Primitive Archer
Main Discussion Area => Around the Campfire => Topic started by: Cameroo on December 13, 2011, 01:20:10 am
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I was asked to make a compass pouch for a friend of a friend for a Christmas present. I don't think the "friend" frequents the forum, but I'll leave names out just in case :)
It's not much to look at yet, but I'll add some pictures as I get more done. I just wanted to share my progress so far because I've never attempted something quite like this before, and figure there must be some other leatherworkers here that might have some insight.
I thought long and hard about how I want to do this without having a bunch of ugly stitching showing. My solution was to try molding the leather so that the only stiching would be along the back edge of the pouch. I cut up a piece of 2x4 and used a router to round off the edges. Then I cut an oversized piece of 4-5 oz leather, and submerged it in hot water. I was sceptical about how much the leather would stretch, but after much rubbing and pushing, it started to take shape. When I had it close to how I wanted, it occured to me that I'd need something to hold it that way until it dried. I had a piece of fairly rigid foam laying around so I used the wood block as a guide to cut out a matching cavity in the foam. Then I just layed the foam on top of it with some weight on top, and let it sit overnight. I kind of forgot about it until tonight, but I'm glad I checked it because the wood was already starting to mildew a bit.
Here's where its at now. The plan is to cut a back piece that is long enough to fold over the top and close with a snap or stud. I'll attach a belt loop to the back piece before stitching along the edges.
EDIT: One thing that concerns me is how well this thing is going to hold it's shape, especially if it gets wet. Does anyone know if there is a way I can help it "remember" how it was made to be? I'm thinking maybe submerging it in melted wax, but that seems like a very messy idea... maybe a few coats of polyurethane? Never tried that before either...
(http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t253/cbergerman/640/compass%20pouch/P1020587s.jpg)
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Cam that is looking pretty cool so far..
Cipriano
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I used to love to mold leather like that when I had my shop. Its amazing the shapes you can get with wet leather. It should hold it's shape fine. Tandy's used to carry a product called Resoline. They may still. It is a clear acrylic finish that goes over your stain or dye. It is actually milky colored but dries clear.
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Looks good so far. I use melted wax on my sheaths. Its not that messy. I have two pans for it. The first has the melted wax. The second pan has a small 1 by 4 with a few dowel rods in it. Once it is dipped there will be left over wax especially inside. I would hang it on the dowels upside down and pop it in the oven with just enough heat to melt the wax and let it run out. Save the wooden mold. After the wax melts, stick the mold in it and let it dry. Some cling wrap around the mold will help it come out easier.
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Thanks for the advice guys. I got a bit more done today. Got the back piece/front flap pretty much done. None of the stitching is done which is why it looks so sloppy. It took a while to get the front flap figured out since I was pretty much just wingin' it as I went. I wanted the sides of the top opening to be covered to keep dirt and twigs from getting in there. All that's left is to stitch those side flaps to the top, stitch the belt loop to the back, and install a snap, before stitching the front and back pieces together and trimming up the edges. One more evening should pretty much do it I hope.
(http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t253/cbergerman/640/compass%20pouch/P1020590s.jpg)
(http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t253/cbergerman/640/compass%20pouch/P1020592s.jpg)
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Done!
(http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t253/cbergerman/640/compass%20pouch/P1020606s.jpg)
(http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t253/cbergerman/640/compass%20pouch/P1020607s.jpg)
(http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t253/cbergerman/640/compass%20pouch/P1020609s.jpg)
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Very nice Cam. I like the way you made the flap especially.
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Thats the neatest pouch I've seen in awhile, its got me thinking of all the things I need a pouch for.
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... I just wanted to share my progress so far because I've never attempted something quite like this before, and figure there must be some other leatherworkers here that might have some insight.
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Well, this is actually GIVING some insight, and a good lot of it, too. Many thanks for sharing this!!!
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PS: How did you work this edge here? Would be great to see a detail from the inside!
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cool case Cam, your work is allways top shelf, Bub
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Turned out very nice,he should love that. :)
Pappy
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Thanks guys.
Frank, I'll take a few more pictures tonight, but it's basically just a flap that tucks under that edge. I glued it then stitched it.
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That's really cool, Cam. Your leather work is awesome.
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Too cool there Cam. I love it.
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Thanks again gentlemen ;D
Here are the pics I promised Frank, they should be pretty self-explanatory.
(http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t253/cbergerman/640/compass%20pouch/P1020610s.jpg)
(http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t253/cbergerman/640/compass%20pouch/P1020611s.jpg)
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Cam, I am always impressed with your leather work, Well done