DIY: leather Stitching wheel

I came up with this idea when I was not really happy with my leather stitching. I looked around for stitching wheels and being cheap and resourceful, I decided to build my own! This project took around 2 hours and was from mostly recycled materials. Enjoy!

MATERIALS

chunk of wood
3/8" aluminum tube
1/4" aluminum tube
1/8" brass rod
star lock washer
2 part epoxy
your choice of wood finish
JB weld

TOOLS

hammer
hacksaw
band saw
small files
drill/ drill press
belt sander
sand paper
3/8" drill bit
1/8" drill bit

Step 1: Materials

Gather your materials and check for good fitting between your star washer and aluminum tube.

Comments

[bamboo jim]

good idea!

[Dr.Bill]

AKA Jagging Tool used by old tyme sail makers on board old tyme sailing ships.

[pfred2]

This looks like a good idea. Whenever I stitch anything my stitches do not come out very even.

[desertsniper]

It works pretty good too! thanks, Please vote/rate as you see fit!

[pfred2]

I'll have to keep my eyes open. I probably already have one of these kicking around someplace.

[bruce5000]

(removed by author or community request)

[desertsniper]

Two different washers would be nice for different spacing, good luck and post a picture when you finish! Please vote/rate as you see fit!

[kz1]

I wonder if you could use a flat washer ground to a sharp edge, then mounted the same as this to use as a rotary cutter? A better grade of steel would keep an edge longer but a washer would do in a pinch, right? Great idea by the way!

[desertsniper]

Theoretically you could quench the washer (non galvanized) in a used motor oil bath and it will absorb some carbon. It’s do-able, give it a try! Just make sure to grand a perfect center line.

[kz1]

Yeah I was thinking about thinking mounting the washer on an arbor for a Dremmel tool then use a fine stone to shape the bevel. Would be nice to have a jeweler's lathe, eh? Great idea tempering in oil.

[ade angelis]

This is a great idea! I'm sure the next time I will have to sew some leather I'll copy it! My stitchings too aren't so good (I'm a noob in leather working), and I was looking for one of these tools... many thanks for sharing! :)

[desertsniper]

Thats exactly why I made it, thanks for the kind word, and you're welcome!

[rimar2000]

Very clever!

[desertsniper]

thanks!

[CementTruck]

"The spacing on the star wheel is a little tight; I might trim every other prong."

It looks like the spacing is right to me. I would go to a hardware store and find a bigger lock washer and make a second tool before I trimmed this one.

I was going to buy something similar for a holster project I'll be doing soon, and then I saw this 'ible. Thank you for saving me some $$$.

[desertsniper]

Yeah thats kind of what i was thinking! hey, your welcome, please rate/ vote as you see fit, thank you.

[hjjusa]

Why couldn't you have posted this before I went out and bought one, LoL

[desertsniper]

sorry!