The Leather Element: Using a Drill Press For Leathercrafting

[@KevinSmith-gh5ze]

Great idea to use a drill press with a riser for sheaths. I am a hobby blacksmith and I'm getting tired of having hand made knives sitting around in duct tape sheaths, so your introductory videos on leathercraft are exactly what I needed.

[@WeaverLeatherSupply]

Thanks so much, Kevin! We're so glad the videos have been helpful!

[@cowdogg3085]

It's true, after seeing your enthusiasm and passion for all things leather, is why I started with carving leather myself. So yeah, thank you Chuck. 👍👍

[@WeaverLeatherSupply]

Thank you so much!

[@inukinukshuk5956]

The Bob Ross of the leather working world. Thanks for all the videos Chuck, they have truly helped me as I learn how to work leather.

[@Terry-n1i]

Great vid!! Thanks, Chuck!! Just ordered my 3rd order from , Weaver!! Great products, Great customer service!! Getting the opportunity to learn from you, is a blessing!! Truly helps!! Ordering myself a 8inch srill press today.. after seeing your use of one, i believe its definitely worth the money... Thanks

[@WeaverLeatherSupply]

Thank you so much!

[@michaelbradley8508]

Chuck - Great video - thank you. My wife and I really enjoy all of your videos. You have given us lots of good ideas and encouragement. This is an activity that can be undertaken by an individual, a couple, or an entire family. You had a good comment in this video about investing in a good quality drill press. We have two drill presses. One is a bit more expensive than the other, but the less expensive one has an inherent wobble to the chuck. We do not use it for precision work like leather work. One alternative is to use a dremil tool. It has all the accessories you will ever need plus it is less expensive than a drill press. We really enjoyed your videos on Equine Bell Straps. They can be a thing of beauty on a horse or make an attractive, festive door accessory hanging from the door knob. Keep up the great work. Michael from Canada

[@jeffb957]

Hey Chuck, I'm brand new to leather, but I've been a woodworker and metalworker for years. When you use your drill press to drill out rivets and other metal things, if you slow your spindle speed way down it will be a lot easier on your bits. They will stay sharp a lot longer, and the consequences of a stuck bit will be a lot less drastic. Happy crafting. 😊

[@WeaverLeatherSupply]

Thanks for the tip, Jeff!

[@grzegorz5635]

Thanks Chuck! Your "good luck with your projects" in the end of all videos means a lot for me, too.

[@WeaverLeatherSupply]

Thank you so much!

[@davidrizzardi2277]

If it wasn’t for Chuck and the leather element, I would have have given up on leather crafting already. Every stumbling block I have run into, Chuck has an easy and clear remedy for the problem. Thank you very much for all you do for us new crafters. I’m sure you have enlightened a few older ones too. Your awesome Chuck.

[@WeaverLeatherSupply]

Thank you so much, David - that means a lot!

[@carytowncat]

Oh man the drill metal backing plate just saved my sanity! Thanks for the tip. Very awesome energy, subscribed!

[@WeaverLeatherSupply]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@caposdad]

Thanks Chuck. Hello from England. As always that was a great Leather Element. I have been watching you for a number of years and have learned a great deal.

[@WeaverLeatherSupply]

Thank you so much, that means a lot!

[@lqueso2]

Thanks, Chuck! I have learned so much from your just-the-right-size videos. I also use my drill press as a press or stamper. I get a very consistent celtic rope effect, for example. It works great for letters, especially with a guide. (drill press is not running, of course!). Thanks again!

[@WeaverLeatherSupply]

That's a great idea, thanks so much for watching!

[@CantrellLeatherGoods]

A drill press has been on my want list for several years... it just moved up to my NEED list! I knew it could do somethings but I never thought of the sanding and burnishing. Awesome. Thank you Chuck Dorset!!

[@WeaverLeatherSupply]

So good to hear! Thank you for your comment!

[@arnesandness7554]

Excellent! A couple of things I hadn't thought of in your drill press setups. I almost always learn something new from your videos.

