sheath punch in action...

Kevin Zito said:
Too bad I’d have to go to trade school for three years to be able to make that cutter thing lol.
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haha! I feel the same way every time I see somebody grinding bevels with a really cool jig. I'd have more trouble figuring out how to make a jig and set it up- that's why I learned to grind free hand. The whole making a jig and then figuring out how to manipulate it on a work rest... gah! I'm too lazy for all that! It was easier to walk up to the platen and go for it!

I love Ted's leather die, though! Especially for one of my sheaths where the belt loop is a folded-H type thing. Cutting those inside radii and getting it all symmetrical is a nightmare. I definitely see myself making a die for that piece. That would be a life saver.
 
Kevin Zito said:
Too bad I’d have to go to trade school for three years to be able to make that cutter thing lol.
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No you would not...I made that out of a leather cutting bandsaw blade...the aluminum buck I formed around was very difficult to get the blade to fit. I believe that with an $80 bending jig I could make it fit a sketch and tack weld to a thin piece to hold in place...I think I could use 1/2 tall leather/foam cutting blade. These blades already have the scallops on them. I just cut the finished blade and cut me a piece as long as I need.

The next one I make will have no machining involved...anyone could do it..I actually think it could be epoxied to a piece of hardwood rather than welded...might try that first.
 
Here's the starter kit...would make about 4 sheath punchers. Then if ya like it...you can buy a 245" blade for $52 dollars....MUCH cheaper than the steel rule for die making...which is about 20$ for 30"...nope...not me.

The reason I posted this was not to show a cool idea...(well...maybe a little...)

But to show anyone interested an EASY way to punch out sheaths. I know some of you have to be fighting making multiples. I'm a better knife maker than a sheath maker...anything that makes it easier/quicker is motivation to MAKE MORE KNIVES...lol. (more knives...more fun...more $$)

Bending jig---------------80$
blade material------------20$
Total----------------------100$ (for about 4 sheath designs)


https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B06XRTV1H6/ref=ox_sc_act_title_1?smid=A29JTQ4PLJYDXM&psc=1

https://www.mcmaster.com/#4091a114/=1dkgm20
 
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You could probably try this with some 3/4" plywood couple pieces of 1/8" steel on either side screwed and epoxied. That way you could cut it all out easily??
 
That is a great little video Ted and shows what a little lateral thinking can accomplish. Unfortunately for me I have so many patterns that it would be impractiical for me to think about making dies for them.
 
John Wilson said:
Ted, so the bandsaw blade will actually take a bend radius and hold it?
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yes...it's spring steel but will take a set. The guys online use a bender(I think the cheap one I posted a link to above will do it) and take small bites to do a large radius...seems they also will tack weld a small cross bar as they go to kinda lock it in place. I want to try to get the shape with no welding and then epoxy to hardwood or brass or steel, etc. I think the shorter 1/2 blade with be stiffer and not need a buck. just a backing plate to push it through the leather.

I broke it at the tip of the sheath trying about a 1/32 radius (see I am an optimist...lol) Prolly shoulda applied a bit of heat....also the blade material was 1" tall....with out the buck and using a bender I think 1/2 would work super. Without having to make a buck to bend around and just following a sketch or an existing pattern....I think a fella could make one of these in an hour....Yes...that means YOU Garry! Lol!

It's worth trying just to see... want to do a folding sheath next (after I dial in the stacker design) The next one I do I will try to vid it to shorten the learning curve for anyone else interested.
 
Gliden07 said:
You could probably try this with some 3/4" plywood couple pieces of 1/8" steel on either side screwed and epoxied. That way you could cut it all out easily??
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Yeah...I did a crude one on a piece of 2x4...but I want to get away from screwing it to a buck on the sides. I think it can be bent to where you just finish the shape and then epoxy it to a rectangular piece of hardwood...

The blade stock is very thin.... .02, .025, .032...the thinner it is the easier it should be to bend.
 
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