840 THE FARMERS' HAKDBOOK. 



The linn ml Knifi is almost indispensable. It is the most suitable tool fur 

 shaving or bevelling leather, and is also used for cutting Leather into straps 

 or any oilier form. The line of cutting is marked with the compasses, and 

 the round knife entered and steadily pushed forward along the line, keeping 

 the left hand in front to hold the leather firm. The cutting is done on 

 wood in the direction of the grain, and the surface must be free from nails, 



(Fie. 8.) 



Compasses are required for marking the lines for cutting, and for marking 



distances. 



The Edge Ton! is used for taking the sharp edges off the leather after it 

 has been cut. If these edges are left, the leather readily frays or cracks. 

 The tool is run along the edge with the right hand, and the work steadied by 

 keeping the left hand in front. (Fig. 9.) 



Punches&re used for making the different holes required in leather working. 

 The round form is used for making the holes in straps for receiving the tongue 

 of the buckle. The tongue punches are used for cutting the hole for the heel 

 of the tongue. 



The Creases arc used for making ornamental lines on the leather (Fig. 10;. 

 These lines do not increase the strength of the leather, but add much to its 

 appearance. The crease is heated over a candle, and after wiping off the 

 candle-black the crease is pushed along the leather until a sufficiently marked 

 depression is made. 



Awls and Awl-handles. — The awl blades are attached to the handles by first 

 pushing the heel of the blade into the handle as far as possible with the hand 

 The handle and blade are carefully examined to see that they are fitted truly, 

 and then the blade is securely held in the vice, while the handle is driven 

 down on to it with a light hammer. 



Three kinds of awls are used : — 



(1) A curved awl, slightly flattened at the point, but otherwise round. 



This is used when the work cannot be stitched right through, but 

 from one sale only. 



(2) A round straight awl, tapering gradually from the handle to the 



point. This makes a round hole, the size of which depends upon the 

 distance the awl is pushed through. It is used where single holes 

 are required, and in beginning and ending Ions* stitching. 



(3) A diamond awl, used in < rdinary stitching. Several of these to suit 



the different sized threads used, are required. 



Confidence is the chief requirement in handling the tools, and a little 

 practice soon makes the learner familiar with their use. 



The Thread. 



A good thread is the first essential in nuking strong, lasting repairs. Good 

 hemp must be selected, and considerable care exercised in the making. 

 For convenience the hemp is kept in a small tin, with the end passed 

 through a hole in the lid. The end is caught between the second and 

 third fingers of the left hand, passed round the 5 hook, which should be about 

 3 feet away, and brought back and caught by the thumb and first finger of 

 the same hand. Break the hemp by gently pulling with the left hand, while 

 unravelling by rolling it downwards and away on the apron v/ith the right 

 hand. The breaking must be carefully done to obtain a fine tapering point. 



