I've got a supplier trying to sell me this tool: http://www.stripbit.com/
Anybody got one? If so, is it as great as they claim? It looks like the video "glosses over" the time it takes to get ready to use it. Also, you still have to go back and remove, or drive down protruding staples.
Looks like it would be handy on dining room seats, except the ones made of particle board (looks like it would pull chunks of wood off along with the fabric).
Is it worth 90 bucks?
I've seen the video on this and I don't think it would work like they say. I think you would be very limited to what it would really work good on.
As for the price, are they kidding? ??? I definitely would not pay $90 for it! If your supplier is so sold on it, tell him to give you one to try first, or maybe a refund including shipping if you're not satisfied. I think you could easily have one welded up for $20 locally if you really wanted to try it.
I just don't think it would work. If I remember right, when I watch the video a while back, it looked to me like the staples were already loosened when they were using it.
All you would really need is a half inch drill, cut a half inch piece of conduit with a slit in each side and chuck it up and try it.
Quote from: hdflame on February 05, 2010, 03:26:20 pm
If your supplier is so sold on it, tell him to give you one to try first, or maybe a refund including shipping if you're not satisfied.
Actually, my supplier does offer a 14 day trial period. (not sure about return shipping).
hiya
you could make one of those easy .........
i would use a drill with a torque cut out though, can you imagine what that would do to your wrists ..
regards
rich
I made one . it pulls the material off but leaves the staples pulled up and some arenot . i like the air chizzle better better . like the bantam . . made my own ripping chizzle blade and i use the heavy duty one frome autoparts store . got mine from MAC too truck it has more power . git the short barrel one .
I was thinking that it would hurt your wrist too. Even in the video he starts wearing wrist braise at about the 1 min mark.
The air chisel works fast but at least on furniture can really tear up the wood frame. The guy who taught me used one. His would swivel too, which may be why it tore into the wood. It is fast but takes some practice. When I used it- it left splinters along the frame. Not a fan......
Who makes this thing? K-Tel ? WE've all tried just yanking on the fabric with a pair of side cutters and half teh time the fabric rips before teh staples pop.My $20 air hammer (bought on sale for 10) with the modified chisel will do just fine thanks.
(https://forum.upholster.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi40.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fe216%2Fdjh_64%2Fth_airhammer.jpg&hash=76a75f0f063db2fadab00891cd9a520a) (http://s40.photobucket.com/albums/e216/djh_64/?action=view¤t=airhammer.flv)
I have not used the stripbit. From what I have read, it would work well in specific applications, such as hard staples in a soft wood.
I also use the air chisel. I love it. I take off all my skirts with it. I take off all chip strips with it.
This week I stripped two wing back chairs that were upholstered with quilted fabric - quilted onto foam, not poly batting. It is a hard wood frame with way more wire staples than was needed. I couldn't even see the staples burried in the quilted fabric. I used the air chisel and it was a breeze.
I also had a sofa this week where they layered chip strip 3" up from the bottom of the frame, all around the sofa, so the skirt would hang under it for this particular look. 30 seconds walking around the sofa with the air chisel and all that chip strip was off. (I'm not putting a skirt on the reupholstered sofa.)
I use the V notched chisel that I sharpen on a grinding wheel. I never tear up the wood. I just need to be careful I do not hit any finished wood.
There is a learning curve to using the air chisel, but wow, it does save time.
Gene
I have an air chisel but have never used it on furniture. Actually it came with my air compressor and I've never used it.
Do you guys have any pictures of how you modified your bits, or are some just using without any mods?
That Stripbit looks like an accident waiting to happen. I wouldn't try one on a bet!
Ed
There was a lengthy discussion about this on Carr's Corner a few months ago. I hope cross-posting is OK, http://www.carrscorner.com/yabbse/index.php/topic,5335.0.html]
Sage posted several videos of both his version and his chisel work.
QuoteThat Stripbit looks like an accident waiting to happen. I wouldn't try one on a bet!
Yah, I'd really like to eliminate the occasional scraped knuckle, for a time saving tool that might torque a staple riffled board at my head. Or have to hang on to the drill and do a ninja move to avoid my wrists from collapsing and getting tangled in the drill cord, and then having to call 911 with my toes!