[@philipculbertson55]

I'm with you. A drill press is one of the most versatile tools in my shop and it is indispensable. One tip though, I keep my leather bits separate from my bits I use for other things. Using bits on metal usually involves some type of oil or cutting fluid and bits can transfer it to leather but keeping a separate set of small inexpensive bits just for leather prevents that.I noticed you had a light near the press. That is a great tip as well. I actually have a flexible light clamped to my press. When drilling leather, it can be difficult at times to see our marks or grooves and miss the right spot. A nice bright light as you had really helps a lot.

[@WeaverLeatherSupply]

Thank you, Philip! Good tip on keeping the leather bits separate!

[@renaissanceman4054]

Another great video, I never would have guessed leather would drill so clean

[@tyeamckee]

There's a drill press in the shop. I didn't even think to use it for leather work. Nice!

[@ronh8092]

Thanks! You just gave me a good reason to get another toy for my shop!

[@WeaverLeatherSupply]

Hope you have fun with it! 😊

[@disco324]

Due to pain in my hands I find parts of leather crafting difficult. I am looking for ways to reduce or alleviate some of the processes I use. I have found all your videos fantastic but this One video caps them all for me. The drilling holes will alleviate punching holes with a hole punch and maul. The punching of holes for rivets was a big part of what I do, drilling holes will help no end. As I have a pillar drill press and will start to really use it now for all the applications you have shown in this video. Chuck I cannot thank you enough, kind regards from Durham UK.

[@WeaverLeatherSupply]

Thank you so much for your comment, we're so glad the video was helpful!

[@thebabyjumper1387]

I thoroughly enjoy your videos. I’m a newby and your simplified teaching has been extremely helpful in this journey.😊

[@jimfromthepast]

Wow! Chuck, thank you~ mind blown! I came looking to see if i could turn a drill press into a press for cutting dies (if that is the correct terminology, press the cookie cutters onto the leather to cut it out) but after watching this, I think I'll use mine in all these ways, and save up for a proper press...

[@paml1161]

Been watching your videos for a long time. Thank you for sharing your knowledge!

[@WeaverLeatherSupply]

Thank you for watching, Pam!

[@jamesmines1214]

Chuck this is Ricky from Marietta Ga, and you have go me into leather work , I have done 4 project and now building me a little work shop in my house , very interesting , love it

[@WeaverLeatherSupply]

Great to hear, James! So glad you're enjoying leatherwork!

[@PatrickOTreat]

Love your videos. I’ve been watching them for a while even though I don’t do any leather work. I watch just to learn new skills. My background is as a theater tech and we tend to horde useful skills.

[@WeaverLeatherSupply]

That's awesome, thanks for watching!

[@SlowPursuit]

I agree with 'excellent' - simple, obvious - yet not what you immediately think of. 6 months later you think why "why didn't I just...". This has save people loads of time (and in my case money!).

[@Kanphuzian]

This video sold me on getting an 8 inch 5 speed drill press. Thank you for this super in depth and helpful video.

[@listillolordoc7604]

I’ve had a cheap table top drill press in my leather shop for about 13 years. It’s a very versatile tool.

[@revon0521]

In my extremely limited leather stitching experience, I have found that with heavy leathers, no amount of care can guarantee a decent job of preparing the stitching holes by punching with diamond tines or hand punches; the leather is thick and accurately registering holes from one piece to another is nearly impossible for me. This video confirms for me that a bench top drill press is the best way to go with these heavier materials (6 - 9 ounce ). Thank you, Chuck. Love your style.

[@jean-marclabonte2844]

Fantastic Information. You may not have gotten me started in leather working, but you sure keep me interested, educated and motivated. Thank you so much for all your videos and enthusiasm. Great Job.

[@WeaverLeatherSupply]

Thank you so much! I really appreciate that!

[@TheLastMinuteSurvivalist]

Thank you for all of your great videos. You are a blessing to the community.

[@petehanratty950]

Validated my desire for a drill press! Thanks Chuck.

[@imrekocsis4614]

Thanks Chuck for the brilliant ideas literally just starting to do leather work and very recently just brought the same size drill press, Your content lately has been excellent. Thankyou from Port Elizabeth South Africa

[@WeaverLeatherSupply]

Thank you so much, that means a lot! Glad this video came at the right time!

