edges/handle to give it a nicer look.




Excuse the messed up bed, our bedroom is the only room with suitable lighting for picture taking without getting out the auxiliary lighting and extension cords and crap for a few quick pic's.

 

[stitchawl]

I like to use MDF boards. The home centers and hobby shops often have pre-cut sizes, and as long as you keep them dry, they last for years. Absolutely flat, low cost, and no worries about breaking them even if you drop them. I don't need a fancy Birds Eye Maple or Teak base with beveled edges finished with a French Polish over Lacquer for my strops. I just need flat, cheap, and effective.

Stitchawl

 

[NRA]

Harbor Freight belt sander, and a leather strop belt from eBay. Total, around $100.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/171218192141

http://www.harborfreight.com/1-belt-and-5-disc-combination-sander-69033.html