Shaun
I made my remarks on the stripbit at Carrs.
Quote30 seconds walking around the sofa with the air chisel and all that chip strip was off.
Gene... ?? You're kidding! What is a "chip strip"? (Never heard that term before.) And.. How did you do that in 30 seconds?? I have a Bantam and really like it but it is only FAST on easy to pull staples.. or... ... ... I am doing something waaayyyy wrong.
Thanks,
Cheryl
Speaking of Carrs Corner, what's the trick to getting accepted? I received an e-mail saying that my request for membership was "under review". That was 8 months ago. Guess I didn't make the cut.
QuoteDo you guys have any pictures of how you modified your bits
(https://forum.upholster.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi40.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fe216%2Fdjh_64%2Fth_ripper.jpg&hash=6f50f071a7099f81f8d496f2eb52feeb) (http://s40.photobucket.com/albums/e216/djh_64/?action=view¤t=ripper.jpg)
Here's what the rich kids get with their $280 air ripper
So I just ground my bits to match. Personally I use the angled one more than the flat one.
(https://forum.upholster.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi40.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fe216%2Fdjh_64%2Fth_chisel.jpg&hash=2a5dfc619a100c27c635c2bb8a65b855) (http://s40.photobucket.com/albums/e216/djh_64/?action=view¤t=chisel.jpg)
Hey Darren!Been waiting for you to re-post those pics!If I get a few extra $$$ I'm gonna make one of those,pulling
staples on my last job killed my wrist!!
shaggy
QuoteIf I get a few extra $$$ I'm gonna make one
They're cheap like borsht. WE've got a store up here called Princess auto that appears to be like your Harbour Freight down there. Maybe Wind_rose ( Dave) can compare since he's down in your neighbourhod right now. Regular price is like $20 for the 9 piece set ( hammer and eight chisels). That's 50 cents less than a 12 pack of beer in Ontario.
Thats cheaper than I figured.We've got one of those stores,not Harbor,same idea,just cant think of it now.I'll
check it out.
Keeton Supply in Ft. Worth, Tx. has the ripping chisel for $20.95.
http://www.keetonsupply.com/products.php?pg=product_box&cat_id=2&PHPSESSID=jhjgicd6465q0kr0tfon6p2t66&page_num=11#
To me, it's uses are limited. You DO have to be carefull around finished wood. Also, it's loud, and causes the air compressor to run constantly. Plus, you still have to go behind it, and pick out all of the jagged staples.
My favorie stripping tool is a pair of tile nippers that I modified. I can grab under the welt cord, and I can grab staples, and pull them out without cutting them.
Quote from: sofadoc on February 06, 2010, 06:47:08 pm
My favorite stripping tool is a pair of tile nippers that I modified. I can grab under the welt cord, and I can grab staples, and pull them out without cutting them.
care to share a pic.. always interested in tools :)
Hi SofaDoc,
I'm not sure what the requirements are for membership now.. Jack did make some changes a few months ago -- perhaps your request just slipped through the cracks?? Why not send him an email and ask him?
Enjoy reading your posts.
In ripping...I find that your technique has to change to the specific job at hand. The Bantam won''t work all the time... rippers, nippers and pliers all have a place at times, as do the trusty lil staple pullers, rubber mallets and dykes. To each his own! :-)
Quote from: funkster on February 06, 2010, 07:52:39 pm
care to share a pic.. always interested in tools :)
I will try to take a pic on Monday, and get it uploaded.
Does anyone know if this .....
(https://forum.upholster.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.keetonsupply.com%2FItem_Pictures%2FS7300530.JPG&hash=482e1a133384f8032794b9bc734553b9) (http://www.keetonsupply.com/products.php?pg=product_box&cat_id=2&PHPSESSID=jhjgicd6465q0kr0tfon6p2t66&page_num=11#)
(click to go to product page)
..... will work with one of these? .....
