Stitching Groovers

Slickshot · October 12, 2011, 02:09:07 AM

I messed up a stitching groove on a holster recently (deal slipped of the edge).

I would like to get many opinions on this subject; who makes the best and easiest to use stitching groover out there... I don't like messing up my leather projects because the darned thing slips on me.

A very good quality groover (holsters and such) for me is a good investment.

What kind do you all use?

Slickshot

Slowhand Bob · October 12, 2011, 09:31:31 AM

Not to offend but you will not find much cheaper than the older Tandy side cutter style and many of us have spent years dragging those cheap things with an occasional over run at times BUT the two most common problems causing over runs are more practice and control needed and keep the cutting angle sharpened or replaced regularly. I have all types and brands from divider style to the freehand version that looks more like a wood carver (the easiest to slip). Now with all of the blowhardin behind, I do think with more practice I will like the new "professional" model that Tandy sells for edge grooving. I have not quite got the feel of the cutting edge being directly under the hand but it does offer better leverage than the older versions. As with most skills related jobs, YMMV.

Chuck 100 yd · October 12, 2011, 09:37:31 AM

I have three. All from Tandy. One is the new style and I thought I did not like it at first but found it is just different.
After using it for a while,I don`t even look at the old style ones any more.
A very good tool IMHO.

Boothill Bob · October 12, 2011, 10:24:52 AM

Same here. Have the new pro modell, hated it at first but now its the only I use.
How Do I polish a groover, or is it better to buy a new one?
And Slickshot, you are not the only one that slipped of the edge. I have destroid a few
holsters that way.
And I belive that GCR have slipped of the edge the hård way

Ten Wolves Fiveshooter · October 12, 2011, 10:26:35 AM

Slickshot, you just got some good advice from SHB and Chuck100yd. practice and keeping your cutting edge sharp will in time allow you to build the skill to use this tool the way it was meant to be, we all go through this learning stage, just give yourself some practice time on scrap leather and you'll be fine.

BHB, I just buy new blades, if the cutting edge won't true itself by just using it, which in most cases just using it will keep it sharp.

tEN wOLVES

TN Mongo · October 12, 2011, 05:53:50 PM

I totally agree with what's been said already. I wasn't fond of the new Tandy design at first, now it's the only one I use. On a tight corner or tricky spot, however, I like to use my Tandy grover that is one piece and looks like a small hole punch.

Chuck 100 yd · October 12, 2011, 07:56:03 PM

TN Mongo , I agree, that free hand stitch groover can do things the others cant. Making a guide of plexiglass so you can see through it and guide the free hand stitch groover allows you to do some pretty fancy groove work in tight areas where the other ones wont work at all.

ChuckBurrows · October 12, 2011, 11:06:59 PM

If you want the best - get the Versa Groover from Bob Douglas 1-307-737-2222
Sheridan Leather is carrying them as the exclusive distributor 888-803-3030

Slickshot · October 13, 2011, 02:48:36 AM

Chuck,

I thank you for your advice. I was thinking if buying one (early X mas gift) but I don't know ANYONE who's used one. Are they that much better than the Pro Tandy one's? AND how are they better?

Thanks Chuck,

Slickshot

outrider · October 13, 2011, 09:39:35 AM

CB,

What does the Versa Groover look like? I have been trying to find a photo of it without success

ChuckBurrows · October 13, 2011, 12:39:16 PM

Quote from: Slickshot on October 13, 2011, 02:48:36 AM
Chuck,
I thank you for your advice. I was thinking if buying one (early X mas gift) but I don't know ANYONE who's used one. Are they that much better than the Pro Tandy one's? AND how are they better?
Thanks Chuck,
Slickshot

I've never used the Pro Tandy so can't comment - but compared to the regular ones from Tandy/LF (of which I have several that I keep locked in place, used mostly for decorative lines) ) the difference is a big one.

As others have noted much of it though is practice and yes even the best makers get off track with them at times........a hint lightly dampen your leather first -it makes the cutting go better with less chatter.........also keep plenty of spare blades around and change out as neeed be - they do wear out and while they can be sharpened sometimes not so successfully.

Another hint - I angle/polish the back side like in the picture below - thisi for me allows a better bite and more control

ChuckBurrows · October 13, 2011, 12:44:15 PM

Quote from: outrider on October 13, 2011, 09:39:35 AM
CB,

What does the Versa Groover look like? I have been trying to find a photo of it without success

Hard to describe and I gifted mine to a student/friend last Xmas so can't get a pic - give Sheridan Leather a shout and see if they can get you one...........

Sgt. C.J. Sabre · October 13, 2011, 08:37:52 PM

I'm going to go against the grain here; I don't use a groover. I make my line with a creaser. Gives a similar look, but retains the entire thickness of the leather.
I wet the leather down, then crease with a fair amount of pressure. It make a depression like a groove, but I think it's stronger. Plus mistakes can be at least somewhat repaired.

Slickshot · October 13, 2011, 11:20:52 PM

What brand Creasers are you using? AND - Where did you get them from?

Slickshot

P.S.. I have a catalog from Bob Douglas...Here's a scan of his versa groover....

Sgt. C.J. Sabre · October 14, 2011, 12:32:20 AM

Quote from: Slickshot on October 13, 2011, 11:20:52 PM
What brand Creasers are you using? AND - Where did you get them from?
Slickshot
P.S.. I have a catalog from Bob Douglas...Here's a scan of his versa groover....

Just a basic Craftool Adjustable Creaser from TLF.

Skeeter Lewis · October 14, 2011, 06:53:07 AM

My Tandy Pro Groover just came and I've given it a try. Great piece of kit and not as hard to use as I'd expected.

Slowhand Bob · October 14, 2011, 08:05:03 AM

OH, I done did see pictures of thet versa-groover afore! Looks pretty much like Tandy used the in-line concept on their new Pro Stitch Groover. I really think this is a better way to get her done BUT like all new things it takes a bit of getting used to and I am still using my old model more. I have little doubt that the new style will eventually end up getting the call most often If I ever start working with leather again.

TN Mongo · October 14, 2011, 03:50:42 PM

Chuck,

About what does the Versa Groover cost?

rickk · October 14, 2011, 05:41:08 PM

I have several, but this is the one that I use...

http://zackwhite.com/xcart/product.php?productid=16592&cat=0&page=1

Rick

Drayton Calhoun · October 14, 2011, 06:18:31 PM

Quote from: Sgt. C.J. Sabre on October 13, 2011, 08:37:52 PM
I'm going to go against the grain here; I don't use a groover. I make my line with a creaser. Gives a similar look, but retains the entire thickness of the leather.
I wet the leather down, then crease with a fair amount of pressure. It make a depression like a groove, but I think it's stronger. Plus mistakes can be at least somewhat repaired.

Same thing I use, also the stitching doesn't tend to disappear. Of course, I could be screwing up with the groover or pulling my stitches too tight.