Tips for making simple steel rule dies
Hi. I have a leather goods shop and I'm interested in doing some simple steel rule dies in house. I've purchased some 2pt. steel rule from Helmhold and a small hand held router and a cutting bit. I'm wondering if anyone can direct me to a site or a book where I can read about the step by step process of cutting the dieboard and inserting the steel rule to complete the die.
Thanks in advance.
Re: Tips for making simple steel rule dies
Hi,
Has anyone had any success making steel rule die?
There is no one in my area who makes them and no one to ask an advice from.
How do you bend a perfect circle? Everytime i try to bend the rule ( i have manual bender) the edge comes out wavy.
THe gasket from rubber does not have perfect circumference.
Thank you.
Re: Tips for making simple steel rule dies
Quote:
Originally Posted by
MAVEN05
Hi,
Has anyone had any success making steel rule die?
There is no one in my area who makes them and no one to ask an advice from.
How do you bend a perfect circle? Everytime i try to bend the rule ( i have manual bender) the edge comes out wavy.
THe gasket from rubber does not have perfect circumference..
MAVEN,
The best way to bend a perfect circle is with a 3 roll bender. You could probably improvise one from a moveable ball bearing mounted on a plate and two fixed rollers. Keep in mind that a 3 roll bender leaves a bit of unbent material at the ends, so be prepared to trim that off. It is best if the two fixed rollers are driven synchronously, but this can be by hand crank. Bend gradually to achieve the desired radius. If you can also machine the die support base, that will assist in maintaining a constant radius in service.
Ultimately, the time spent on making the die is dependent on how much production you expect to be doing with it. If there is a chance for re-orders, put in the required effort.
Re: Tips for making simple steel rule dies
Hi Machinbird.
Thank you for the idea. I was thinking about it earlier and it should be helpful but first I need to build one to suit my needs.
I'm also looking for a way to bend the steel rule using a manual bender. I guess I need to use proper male/female dies to bend the steel rule.
Maybe someone bends steel rule die in a circle using a manual bender?
Max K.
Re: Tips for making simple steel rule dies
Quote:
Originally Posted by
MAVEN05
Hi Machinbird.
Thank you for the idea. I was thinking about it earlier and it should be helpful but first I need to build one to suit my needs.
I'm also looking for a way to bend the steel rule using a manual bender. I guess I need to use proper male/female dies to bend the steel rule.
Maybe someone bends steel rule die in a circle using a manual bender?
Max K.
Maven
The problem is the springback that you will encounter is unpredictable. The 3 roll bender is more versatile and thus better.
Re: Tips for making simple steel rule dies
Hey Maven, I have made hundreds of circles by hand.. I use an automated bender when I build dies but have made countless dies by hand over the years, I have no problem helping you with any of your questions. I have about 100 male and female dies I can show you pictures and tips on hand bending. The automated bending machines have really changed the die making world for the better great machines.. Here is my email [email protected] I am a third fermentation die maker at Milwaukee Steel Rule Dies. Check out our page on Instagram @milwaukeesteelruledies we have videos of the die making process on there
Re: Tips for making simple steel rule dies
Quote:
Originally Posted by
leathersmith
Hi. I have a leather goods shop and I'm interested in doing some simple steel rule dies in house. I've purchased some 2pt. steel rule from Helmhold and a small hand held router and a cutting bit. I'm wondering if anyone can direct me to a site or a book where I can read about the step by step process of cutting the dieboard and inserting the steel rule to complete the die.
Thanks in advance.
OK is very easy if you have the right equipment, dies for leather.
If you are still interested I could explain step by step how to manufacture them.