(https://forum.upholster.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.harborfreight.com%2Fcpi%2Fphotos%2F32900-32999%2F32940.gif&hash=debeb71f6d41a641501932ca9d38c474) (http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=32940)
(click to go to product page)
I have the above Air Impact Hammer Kit from Harbor Freight tools (http://www.harborfreight.com/), but have just been using the standard straight bit that comes with it, as shown on this page: Using an Air Ripping Chisel (http://www.upholsteryresource.com/node/25)
I also have the Bantam Ripper
(https://forum.upholster.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.rochfordsupply.com%2Fproductthumb.asp%3Fpath%3D8680%2520copy.jpg&hash=6692b7a2505beec83ba7275bfefe1e6e) (http://www.rochfordsupply.com/shop/Staples/Staple_Removers/index.html)
Although it was expensive, I'm glad that I got the Bantam. It's quieter and gentler than the Air Impact Hammer, which is better in tearing apart many jobs. But, there are times when the Air Impact Hammer works better than the Bantam. The Air Impact Hammer is more powerful, although rougher in operation, than the Bantam. It would work better if I had abetter bit, such as the notched bit.
I don't know if they still have it, but Burch Fabrics used to have this....
(https://forum.upholster.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.upholsteryresource.com%2Fdrupal%2Fgallery2%2Fd%2F1081-3%2FBurch%2BAir%2BChisel.JPG&hash=d48dee95ebdb3d6757769bf1cb4e1a0b) (http://www.upholsteryresource.com/node/25)
Pnuematic Hammer Air Ripping Tool
They also sold the bit separately for $12. I probably should have bought the bit to see if it would work with my Harbor Freight Air Impact Hammer.
Best Wishes
Stephen
>Stephen: Yes, that ripping tool in your first photo will work in any air impact hammer. I guess I am in the dark about the Bantam ripper. How is it different from an ordinary air hammer/ripping chisel combo? Is it a higher quality pneumatic? Maybe I've seen them in supply catalogs, and just assumed that it was the same as the cheap version. If the Bantam is as good as it is expensive, I think that the $20 chisel and the Harbor Freight air hammer will be a step backward.
QuoteIt would work better if I had abetter bit, such as the notched bit.
I just shaped the one posted on the grinder and then cut the notches in with the wit a 3" grinding wheel on my finisher ( shoe making machine). You could do the same thing with a cut off tool or angle grinder. If your apprentice is on defaulters give him a three corner file and a stool in the corner for 20 minutes LOL.
i mad a rip bit with 3 bolts . flattened 2 bolts and welded another to the head of the 2 with the flattened sides together . that makes the groove for the fabric . as far as your wrist it didn`t bother mine . was surprised . just didn`t pull the staples out mostly 1 side . used my air chisel and it did better . with the chizzle you need a angle on the head of the chisel and hold it flat with the wood . wouldn`t go without it . if held right it will pull 75 % of the staples most of the time . go cross the staples not end to end .my air chisel is a heavy duty i got from a mac tool truck . modified the blade with a cutoff wheel.
Quote from: Stephen on February 07, 2010, 04:10:25 am
I don't know if they still have it, but Burch Fabrics used to have this....
(https://forum.upholster.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.upholsteryresource.com%2Fdrupal%2Fgallery2%2Fd%2F1081-3%2FBurch%2BAir%2BChisel.JPG&hash=d48dee95ebdb3d6757769bf1cb4e1a0b) (http://www.upholsteryresource.com/node/25)
Pnuematic Hammer Air Ripping Tool
They also sold the bit separately for $12. I probably should have bought the bit to see if it would work with my Harbor Freight Air Impact Hammer.
They still have it. Stock # A1030 $15.97
Here is my favorite stripping tool in it's original packaging (Home Depot-$18)
"http://i775.photobucket.com/albums/yy33/sofadoc/PICT0002r-1.jpg" border="0" alt="tool in package"></a>
With a file, I had to make 2 modifications:
"http://i775.photobucket.com/albums/yy33/sofadoc/PICT0003r.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>
#1 file the 2 "tits" down so the nipper edges can touch
#2 dull the nipper blades with a file, so they will grab a staple without cutting it.
Eventually, the rubber hand grips will loosen, and slide off frequently. When they do, I add a little Gorilla Glue to them.
As Cheryl, and others have said, there is no one stripping tool that is right for every application. But if I could only have ONE, this would be it.
