Tool Time // Strap Cutter VS Plough Gauge

[@JHLeather]

Hey Folks, I managed to miss out a chunk of information on the plough gauge in the original upload! DOH! I have now added that in and reuploaded the video with ALL the information in this time! Hope you enjoy the video and I will see you in the next video.

[@johnchristopherrobert1839]

I know I say this all the time. You are always so relaxing to watch on KZbin. thank you for your content

[@jamieepratley6182]

I also recommend using pliers to tighten the strap cutter because I find it as you pull the cutter through it can come loose.

[@futureonjk]

Love your tools, it just show alot of quality.

[@ceilingunlimited5073]

I use the wooden strap cutter for cutting all my straps,as I never have to cut anything over 4 inches wide. I like that I can use either the Osborne or Tandy safety skiver blades with it,and they cut 10-12oz Leather (which is what I use a lot!) like butter! If you’re not cutting anything wider than 4 inches,I just don’t really see a need for a plough gauge. But of course it does all come down to personal preference. I also like the wooden strap cutter for cutting narrow straps or smaller length straps from one main strap.

[@JHLeather]

Like I say in the video, the strap cutter will suit the majority of us but if you are cutting thicker hides then the plough gauge is the better option

[@quagmire321able]

Thank you for introducing the plough gauge, I didn't even know such a thing exists. I have been using a strap cutter but is still not very good at it. I can't seem to get it to cut straight especially on straps more than 1m in length and it is especially bad when used on soft and/thin leather; any tips on how to use it better?

[@uxb1112]

Try using an Australian thong cutter. Hey seem to work much better for cutting soft leathers but will only cut up to an inch or two in width. Less than that however they do great!

[@JHLeather]

Softer leather can be a bit awkward with the strap cutter, the thinnest I use it with is 2.5mm veg tanned leather usually. You should be able to adjust the width that the arms are apart on the cutter which should help stabilise the thinner leather - then you would need to open them up again for any thicker leather you use. Hope that makes sense.

[@johnmackay285]

Great video Jo, I'm thinking about buying a vintage studio strap cutter, do you know if replacement blades are available in this country ie the 9mm ones. Or will normal ones fit?

[@JHLeather]

Heya John, he suggests the Olfa ABB-10D blades to use with it and they are pretty easy to get hold of. You could probably use other ones as well.

[@johnmackay285]

@@JHLeather Champion Jo They seem very available, I will order a one. They look great. Thank you.

[@ianknight2053]

I may be incorrect, as I’ve never owned a plough gauge but wouldn’t a strap cutter be better than a plough gauge on thinner leather, whereas a plough gauge is better on thicker, bridle type leather?

[@powderpatchandball424]

Hi Jo, Great videos. I was wondering, do you dye your own leather or do you use pre-dyed? If you dye yours do you have a video or could you make one. Thanks

[@JHLeather]

Heya, I generally use finished hides and then stain the edges. I have a video on the edge stain that I make for black and brown leather you can see here kzbin.info/www/bejne/noGtfWppZpZjaJI then for coloured hides like red and blue i use the water based stains from Metropolitan Leather. Hope that helps 👍

[@powderpatchandball424]

@@JHLeather yes. Thank you

[@FastandLoose1]

Hi Jo, Great video as always. Personally I'm a plough gauge fan. What I would really like to know is, what is the leather you are cutting with the strap cutter? I think I was given some of the same/ very similar stuff years ago but I never knew what it was or where it came from.

[@JHLeather]

It's a chestnut shoulder from the lyveden collection from Metropolitan Leather, it's so nice!

[@FastandLoose1]

@@JHLeather Thanks Jo!

[@leatheraccessories646]

In my opinion, the plow gauge is much superior to the wooden belt cutter, I cut with both, but with the wooden cutter you must always be careful and tighten the fixing wheel to the maximum, otherwise you wake up slipping at the end of the cut your belt should be wider, with plow gauge I have never suffered this, and if you sharpen your knife properly, cut the skin like butter, I've never returned to the wooden gauge since I bought the plow gauge, but that's just my personal opinion.

[@daveturnbull7221]

Not sure what info you missed out Jo. Just re-watched it and I have to admit I didn't pick up on any new stuff but then again I was still on my first coffee first time round so the brain cell was not working at 100%.

[@JHLeather]

It was about the using the thicker leather with it mostly.

[@jimathey6153]

OLD LEATHER SMITH here. Nice Job Young Lady. Instead of holding the leather with your other hand I have a gripper, it's screwed down 2 my cutting table, makes it easier 4 me 2 cut my Santa Belts which R 4 inches wide, and mine do not slip up after being fastened. Sorry 4 the advertisement. Still a Great Job. GOD'S BLESSINGS ✝️⚾🙃

[@powderpatchandball424]

Hey Jim, do you have a picture of your gripper? I have trouble holding and cutting at same time due to hand problems.

[@jimathey6153]

@@powderpatchandball424 I will try and get it 4 you. They were at 1 time available at Weaver Leather, not sure about now. GOD'S BLESSINGS ✝️⚾🙃

[@powderpatchandball424]

@@jimathey6153 thanks. Maybe I can build it with clamp parts from Rockler or Woodcraft

[@jimathey6153]

@@powderpatchandball424 OLD LEATHER SMITH here. Sorry 4 the wait on picture, my wife had an operation and I have been watching and taking care of her, now is doc. Visit this week and next. I will try 4 next week 2 get into my shop. GOD'S BLESSINGS ✝️⚾🙃

[@powderpatchandball424]

@@jimathey6153 Hey Jim, take care of family first. Prayers and good wishes to your wife and you.

[@steampunkskunk3638]

Personally I use a 1m steel ruler and a knife. Works fine.

[@LockBits-ts6eo]

👍

[@juliangonzales2916]

Saludos👍👍👍

[@Tammy-un3ql]

👍👍👍👍