Stitching Groovers

[outrider]

Mongo,

I spoke with Lee Douglas.  The "versa groover" is $80.00 and includes one tip of your choice...additional tips are $15.00 ea.  The tips are small, medium, and large.  Plus ashipping of course

[DUKE DEADEYE NUKEM]

This works way better than the Tandy jobber. http://www.ebay.com/itm/4-in-1-Leather-Craft-Pro-Stitching-Groover-Creaser-Set-/120750266394?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item1c1d46d81a#ht_2574wt_1169

[outrider]

I just purchased a compass style stitch groover from Jeremiah Watt...haven't used it on a project yet but test runs are great

[Slickshot]

Do you have any pictures of your new compass groover from Jeremia Watt? 

[outrider]

Slick,

go to Wade Saddles   www. ranch1arena.com   They have them under HSPC - patent leather groover.  They are very well made.  Or do a search on Jeremiah Watt Tools

[Slowhand Bob]

I have several of the older compass style groovers in my tiny collection of early tools, all made by Osborne.  Two of these are of the interchangeable tip style and, like the Watts version, offered multiple cut sizes.  I do not like the compass style that much but do wish that all models offered the optional cut size.  Tandy could easily offer one or two more cut sizes in their new model, and their older models for that matter.

[Slickshot]

Funny, I already went there last night and sent them an e-mail asking about replacement blades.

For me it might be the way to go.  As I am more comfortable using a compass to put lines in my work.


Vikefan

[Massive]

Groovers are one of those divided concentration tools.  Where do you look?  Front sight, right.  OK what part is that.  I like to look where the barrel is tracing the edge, rather than where the tool is cutting.

[Chuck 100 yd]

I mostly concentrate on watching what the cutter is doing while keeping side pressure on the guide against the side of the leather. when coming into an inside corner I keep an eye on both as much as possible. 

[Slickshot]

If I remember correctly I was looking at where the tool was cutting the leather, not where the edge was following the leather...I guess I just need more practice?

THanks,

Vikefan

[Massive]

Unlike the front sight there are probably lots of right ways.  But I think it is always a good question.  Where hand eye coordination is concerned, what part is the eye coordinating.  There are activities like putting and archery, where the answer is far from clear.  Some people are naturals, but I am not.  I need to have an idea.  If I don't then I will not be consistent, and neither will my results.

Another belief I have is that one should separate doing and practice.  Most people try to learn by doing projects.  BUt when it comes right down to technique, I think people need a "driving range"  A place where they just practice the moves broken out, and are not "shooting for score".  Pick up some scrap and run some grooves looking at the barrel to side, or at the cutter, or following a line.  Change only one thing at a time.  It probably sounds like overkill, but it normally works out better than just buying new gear.  I like buying stuff, but rarely to fix a problem, unless say my lone wandered because the cutter loosened.

But that just me.

(another favourite of mine with not terribly dangerous tools is to run some cuts with your eyes closed.  Helps sort out what is feel and what is visual.  Here is an archery example, shooting with eyes closed:



Same idea as any break-out like skiing without poles)

[TN Mongo]

I have always used a winged divider to put a line on the leather before I use my stitching groover.  When using the groover, I concentrate more on staying on the line and the guide on the groover just helps with the process.