DISCOVER the Secret Tool That CHANGED MY LEATHER-WORKING GAME Forever!

Discover the tool that has revolutionized Nikki and Mallory's leatherworking process. Say goodbye to the laborious hand stitching and noisy pounding with the Arbor Press. With this tool, you can effortlessly punch stitching and hardware holes, saving time and preserving the health of your hands. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced leatherworker, this tool will make a significant difference in your craft.
Timestamps:
0:00 - Introduction and channel welcome
1:17 - The allure of hand stitching in leatherwork
2:45 - The challenge of hand stitching and the need for an alternative tool
3:38 - Introducing the Arbor Press, a game changer for leatherworkers
4:20 - Setting up the Arbor Press with a marble slab for stability
5:23 - How to adjust and use the Arbor Press for punching stitching holes
7:10 - Exploring other possibilities with the Arbor Press for different hole types
8:24 - Where to find a vintage Arbor Press at an affordable price
9:40 - The importance of taking care of your hands in leatherwork
11:10 - Wrapping up and encouraging community engagement
Materials and Supplies Used:
- Arbor Press (Number 2)
- Marble slab
- Extreme mounting tape
- Allen wrench
- Chisels and punches for stitching holes and hardware holes
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[@betford2]

For the tools that don't fit, use a magnet on the bottom of your ram. Also, you don't need the original metal plate that came with the Arbor press. Just remove it and put your marble plate back down on a thin silicone sheet to keep it from shifting. For handles that are too thin to be fastened inside the bottom of the ram you can wrap leather around the top or shrink wrap... I've used both to enlarge the diameter of the tool handle. Love your videos btw and your hair looks great!

[@NikkiandMallory]

Thanks for the tips!

[@robrichardson1284]

I love your style.. keep it original ❤

[@Sam-gf1eb]

How do you add a magnet to the ram?

[@jotajotanunes]

@@Sam-gf1eb Choose a big sturdy magnet and it will stick magnetically to the ram, and then the tools (for instance stamps or dye cutters) will adere to the magnet.

[@AstroVanTribe]

First time viewer, I'm new to leather work and self taught but I'm already making some nice stuff (you might dig on my watch cuffs). I'm working in thicker leather, 3mm - 4mm, in an apartment, hand stitching... It hit me yesterday while working out a holster that a "press of some kind" would be a smart idea. That's what brought me here, I've decided to go with and arbor press... BTW, you can shape the fatter handles down to fit the machine - Good stuff, Sister.....

[@TheDustyShed]

You will probably like to check out some videos about arbor press modifications. There are a few things you could do to yours to make using it more convenient, like removing the bottom teeth on the arbor, making custom work bottom plates and customizing your tooling for quicker tool changes.

[@nwunder3]

arbor presses are very versatile for maker's stamps, punching and embossing leather, rivets, snaps, etc. love this video and to know that you find it valuable too. tfs.

[@V3leathercraft]

A rectangular wooden stand which fits to front side, attached with a piece of hdpe cutting board, will make the marble sit steady. Thus learned from Masters A rectangular ferrite or neodymium magnet on the pole will be enough to hold Osbone and bigger handle punches

[@theshoemakinglady]

Thanks for demonstrating this! I just said this last night working on my shoes that I need a harbor press!

[@NikkiandMallory]

It really does come in handy!

[@MarionJInce]

You can make all your tools fit the arbor press. Measure the opening or measure the largest tool that fits, then take your Osbourn tools and use a bench grinder and grind down the thickness of the tool for about and inch long from the end. I would probably rotate it as I grind it. Get it down to a size that fits. Grind a little at a time and cool in water, and continue. If it gets too hot you will loose the hardness in the tool. You should wear eye protection because sparks will fly as you grind. When it fits, dry it good so it doesn't rust. A bench grinder is not that expensive, you could get one at Lowes or Home Depot, or maybe a friend or family has one in their garage.

[@tamikabennett8455]

Thanks for sharing! I want one 😁. And I love the hair… keep doing you!

[@NikkiandMallory]

😁Thank you!!! I would highly recommend it

[@aquamom14]

Perfect video thank you! 9:51

[@cindyleblanc6741]

I have a one that I use for stamping my leather. I also purchased a pry bar with a pointed end. I use it for the handle for more leverage.

[@amywolfe122]

Good Lord! I’ve never thought to use with chisels. I have really struggled getting the perfect 1/8”

[@edwardbella3871]

Good stuff girl.

[@NikkiandMallory]

Thank you!!!

[@triciaosborn8093]

Thanks for this vid! P.S. where do ya'll buy your leather in bulk. Im just starting out and been practicing on scrap leather but its so thin. I need to know where to get the legit leather wholesale in bulk or whatever. If anyone can help, i appreciate it. Thank you in advance.

[@mulukenazanaw9436]

Please share the assembeling and disassembeling drawing of such hand press machine if you can

[@lombardave]

Thanks for sharing! Can this type of arbor press also be used for snaps/rivets?

[@NikkiandMallory]

Thanks for watching! With the right attachments, yes, for sure!

[@kta150]

Thank you for the video. I literally was just thinking about the video that you posted with the press and was looking online for one. But I wanted to know does it have to be a 2 ton?

[@NikkiandMallory]

That depends on your specific needs and what you're using it for. Doesn't have to be a 2-ton but that's what works for me. A 3-ton is more than what I need and a 1-ton was too small.

[@vandalsgarage]

A one ton (even a 1/2 ton) arbor press will work fine for most leather work, as long as it was bolted down to your work bench. You can also increase the press forces by extending the handle with a length of black pipe slipped over the OEM handle.

[@archangelcharlie]

Thank you for your video. Do you know if the press ram already comes with the right sized slots to take stitching forks or hole punches?

[@NikkiandMallory]

Of course! Thanks for watching. If the press comes with an open slot (some don't) it's one open slot and whether it's the right sized slot for punches depends on your tools. I'm sure you can switch that ram out if need be - the slot on mine fits majority of my tools and as mentioned in the video, my Weaver and Osborne tools don't fit.

[@archangelcharlie]

Thank you - I'll be sure to keep an eye out for the more suitable press.

[@paulpixphotos]

Have you tried this with flat chisels?

[@NikkiandMallory]

Yep! Works the same

[@lvxleather]

Where did you buy yours at? That one is nice. N/M, you just answered my question 😁 Your granddaddy raised a bad ass female 😉

[@NikkiandMallory]

😉 That, he did! Thank you! I got mine from some hardware store listed on OfferUp

[@elitebyte_]

Don’t you have to be very careful with each punch to make sure it’s aligned perfectly on your stitch line? This seems like it would make it very difficult to get straight stitches

[@NikkiandMallory]

As long as you have a stitch guideline and/or markings where your holes need to be placed (as the video mentions) you should have no problem getting your holes straight. It’s never recommended to punch out ANY hole without reference of where the hole should be.

[@amywolfe122]

The press is way more accurate than your hand