Strap Cutters

[cowboywc]

Howdy All
Horse Pen asked me t post pix of the strap cutters I use.
Here they are.
The small one is an old Tandy for light weight leathers, the wooden Strip & Strap, the new Pro Strap
Cutter And an old Draw Gauge.
WC

[HorsePen Henry]

Thanks WC. Which one would you recommend for heavy stock like cartidge belts on up to skirting weight? and also where would a feller get a good top notch quality draw gauge?

Many thanks,

X Horse Pen

[Marshal Will Wingam]

I have the wooden Strip & Strap. it's a great item. I use it on all but the thinnest leathers. Mine will roll 3-4 oz lup rather than cut it properly. Of course, that could be an operator error. Other than that, if I can fit some leather in, it'll cut it. I've not seen the Pro Strap but I like it. It looks like it will work a little better than the wooden version. I've also tried a draw guage. Those take a little more talent to work. Great pic, pard.

[Dalton Masterson]

I have the metal pro strap. It works really well, but does roll the small flimsy stuff. Could be that I need to change blades is all. DM

[Ace Lungger]

 :)I am a very Lucky person for i got a Pro Al S. give to me. and I am very humble and thank full to the person that sent it to me. i do have a question, do you push you leather or pull your leather threw it. I used it to cut out this last belt and I push the leather threw it, but i was not sure which is the proper way and the easiest?

I will be deeply great full if someone will tell me the right way?
Thanks to all!!
I hope everyone has a good weekend And don't go turkey hunting with your car or truck I am still sore from getting so tense when it fley right into my face, I am sure glad that winshields have plastic inside them

Later
ACE

[ChuckBurrows]

Thanks WC. Which one would you recommend for heavy stock like cartidge belts on up to skirting weight? and also where would a feller get a good top notch quality draw gauge?

Many thanks,

X Horse Pen

Don I've used the wooden ones for years on everything from 3/4 oz up to and including 10/12 oz. Hints: One, keep a sharp blade in it and two I clamp the top screw down with pliers to lock it in place (but they may just be due to my arthritic hands  ). At one time I had a half dozen all pre-set to the most widely used widths (i.e. 1.5", 1.75", 2", etc.) - this helps prevent wear and tear, but I've got one that's been adjusted beaucoups times over the last 20 years and it still works fine.

The pro strap cutter is a metal version of the wooden ones and although I've only seen them being used they look tough - cost wise they are more expensive so it's up to you to decide on cost effectiveness.

A good friend just gave me a 100 year old Osborne draw gauge - heavy duty brass, steel, and rosewood - what a beauty!

[cowboywc]

Howdy All
I use my wooden on more often than the metal. My draw gauges just hang on the wall.
If you need to cut light leathers, start the cut with a knife  about 3/4" then put it in the strap cutter
and pull the leather slow.

I push the heavier leather through til I can get a grip on the other end then I pull the leather.
WC

[Marshal Will Wingam]

I push the heavier leather through til I can get a grip on the other end then I pull the leather.

I do it the same way. When it's a heavier piece of leather, I will clamp the cut end of the strap to my work bench and that leaves both hands free to work the cutter and hold the leather to guide it into the cutter so it doesn't kick out and make a thin spot in the middle of a strap.

[HorsePen Henry]

Thanks for sharing the experiences and the ideas on which works. It seems a fella doesn't need to spend a lot a money on one that'll work. I think I'm gonna try to make one out a wood. I have plenty a wood maple scrap around from other projects. I was thinkin' about the design today when I was on the road. Maybe shaped like a pistol.   Maybe.

[Ace Lungger]

Thanks for explaining the way to you use the strap cutter properly, I didn't know about making a starter cut, that will most definately make a diff. I have only used mine once and it was making a 2 1/2 belt and i pushed it threw, it would have been easier if i would of put that starter cut.

Thanks for the help
ACE

[cowboywc]

Howdy
I only use a starter cut on thin leather that wants to bunch up. If your blade is sharp you should not need one
on anything over 3oz leather.
WC

[Travis Morgan]

I have the wooden Strip & Strap. it's a great item. I use it on all but the thinnest leathers. Mine will roll 3-4 oz lup rather than cut it properly. Of course, that could be an operator error. Other than that, if I can fit some leather in, it'll cut it. I've not seen the Pro Strap but I like it. It looks like it will work a little better than the wooden version. I've also tried a draw guage. Those take a little more talent to work. Great pic, pard.

I'm trying to find an idiot to pawn mine off on. I hate that damn thing! (second from left) My good one is like the second from the right. They're hard to find, but worth it. Who makes good stamps reasonably? I mostly just need a basket stamp, right now.

[cowboywc]

Barry King in Sheridan, Wy makes great basketweave stamps. Appox $35-45
WC

[Marshal Will Wingam]

Barry King in Sheridan, Wy makes great basketweave stamps. Appox $35-45

Does he have a website? I'm getting tired of the ones I've made over the years and a fresh look may be in order.

[cowboywc]

Howdy
Barry does not have one yet.
You can call him for a catalog at 307 672-5657 or e-mail him
kingtool@fiberpipe.net
He has a lot more tools than are in the catalog right now.
WC

[Slowhand Bob]

I have them all and like them for heavier leather but use the little leather stripper lace cutter for lighter leathers, where size allows.  The downside on the metal pro version is the construction of the cross beam being hollowed out.  If the leather edge tries to curl up at all, when starting it in, it tends to snag and hang.  Like Chuck, I like to keep several of the most common sizes set up for dedicated cuts and just use the pro model for the adjustable stuff.  The draw guage is ok for really heavy leathers but I have cut/stuck myself several times on the exposed blades and it was never while actually cutting leather.

[Marshal Will Wingam]

Thanks, WC. I'll shoot him an email.

[WolfWalker]

Been awhile.

Anyone got any experience or has tried the strap cutter put out by John Bianchi?(Sells for about 60 bucks).
I picked one up last Feb. or March, unfortunately I got sidetracked, never had a chance to try it.

[HorsePen Henry]

I got my Pro-Strap Cutter in today and I was looking it over. Figgered I would get it while it was half price. It rocks some from upsy downsy which makes me think it will wobble when yer cutting a strap. Do you guys shim the top of the cross bar after ya get it set to the width you want to cut at so it won't rock?  I need some help on how ta use this da'um thang! 

Many thanks,

X Horse Pen

[Dalton Masterson]

Horsepen, I am holding mine in my hand, and I think I understand how its rocking. Are you meaning that it wont cut the leather at 90degrees? That it may wobble back and forth? I havent noticed it on mine, but I kind of have a death grip for tightening things. I suppose if nothing else, jam a scrap of leather in there to keep out the wobble. Good luck. DM