Detailed Guide: C.S. Osborne Leather Splitting Machine No. 86:
Achieving uniform thickness along a leather strap is essential for high quality goods. The C.S. Osborne Leather Splitting Machine No. 86 is a time tested tool designed to make that task effortless. Treasured by saddle makers and belt fabricators, this bench mounted splitter takes the frustration out of skiving dense hides. Featuring a top mounted thumbscrew adjustment and a razor sharp 6 inch stationary blade, it allows craftsmen to shave precise layers of leather. By locking in your exact thickness, you ensure your goods lie completely flat and maintain a seamless aesthetic. Built from solid cast iron, this heavy duty tool is engineered to withstand generations of daily use.
Specifications and Design Features:
The Osborne No. 86 is manufactured with industrial grade materials to ensure flawless operation.
- Heavy Duty Construction: Cast from solid iron, providing extreme stability.
- Blade Length: Equipped with a 6 inch hollow ground steel inlaid blade.
- Thumbscrew Adjustment: Features a top mounted thumbscrew to easily fine tune the roller position.
- Edge Mounting System: Designed to mount on the edge of a workbench so the thumbscrew hangs over freely.
- Total Weight: Weighing 6 pounds, it provides a compact footprint.
- Origin: Proudly manufactured in the United States.
Common Professional Applications:
This 6 inch bench splitter is an essential asset for any shop working with thick hides.
- Custom Belt Making: Perfect for thinning fold over ends of heavy belts so hardware attaches seamlessly.
- Saddlery Work: Professional harness makers rely on this machine to skive bridle leather precisely.
- Fine Leather Goods: Used to expertly thin edges of leather panels for folding or stitching.
- Leather Leveling: Ideal for leveling uneven areas on a dense hide, ensuring consistent thickness.
Key Benefits for Leatherworkers:
Investing in a genuine C.S. Osborne cast iron skiver improves the speed of your workflow.
- Unmatched Consistency: This machine locks the blade gap at a set height, guaranteeing a level cut.
- Time Efficiency: What takes minutes of hand carving can be accomplished in seconds.
- Compact Footprint: The 6 inch blade capacity is perfect for standard belt makers, requiring minimal space.
- Replaceable Components: The steel blade is fully removable for sharpening or replacement.
Recommended Related Tools:
Cut your large hides into strips first by browsing our selection of C.S. Osborne Leather Tools to find premium strap cutters. For specialized carving tasks, explore our range of C.S. Osborne Knives to outfit your station.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
1. What is the difference between the Osborne No. 86 and No. 84 splitters? The primary difference is the blade size and adjustment mechanism. The No. 86 features a 6 inch blade and uses a top mounted thumbscrew for depth adjustments. The No. 84 features a larger 8 inch blade and uses a twist handle mechanism.
2. How do I properly mount the No. 86 to my workbench? Because the adjusting thumbscrew protrudes downward, the No. 86 must be mounted directly on the edge of your workbench so the screw hangs freely over the side.Alternatively, bolt the machine to a thick wooden block and clamp it to your benchtop.
3. What leather yields the best results with this splitter? This tool is highly effective on firm, vegetable tanned leather. Soft leathers like chrome tanned garment leather can sometimes bunch up against the stationary blade, so firm temper leathers always yield the cleanest results.
4. Can the 6 inch hollow ground blade be sharpened? Yes, the 6 inch blade is fully serviceable. It can be removed from the cast iron housing. You can hone the edge yourself, send it out for professional sharpening, or purchase a replacement blade.
5. How do I safely pull the leather through the machine? The Osborne No. 86 relies on a pull through action. Feed the thinned edge of your strap into the back, reach around to the front to grip the strap securely, and pull the leather steadily towards yourself through the blade gap.
