I can’t believe that a simple edge clamp tool is $230 (Vergez Blanchard) at RML and it’s sold out. I found an alternative clamp used in metal bending for $20. I glued some leather to the clamps and it seems to work perfectly for crimping edges.
P.S. Leather crafting has got to be the most expensive hobby in terms of tools/materials cost! oy, vey...
@Fadi Link HERE
That's awesome! Looks just like the Blanchard too. If you want more pressure at the front, try skiving the leather so the front end is thicker than the rear before gluing in. That's what I do.
The official name for this tool is 11" Flat Welding Pliers Plier Sheet Metal Holding Clamp Wide Flat Jaw. I bought one on ebay but Amazon US also carries it. Your local hardware store is a good place too. You want to make sure you get the “flat jaw” type. Some have angled/tapered jaws which you do not want.
Looks great! Definitely would also be interested in the link :)
Yup, these are a very very good alternative. The issue with those, depending on the manufacturer is that some of them do no close flat on all of the head. The extreme tip close perfectly touching each other and then you have a gap the more you go down the head. Which translates into less (and maybe no) pressure on the edge of the leather (as the edge is the part that is the most inside the clamp). But if yours close perfectly, give us a link :)
Also, Kevin Lee, Crimson Hides, Amy Roke all sell alternatives to the Blanchard that are much more affordable. Around 80$