[@lvxleather]

Chuck is the leathercraft OG

[@8626John]

Still hoping you will make a video on creating a guide for drilling holes in holsters and sheaths. Thanks for all you do!

[@gypsycruiser]

Thank you for so many great ideas and uses for a drill press , mine will be put to good use.Your video presentations have been so encouraging to me . Greetings from Cape Town.South Africa

[@billwilson1916]

That was GREAT information!! I used to do a bit of leather work several decades ago in my younger years. I'm getting back into it now as I'm approaching retirement. The Drill Press is a GREAT idea!! In fact I used mine when I was working on a holster modification to make it work better for me. You just reaffirmed that I wasn't crazy for using the drill press. Thanks A Lot!!!

[@mirandarutherford1425]

Wonderful info! Why haven't I thought of any of this?! You just saved me so much time and stress. I enjoy all your videos, but this has to be my favorite to date. Thank you!!!

[@WeaverLeatherSupply]

Thanks so much, Miranda! We're so glad the video was helpful!

[@MountainFisher]

First knife sheath I ever made in 1991 I drilled the stitch holes as I didn't have a stitching chisel punch. I still drill the holes on two thick pieces.

[@gypsycruiser]

A rare personality ! I am enjoying your videos and learn so much and recently started leather crafting .

[@mikewilbanks1635]

Brilliant ! What a Time Saver, Thank You.

[@WeaverLeatherSupply]

Thanks, Mike!

[@robertdsilva4990]

Awesome, Chuck. My drill press is gathering dust. Thanks to you I can put it to good use. Thanks again.

[@disco324]

Wow, that drilled that rivet our super quick n easy. Thanks Chuck

[@robertkirkpatrick75]

That for your videos. Awhit back you had one that you talked about Weaver oblong punches and I expressed my displeasure with one I bought.Well I decided to give a second chance and I bought the whole set.I am well pleased with them. Just thought I'd let you know.

[@WeaverLeatherSupply]

Hi Robert! Thank you so much for giving the punches another try, we are so glad you are pleased with them!

[@timepi437]

Fantastic ideas. Dug out a drill press from the back of the shed, cleaned it up and tested it. So much to do without power too, embossing, punching stitch holes. Would be great to see how you sharpen strap end punches. Coming from footwear background, could possibly use for polishing leather (surface rather than edges) with a buffing attachment -any tips there? Your channel is a go-to after watching Corter Leather videos. Cheers from Australia!

[@marke3184]

You’re the best Chuck..!!! Thank you for your videos.

[@Madshadowgolem]

Wow, got a drill press last winter and some how never though to use it for leather work. This was a major forehead slap video for me. Can't thank you enough!

[@WeaverLeatherSupply]

We've been there too! Thanks for watching and we're glad it was helpful!

[@ArcticFlies56]

Great tip using the drill press.

[@david_r_munson]

This video gave me great ideas for how to do the production of a product I recently designed. Really wasn't sure how to handle some parts of it in my apartment, but I can totally see now how I can do almost all of it with a drill press. Awesome!

[@WeaverLeatherSupply]

Glad it was helpful!

[@OMGWUNSIU]

Picked up an old Ryobi bench top drill press used for $20.00. It rocks!

[@ohmahgawdfilms]

man I just had this thought and looked this up with that idea and I am so glad it's viable option. I hate punching holes. This will save me so much hassel!

[@karenmcclure2000]

Thank you so much for this great information you are a true blessing

[@8626John]

Thanks for sharing your knowledge.

[@kellyhayes]

I truly look forward to your videos! I'm pretty new to leather work & learning so much from you! I wish there was a new video every day :)

[@WeaverLeatherSupply]

Thank you, Kelly! We really appreciate you watching and we're so glad you are enjoying the videos!

