ALA's strop tips

[Kenny_S]

Thanks ALA for the strop tips on using dowl rods and leather. I made a couple of various sizes and they work great. I had no doubts but decided to try making a couple instead of buying. Will make more as needed. Thanks again. I loaded them up with the red Jeweler's rouge. One was in bade shape and I did not need to sharpen it as many inside strops took care of it. These Buck Brother's tools are a little different than most I have seen. Hey the were give me tools so no complaints.

Glad to be able to help, Kenny! I've picked up a lot of good info from others here, and if I can pass something along, I feel as though repaying a debt.

Al

Al,

Can't find your earlier post about dowel strops, seems like a fantastic concept on (inside curve) gouges, will need to find some leather and make a few sizes up too. Coffeeman

I don't recall where that post was either, but the strops were made by putting a thin coat of white glue on about a 2' lenght of the dowel and then wrapping a leather shoelace in a tight spiral over the glue. I used a small spring clamp on either end of the lace till it dried, then cut the dowel to a handy lenght.

I made them with 1/8, 3/16, 1/4, 3/8 and 1/2 inch dowels

Al

[Kenny_S]

I didn't remember the leather shoestring as I used leather with the rough side out and glued it with E6000 glue( Can get at WalMarts and Hobby Lobby that I know of). Rubber banded till dry. Redid one as I got some glue on the outside and the leather was hard and I didn't think that would be good for stropping tools.

Al & Kenny,

Thanks for the advice and info, I'm going to put a couple together, variuos sizes, never given any thought to the shoelace concept, sounds just right.

Coffeeman

[Kenny_S]

Today, I made sanding sticks using the same size dowls. I think I will try some more strops using ALA's suggestion on leather shoelaces. Beats buying strops. Old Belts make for good stropping material. Anyway, The old belt I use to wear till the little bride got sick of looking at the old thing. HEHEHEHE, She will still be looking at if I let her in my shop!!! l