Arborigine

Thanks. Would drilling with a sharpened tube (gasket punch) work well on leather, or is pounding it through the best way? I can set the leather on a milling machine on a hardwood board and get a precise hole layout.

Hi, first post. I am a total newb, haven't worked leather since childhood other than making hood straps for early cars. I am a machinist/mechanic/welder and can probably make any tool you use. I know almost nothing about leather. I wish to make a highly ventilated biker-style vest for motorcycle use to hold patches, pins, etc with some deep front pockets to hold things on very long rides. It does not need any resistance to road rash as i wear a proper armored riding gear, but would like maximum venting, something like 1/4 inch holes every 5/8 inch or so. I need the wind to cut through it in hot weather. It would take a lot of time with an arch punch to do it manually. What kind of leather would you recommend, and what is available with large perforations?.