[@prasunfloyd]

hello mister Dorsett, i would like to see some multiple color dying techniques or leather carving tips. plus i love the series i have gained a lot of information and it inspires me everytime i watch it keep up the good work

[@WeaverLeatherSupply]

Thank you, Mike! We will add your suggestions to our list. We do have a few blog posts by Jim Linnell on leather carving tips that you might like: blog.weaverleathersupply.com/how-to-walk-bevelers-pear-shaders-and-other-leather-stamping-tools/ blog.weaverleathersupply.com/swivel-knife-tips/ blog.weaverleathersupply.com/how-to-wet-leather/

[@ThomasLeonard454]

Holy smoke Chuck, those All were dang Great Tips for my drill press. I can see that I will use All of them and soon.

[@robertbrunston5406]

All very good tips! Thank you.

[@WeaverLeatherSupply]

Thank you, Robert!

[@8626John]

Would you consider doing a video on how you made the guide for drilling holes in holsters and sheaths? Thanks for all you do.

[@WeaverLeatherSupply]

Thanks for the suggestion! We will definitely bring that up

[@johnsharpe501]

Sometimes the obvious sits right inside your shop. That's where my drill press resides and now, thanks to you, it will have leather dust along with the saw dust. Why didn't I think of this. Thanks for bringing this to my attention, Chuck.

[@WeaverLeatherSupply]

Thanks, John! Glad it was helpful!

[@troymanning3150]

Nice video! Very helpful

[@keithb3115]

thank you so much for these. i'm getting into the craft and these videos are so helpful.

[@WeaverLeatherSupply]

Thank you, Keith! We're so glad you're enjoying the videos!

[@rustyz4014]

If you turn off the drill press it’s a pretty handy tool as a press. I use mine to sit snaps if I am doing more than just a couple. I also use it to Mark leather, if you mount a stop and a Gage on your table you can mark holes in a belt and have them perfectly centered and spaced. I put a hole punch in the drill chuck and just touch the leather to mark it. Then I go through and cut the hole with my hand tools.

[@WeaverLeatherSupply]

Hi Rusty, Great idea, thanks for the tip!

[@pcprimeevil]

you do some great videos thnx i enjoy watching

[@WeaverLeatherSupply]

Thank you!

[@jailer23044]

I don't drill my stitching holes although I've done a couple of holster where I probably should have. I do like a drill press with a sanding drum for inside radii that I can't get to on my 1"x30" belt sander.

[@Ryker2608]

I recently moved my shop into a spare bedroom that wasnt being used. Its smaller, but its better than being in the garage where it was boiling hot in summer and freezing in the winter. The drill press in the garage is way to big to move into my smaller space, but i found thay a dremel drill with 220-01 dremel work station does the job just fine. Its small and can easily be stowed away when not in use.

[@headyhidez8762]

This was a good one. Thanks Chuck!

[@normanfreeman2640]

Great video!! I'm about to buy one of those . Thanks for your help!.

[@alejandrotabilo1988]

Yes mate, that was great information. Thanks again.

[@WeaverLeatherSupply]

Thank you!

[@mikedionne5694]

I just went out and bought a drill press after watching you video

[@donscottvansandt4139]

Awesome info! Just got one.

[@rosswitte]

You just got me into leather too. Thank you.

[@lisajclayton]

Great tips!

[@kelseytobola4209]

Can you show a close up on the platform, riser and guide?

[@cweb1988]

any chance you could do a video on the different types of stitching and WHEN you should use them? I've learned how to saddle stitching and cross stitch. But I'm not really sure when to use them. I assume there's more to it than just aesthetics. That'd be a super helpful video!

[@WeaverLeatherSupply]

Hello, Thank you for your suggestion! We will add this to our list!

[@TonatiuhMellado]

Gracias a ustedes por compartir

[@petermartin7219]

You hope this is good information for us? It's excellent information. Thanks - again - for sharing.

[@WeaverLeatherSupply]

Thank you, Peter!

[@shirleymalar304]

This is just GREAT!!! So many jobs that can be done with my little drill press! It's coming out of the shed and into the house. :o)

[@NuManXplore]

Recently found your channel and enjoying it! Just wondering if you could do a detailed video (or part of one) on the drilling jig you use for the holster and sheath holes.

[@WeaverLeatherSupply]

Hello, Thanks for the suggestion! We'll see about adding this to the list!