QuoteAs Cheryl, and others have said, there is no one stripping tool that is right for every application
Or everybody. I have a similar set of nipper I use making/repairing shoes and I'd go nuts if I ever had to use it to pull staples full time ( Yeah it was at hand a couple of times and :P I didn't like it ) . If I can't /don't wanna use air its a pair of side cutters and my berry ( for tacks and hard to reach), and my osbourne 120 1/2 . Tap pry yank, tap pry yank, go mind numb and continue ;D
Quote from: Darren Henry on February 08, 2010, 07:02:28 pm
QuoteAs Cheryl, and others have said, there is no one stripping tool that is right for every application
Or everybody. I have a similar set of nipper I use making/repairing shoes and I'd go nuts if I ever had to use it to pull staples full time ( Yeah it was at hand a couple of times and :P I didn't like it ) .
The key word there being SIMILAR. Over the years, I have shown my modified tile nippers to other upholsterers, who immediately went to the nearest hardware store and bought the FIRST pair of tile nippers they saw. Not all nippers are shaped right for the purpose of stripping furniture.
I have employed many helpers to strip furniture. I present them with all of the viable options (air chisel, Berry's, Osborne, dykes). At first, they all gravitate to the air chisel. By the end of the day, they all have settled on the modified tile nippers.
Cheryl,
Here's a link to what I call chip strip. They call it chipboard tack strip.
http://www.diyupholsterysupply.com/tacking-strip.html
On this particular sofa, 5 layers of chip strip were stapled on top of each other all around the sofa, 3 inches up from the bottom of the wood frame. The front deck fabric (we just had a long topic on what people call this part of the sofa), was pulled down and stapled under this chip strip. The skirt was attached under the chip strip also. I was able to pull the skirt off with my hands. I then ran my air chissel around the sofa taking off that built up chip strip. 30 seconds is all it took.
FYI: When I started upholstery, I would spend easily 30 to 40 minutes taking off a sofa skirt. I used the staple puller, mallet, and plyers. With my air chisel, I never spend more than 3 minutes on a sofa skirt.
Gene
Here's a link to a staple puller that I found. It is not the end-all answer, but it also has it's place. I really like it. I bought the first one along with their foam hole cutter, which I also like. They have them on sale now for half off what I originally paid. I bought another one for me and two for my upholsterer mentor in town. I also bought their staple setter but haven't had the need for it yet.
There is a video at this link that explains it's use better than I can. Good price on them now if anyone is interested.
http://www.upholsterystudio.com/DoubleRockTM/doublerocktm.html
Quote from: sofadoc on February 08, 2010, 04:36:33 pm
Here is my favorite stripping tool in it's original packaging (Home Depot-$18)
"http://i775.photobucket.com/albums/yy33/sofadoc/PICT0002r-1.jpg" border="0" alt="tool in package"></a>
Is this the tool you are talking about?
Brutus GT Tile Nipper (http://www.homedepot.com/h_d1/N-5yc1vZ1xr5/R-100033894/h_d2/ProductDisplay?langId=-1&storeId=10051&catalogId=10053)
To use the tool, I'm assuming that you just grab the fabric in the jaws, then just roll the toll sideways on the jaws, which pulls the fabric up, thereby using leverage instead of "muscling" the fabric off?
Best Wishes,
Stephen
FYI: When I started upholstery, I would spend easily 30 to 40 minutes taking off a sofa skirt. I used the staple puller, mallet, and plyers. With my air chisel, I never spend more than 3 minutes on a sofa skirt.
Gene
That's a heck of a difference! :o I have an air chisel that I'm going to try. I'm recovering my first chair from start to finish by myself. I'm trying to keep track of total hours I spend on it. I think I've got about 4 hours in tearing everything down. Now I was taking my time and taking pictures as I went, but I can see where using an air chisel would be a great time saver for certain things. :)
Did it get most of the staples out or did you have quite a few to go back and pull out by hand?
http://www.homedepot.com/h_d1/N-5yc1vZ1xr5/R-100647809/h_d2/ProductDisplay?langId=-1&storeId=10051&catalogId=10053
I have a pair of these that I use a lot, in addition to regular wire nippers. It gives me a different range of motion when I am pulling staples. It also helps to pull welt cord off, especially around the bottom of furniture. I grab the welt cord and roll it forward, pulling up the welt cord along with the staples.
