Doc's Travel Awl

Simple stitching awl designed as a travel or packable awl for hiking, camping, bushcraft, etc. Based around the “Handy Stitcher” or “Tandy” brand stitching needles (1195-05 Fine / 1195-08 Heavy) where the needle and thread pass through the same hole, which is a little inconvenient to load the thread, however it will allow you to flip the needle to store it in the body of the awl.

Don’t overtighten the needle retaining screw, after you get the threads cleaned out, finger tightening the screw will retain the needle in most situations.

Yes, the spool bolt is threaded into the body, but only to keep the screw from getting lost if disassembling the awl.

Yes, the needle does fit tightly, it is designed to fit tightly but will loosen up a bit after some use.

The hole in the throat of the spool is to assist in starting the thread and wrapping it around the spool.

The included tool allows you to adjust thread tension or remove the spool, wind the spool inside the awl body, and LIGHTLY tighten the needle retention bolt.

You'll need supports and rafts on some pieces, and I personally used 4 shells and 30% infill... only cause I feel it would be stronger.

You will need:
Needles, available from Amazon, Tandy, or about any leather shop.
Waxed thread, artificial sinew, or dental floss will work for thread.
(1) M4 – 8 Bolt
(1) M4 – 16 Bolt
(1) M4 Nut