[@NuManXplore]

Great, thank you.

[@gringo3009]

Good stuff. Merry Christmas!

[@arthurdurham5112]

Very good videos.

[@bjerkmannen]

Thanks a lot Chuck, love your videos. Think I've seen them all :-) Now you gave me the idea of testing to use my press drill, a rather big and sturdy one, to press rivets together. Just have to find the tools for it. They got to fit in to the thing where you fasten the drills. And guess what we call it in swedish? "Chuck" :-)

[@sbfarmer8]

excellent.

[@markdmaker3173]

Awesome information! Thank you so much for these videos and your enthusiasm.

[@WeaverLeatherSupply]

Thank you, Mark!

[@FrankC757]

Hi Chuck ... I'm new to leather crafting and curious as to what grit size or sizes you use on the drill bit for sanding knife sheaths and holsters.

[@TheRoundHound]

love your upbeat attitude! wanted to know if leather can be sanded with a drill press...answered. great video. subscribed

[@WeaverLeatherSupply]

Thank you, Alexander!

[@Trapezius8oblique]

In his introduction, for a second, I thought, I heard him say “we’ve a lot of crap” instead of weaver leather craft” haha 😂 Helpful and upbeat video thanks

[@genepierson1728]

Thanks for the video. Great ideas. Wear eye protection with that wire brush wheel!!! Knew someone who lost an eye from a piece flying off.

[@hazemabdelghany7759]

YES THAT WAS VERY HELPFUL THANK YOU

[@Blove0130]

Love your videos!!! You are also the reason I have started in leather working after seeing your videos, I would like to make the magic bracelet that you featured in an earlier video and would like to paint the leather, so could you make a video on painting leather and how to finish the edges on painted projects. Thank you so much!!!

[@WeaverLeatherSupply]

Hello, Thank you for your suggestion and we're so happy to hear that our videos have been helpful!

[@axe609]

Thanks

[@marty01957]

Thanks , Chuck! Good info!

[@Icanhasautomaticcheeseburger]

I mangled my awl on Monday on the first stitch on a machete sheath -- so I had to rely on my drill press for the stitching. Wish I'd seen this first (the metal plate would have helped the back side). Thanks for the tip for next time!

[@WeaverLeatherSupply]

My pleasure, glad this was helpful!

[@des8616]

Can you please expand onto the point of the metal plate? I have rewatched that part of the video, but can't tell what exactly you have there and how it is set up. What do you mean by it helping the back side? THANKS!

[@des8616]

So is the drill bit actually going through the metal plate? Can I assume that you predrilled that?

[@mikedionne5694]

And do you recommend the plastic one

[@gerrys6265]

Thanks!

[@owenauer3406]

What about using it as an arbor press to emboss?

[@supermario7956]

I need my own workshop now and a drill press 😎

[@poppyselby880]

What size drill bit should I use for stitching a leather sheath for example ? Using 4-6 oz.

[@metalhoe]

Is it possible to punch holes with a drill without turning it on? simply by going up and down

[@fordfan3179]

Good stuff, thanks

[@fordfan3179]

Could you recommend a good assortment of hardware (snaps, rivets, buckles, D rings) for beginner leather workers? I'll be doing pouches, holsters, sheaths etc etc.

[@ArcticFlies56]

Chuck, there is a unique kinship between wood shops and leather shops and has been thousands of years. I would bet that the first wood tool was also used for leather making. What do you think?

[@noemicarrion6883]

I want to start making leather crafts. Could you tell me what tools and materials I should start with? Thank you so much for sharing your video

[@MountainFisher]

Noemi; Where do you live?

[@WeaverLeatherSupply]

Hi Noemi, It depends on what items you'd like to start making. We have a video called Getting Started in Leathercrafting that shows basic tools that can get you started and then it also shows some more advanced tools. You can check it out here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/aYvZlICMnKqBZtE Let us know if you have any additional questions!

[@noemicarrion6883]

I live in Philadelphia, PA

[@TheWildBuckOutdoors]

I dont really have place for such machine but im using Dremel version.