Gene
Bobby,
There are many things I used to do that take me a lot less time today. I learned on my own so I did not have the benefit of someone elses' experience.
I remember spending 6 hours on a boxed seat cushion cover, once. Ouch!
I pay a friend to 'prep' my furniture for reupholstery. He strips the fabric off, except for the inside back and inside arms, which he leaves on, loose and all the staples pulled out, so I can more easily reupholster. I remove them off as I go along.
I pay him for each piece he does. My pay is based on 2 hours for a chair (wing back, club, over stuffed, etc.), and 4 hours for a sofa. He is usually within this time frame. Occasionally we get a bear of a piece of furniture, for example, a hard wood frame with thousands of unnecessary wire staples. I still have him stop at the maximum time and I finish the prep. He benefits from getting a piece finished sooner, but I do not want to punish him for running into a difficult piece that is not his fault.
I always try to keep track of my time so I can know how much per hour I am making.
As for getting all the staples out, it depends on the wood, the type of staples, and the fabric. There are usually a few left that need to be pulled out.
Gene
Thanks for relaying your experience. I definitely could not make it by the hour right now, but that's part of learning. I have definitely benefitted from the info from this site! ;D
I just found this on Lowe's Home Improvement site. Tile Solutions Tile Nippers. Looks like it will work like the Brutus without any grinding modifications. I also like the fact that even for the price, it has a spring loaded handle which I think will make it easier t o work with and tire your hand as quickly.
http://www.lowes.com/pd_84609-81-49945_0_?productId=3044447&Ntt=tile nipper&Ntk=i_products&pl=1¤tURL=/pl__0__s?newSearch=true$Ntt=tile nipper
Stephen> Yes , that is the one I'm talking about (remember the 2 modifications)
You can grab underneath the welt cord, or grab staples and pull them out without cutting them.
hdflame> The Lowes's nippers are too squared on the outer edges, they won't "roll over the wood" as well. The Home Depot nippers also have a spring loaded handle. All tile nippers will have to be filed in order for the nipper blades to meet.
After reading everyone's threads, I think I need to re-visit the air chisel. Maybe I need a better air hammer. With mine, I always left a carnage of jagged staples, and splintered wood behind that had to be dealt with.
I wonder if one the cutting attachments on this tool wood slip under the material and just cut all of the staples off flush, or close to it. Then you could take a hammer, and just tap them flush with the wood and leave them there.
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=67256
I've seen this advertised on the TV commercials for about $150. I've been looking for a reason to buy one. It's supposed to do all kinds of fix-it jobs. I keep waiting on HF to run it on sale, but I haven't seen it cheaper than this yet!
What do you guys think about trying this?
Hard to say without trying it. Fabric, foam and/or cotton might wrap around cutting disc. At the very least, you would probably plow through a lot of replacement discs.
Dremel makes one for $99. I was going to ask if anyone has used one to strip fabric on furniture also???
Thanks,
Gene
QuoteMaybe I need a better air hammer. With mine, I always left a carnage of jagged staples, and splintered wood behind that had to be dealt with.
I had to experiment a bit with angle of attack and direction to get my best results. Or you may just have too "good" a hammer.
Quote from: Darren Henry on February 09, 2010, 08:21:59 pm
I had to experiment a bit with angle of attack and direction to get my best results. Or you may just have too "good" a hammer.
Well, it better be a good one. I paid 12 bucks for it! Seriously though, I think that I need one with adjustable speed, so I can control it better. That's why I was curious about that "Bantam Ripper" (but Stephen did complain that it sometimes wasn't powerful enough).
Quote from: sofadoc on February 09, 2010, 08:49:29 pm
Well, it better be a good one. I paid 12 bucks for it! Seriously though, I think that I need one with adjustable speed, so I can control it better. That's why I was curious about that "Bantam Ripper" (but Stephen did complain that it sometimes wasn't powerful enough).
