Yet another patch cutting method

[Canute Rex]

I cut patches with arch punches. Punching one at a time was tough. Even in end grain it was hard to get a clean cut.

Trial and error got me to this.

Cut a strip of patch material about 3/8" wider than your arch punch. Maybe 30" or a yard. Fold over a square of material on the end of the strip. Then fold that square over in the opposite direction. And so on, until the whole strip is a zig-zag folded square stack. Then put that down on the end grain of a log, center the punch on it, and hammer away until you hit the bottom. You'll get a stack of patches and all but the bottom one will be cut cleanly.

Have fun!

 

[longcruise]

I do something like that. I cut or tear (tear is quick and easy) then fold over and over. No zig zag. Then cut through the folds on each end. Less than a minute to a handful of square patches that shoot just like round ones.

 

[longcruise]

We have two topics going on this and I just want to say that I'm not intending to critique other people's choices. I m just throwing it out there for those who may be new to ml and exploring methods.

 

[Garbear34]

I do something like that. I cut or tear (tear is quick and easy) then fold over and over. No zig zag. Then cut through the folds on each end. Less than a minute to a handful of square patches that shoot just like round ones.

I use a method black powder maniac shooter i seen on his YouTube channel. I cut in strips then cut so easy to tear at the muzzle of my gun. I roll up and put in an old pill bottle ad some vegetable oil olive oil... tothe rolls.

 

[Texcl2]

I just cut mine into squares and they seem to be just as accurate as round patches.

 

[flatcreek]

Cut at the muzzle.

 

[stubshaft]

I cut patches with arch punches. Punching one at a time was tough. Even in end grain it was hard to get a clean cut.

Trial and error got me to this.

Cut a strip of patch material about 3/8" wider than your arch punch. Maybe 30" or a yard. Fold over a square of material on the end of the strip. Then fold that square over in the opposite direction. And so on, until the whole strip is a zig-zag folded square stack. Then put that down on the end grain of a log, center the punch on it, and hammer away until you hit the bottom. You'll get a stack of patches and all but the bottom one will be cut cleanly.

Have fun!

Instead of the end grain. I use a plastic (polypropylene?) cutting boards from Wally World. It keeps the arch punch sharp and provides a cleaner cut.

 

[HighUintas]

We have two topics going on this and I just want to say that I'm not intending to critique other people's choices. I m just throwing it out there for those who may be new to ml and exploring methods.

I think I'll have to start doing this. I have been using my wife's fabric cutting wheel. Cut strips, then cut squares off one by one. It's a pain.

 

[Valkyrie]

I use a hole saw in a drill press. I grind off the teeth on a bench grinder. Then after that’s nice and squared up I sharpen the circumference on the grinder. It’s a circular spinning blade and I can cut 20-30 perfectly round patches at a time. Lube up and go!

 

[WonkyEye]

I use a hole saw in a drill press. I grind off the teeth on a bench grinder. Then after that’s nice and squared up I sharpen the circumference on the grinder. It’s a circular spinning blade and I can cut 20-30 perfectly round patches at a time. Lube up and go!

I almost tore up my hand trying this. The fabric grabbed, and I was trying to hold it by hand. I tried making a clamping jig with 2 pieces of wood and a hole in the top but it still made the fabric slip even when clamped in there. I gave up, just not smart enough to make it work. Now I just sit in front of the TV in the evening with a piece of rubber and cut one at a time. I'd love to find a more efficient way.