As has been said here before, not every tool will work in every application. The Bantam is a good tool and works good in ripping off the old covers. The Bantam is especially a preferable choice when you desire more control over the tool, such as if you use an air ripper around finished woodwork (be careful!). However, the air hammers have more power (and are harder to control). In the places where the Bantam isn't powerful enough, I use the air hammer or a hammer and ripping chisel. I would not give up my bantam in place of an air hammer, I think it's good to have them both. I think that the Bantam does a cleaner and neater job than an air hammer. It's just a matter of using the right tool for the right job.
I just have the original bits for the air hammer, and I think it would work better if I got another type of bit, such as the notched bit on this air hammer:
(https://forum.upholster.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.upholsteryresource.com%2Fdrupal%2Fgallery2%2Fd%2F1081-3%2FBurch%2BAir%2BChisel.JPG&hash=d48dee95ebdb3d6757769bf1cb4e1a0b)
I know that some of you have talked about notching the bits yourselves. However, I don't have any metal cutting equipment, so that's not an option for me.
Best Wishes,
Stephen
Quote from: sofadoc on February 09, 2010, 06:44:15 pm
Hard to say without trying it. Fabric, foam and/or cotton might wrap around cutting disc. At the very least, you would probably plow through a lot of replacement discs.
If this is in reference to the HF tool I posted the link on, it doesn't rotate. It vibrates back and forth. It would just cut the staples off flush...I think. Then you could just tap them down with a hammer so they'd be flush with the wood. It may be worth the $39.95 to try it out. ???
Here's a video of it being used:
http://www.harborfreight.com/
Quote from: hdflame on February 10, 2010, 08:48:56 pm
If this is in reference to the HF tool I posted the link on, it doesn't rotate. It vibrates back and forth. It would just cut the staples off flush...I think. Then you could just tap them down with a hammer so they'd be flush with the wood. It may be worth the $39.95 to try it out. ???
Oh, OK, that might be interesting. BTW, I ordered that DoubleRock staple remover today.
If you get the HF tool, keep us posted. If THAT doesn't work, we could always try dynomite!!
Quote from: sofadoc on February 10, 2010, 09:07:46 pm
Quote from: hdflame on February 10, 2010, 08:48:56 pm
If this is in reference to the HF tool I posted the link on, it doesn't rotate. It vibrates back and forth. It would just cut the staples off flush...I think. Then you could just tap them down with a hammer so they'd be flush with the wood. It may be worth the $39.95 to try it out. ???
Oh, OK, that might be interesting. BTW, I ordered that DoubleRock staple remover today.
If you get the HF tool, keep us posted. If THAT doesn't work, we could always try dynomite!!
I think you'll like the Doublerock. Like I said, it's not the answer to everything, but it's a nice choice to have in the tool box.
Here's the original post that got this post started: http://www.stripbit.com
I have 6 dining room chair slip seats at the shop. Today I cut the fabric around the edge along the bottom of the wood frame. I then took a 7/16" drill bit in my cordless drill and wrapped the beginning of the welt cord around the drill bit. This is the welt cord that runs around the bottom of the slip seat. I then ran the drill all around the bottom of the seat and the welt cord came off. It was really, really easy. No strain on my wrist or my drill. I was actually surprised.
I then went around the seat bottom and pulled out the staples that were sticking up.
The only issue I had was getting the wrapped welt cord and fabric off the drill bit. I can see where the stripbit would allow you to slide the stuff off much easier.
I'll let you know how the stripbit works when I get one.
gene
Yeah Gene, if you give a good report, I think I'll get one.
I can see where it would do great on slip seats, and sofa bottoms, and maybe skirts.
But, there are a lot of nooks and crannies that I don't see that tool being able to get into. They would have you believe that you can strip a loveseat to the bare bone in 25 minutes using ONLY that tool. I highly doubt that.
I like the way they show only the most ideal situations, such as a Flexsteel sofa with no bottom cloth, and all the staples turned in the same direction. Try that with a sofa that has been covered multiple times, and the staples are turned every which-a-way.
But, as we all said before. There is no single tool that is the "Be all, end all" for stripping.
Even if it only helps on a few applications, it's probably worth the money.
Here's the original post that got this post started: http://www.stripbit.com
I will give credit where credit is due. Absolutely awesome!
I worked on 8 dining room chairs today. I cut around the bottom edge with a razor blade knife. I pulled up a bit of the fabric on the bottom of the frame, stuck it in the slit, and away I went. It works exactly like the video.
I did have a machinist friend with a metal lathe make mine.
I had to work at it a bit a few times, but it definitely saves a lot of time. It leaves a few staples sticking up that are easy to pull out.
Also, I used my cordless drill. It put a lot of torque on it, so I think I will try the electric drill the next time.
YOU NEED TO BE CAREFUL. THINK OF LEANING OVER A LATHE MACHINE WEARING A TIE.
gene
Quote from: gene on April 09, 2011, 03:34:53 pm
YOU NEED TO BE CAREFUL. THINK OF LEANING OVER A LATHE MACHINE WEARING A TIE.
Hey, I saw what happened to Tim (The Tool Man).
What about particle board dining room seats? It seems like it might pull chunks of wood off with the fabric.
Is your home-made one basically the same? How about a pic?
Hello, greetings, salutations, and Ni hao.
Here's the original post: http://www.stripbit.com
Here's a pic of my home made one:
http://i830.photobucket.com/albums/zz228/genejoe/boat/DSCF2124.jpg
(https://forum.upholster.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi830.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fzz228%2Fgenejoe%2Fboat%2FDSCF2124.jpg&hash=94dc779a9926e3ac628bd1f1e64fc7fb)
I prepped a sofa today. I used it on the welt cord around the bottom. I used this little baby to take off the ply grip on the back out sides, and the chip strip across the back out top. I used it for the ply grip on both outside sides.
I always try it on any welt cord, ply grip, chip strip, and on fabric that was cut and there are strips of it still stapled to the furniture, on the bottom for example, that I want to take off.
It does not always work because of too many staples, for example, but I am at a place where I always try it first.
Look at the video. That's how it works for me.
On mine, I would have had the slit made about 1" deeper.
Also, I spray just a bit of silicone spray on it when I know I am going to have a really long run. This helps the stuff to slide off the tool. Sometimes I need to run the drill backwards and sort on unwind the stuff. I can usually pull it off or knock it off with another tool like a screwdriver or a small hammer.
Be careful kids, it can wrap your fingers and arms up in the stuff you are pulling off very quickly. Those of you that prep furniture with your tongue hanging out may want to stick with the Berry staple puller.
gene
I retract my initial "PHOO PHOO" about this tool. It appears I was wrong. But I do have questions.
QuoteIt does not always work because of too many staples, for example
Has anyone tried it on vinyl ? I'm thinking of the restaurant booths I am often called on to redo with the boss chirpin' about how he can do them in 10 minutes (including pick up and delivery). Most of the time the time honoured "cut and grab with a pair of pliers and yank" gets denied by 18 staples/inch. Does this tool fair better than just yarding on the material by hand?
Darren,
I haven't used it on vinyl yet. I would think that the vinyl with a backing would put up the staples better than the cheap stuff.
I started on 8 dining room chair slip seats today. About 6 and 1/2 million staples in each seat and the wood base is MDF. Yuck!!! I cut around the edge of the seat near the welt cord with a razor blade. I put the end of welt cord in the gizzmo and off it went. I put the gizzmo into the cambric and off it went. I pulled up tabs of the fabric strips on the bottom and off they went. The main problem was in the corners where there were most of those 6 1/2 million staples.
It does put some strain on my wrists and drill.
gene
OK Gene, you talked me into it. I just ordered one. I also ordered a dozen ties! :D
I've ranted here before about my lamebrained, numbskull helper, who can't seem to grasp the fine art of stripping furniture. He'll probably just hurt himself with this tool, but it's worth a shot.
LOL.
I'm looking forward to how well it works for you.
The best thing about this tool is that it's made of metal. You helper can't possible break it. As for the ties, well, I hope they weren't those expensive ones Rush Limbaugh sells.
gene
Here's my first attempt at making a video. I am using my strip bit to take of ply grip. The ply grip on this chair was put on in sections. The other chair the ply grip was one long piece and I was able to take it off in one long piece.
It's going to take some practice to do the work, hold my coffee cup without spilling it, AND to video the work that I am doing. This is another good reason that I am glad I do not smoke.
This chair was a regular slat back dining room style chair that someone had put a back pad onto.
gene
(https://forum.upholster.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi830.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fzz228%2Fgenejoe%2Fth_DSCF2435.jpg&hash=4d8c9cb83ccfaa92b60ca4caa037e7cc) (http://s830.photobucket.com/albums/zz228/genejoe/?action=view¤t=DSCF2435.mp4)
You and me have the same problem Gene.
We could make great movies......... if we only had a friend to hold the camera :'(
Keep the vids coming.
When I started upholstery I would take each individual staple out to remove the cambric, then each staple to remove the chip strip, then each staple out to remove the welt cord, then each staple out to undo the bottom of the fabric.
I now use a pneumatic chisel, which we have talked about on here before. I use this for all skirts and some welt cord that is 4 or 5 inches, for example, above the bottom of the furniture.
I use the strip bit whenever possible because it works great when it works great, it's fun, and it looks dangerous.
The other method I use is in the video. I find that there are some applications, like this ottoman, where the pneumatic chisel might damage the frame, and the strip bit will not go around the big onion type feet. This takes up the cambric, chip strip, and welt cord.
Here's my videos. The first one (second below) I tried to hold a cigarette in my hand just to be a smart a$$. But, since I don't smoke and I had to borrow this cigarette from a friend, I wasn't very good at it.
I hope this is helpful to folks who haven't thought about this technique. I'm sure I got this idea from this forum many years ago.
(https://forum.upholster.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi830.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fzz228%2Fgenejoe%2Fth_DSCF2492.jpg&hash=b3286bbb5244f524274559b10f49af03) (http://s830.photobucket.com/albums/zz228/genejoe/?action=view¤t=DSCF2492.mp4)
http://s830.photobucket.com/albums/zz228/genejoe/?action=view¤t=DSCF2491.mp4](https://forum.upholster.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi830.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fzz228%2Fgenejoe%2Fth_DSCF2491.jpg&hash=f67722146d878030c7860c6dd359bd88)[/URL]
gene
Gene: I talked earlier in this thread (2 years ago) about a pair of tile nippers that I modified with a little filing.
If stripping furniture were an olympic event, and the rules stated that you could only use ONE tool, I would use my modified tile nippers, and I promise that I would bring home the gold for the good ole' USA. (insert smiley dressed in "Uncle Sam" garb here).
The nippers that I use are very similar to yours, except they have a wider mouth. They can grab more. And after dulling the edges with a file, they will grab even the slightest protruding staple and pull it out without cutting it.
And when used in conjunction with a Berry's or Osborne, yes I use the tile nippers to hammer with. I don't care if it hairlips the guvner.
I've found the stripbit and the air chisel to be usefull only in special situations.
I probably got the idea for these nippers from you, sofadoc.
I'm going to look for a pair with a wider mouth. I can see how they would grab more but have a lot more torque.
gene
"...hairlips the guvner." LOL This sounds politically incorrect. LOL
Quote from: gene on July 03, 2012, 05:27:12 pm
I'm going to look for a pair with a wider mouth.
Here's the ones that I use:
http://www.homedepot.com/h_d1/N-5yc1vZ1xr5/R-100033894/h_d2/ProductDisplay?langId=-1&storeId=10051&catalogId=10053
They do require a little modifying with a file. You have to file away the tits that prevent the blade edges from coming together. Then dull the edges with a file so they will grab a staple without cutting it. Eventually, the hand grips loosen up and slide off easily. A little Gorilla glue takes care of that.
Back on topic.
Someone ran an ant trail of staples around the back of a chair, along with hot melt glue, to hold the double welt cord on.
No problem for my strip bit!
Oh - 42 of these chairs to do.
After I made this video I put the cordless drill on the inside of the welt cord and it took the welt cord off with no hesitation.
(https://forum.upholster.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi830.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fzz228%2Fgenejoe%2Fth_DSCF2591.jpg&hash=68837542b1a683f816a5139eda0f88f3) (http://s830.photobucket.com/albums/zz228/genejoe/?action=view¤t=DSCF2591.mp4)
gene