First off I'd like to thank everyone on this forum for all of the wonderful knowledge. I could have never done any of this without leatherworkers.net. A special thanks to David Theobald and his write up on the solo seat build.
I joined this forum on the 9th of this month after purchasing the Leathercraft Starter Set from my local Tandy. That place has been a huge convenience as well. My intentions for getting into this particular field is due to me having a custom Triumph bobber being built. I wanted my own bit of contribution and the uncovered Biltwell Solo seat seemed the way.
The first practice I did was on the wallet included in the kit. Instead of doing the included design, I opted to resize my artwork that I was going to use on the seat, and tool that on the wallet. It turned out okay for being the very first time I've ever attempted something like this. I didn't like the texture on the beveler in the kit. Plenty of Tandy trips as I learn.
Next I did a bit of freestyle, branching out if you will. I constructed a pattern on a sheet of paper for a little box to hold my broadheads for my crossbow. Again I resized some of my artwork from a tattoo design I did, and tooled that on the leather. Getting better I think.
Time to jump in and just do it. Winging the pattern was the most frustrating part of this solo seat built. UGH! First I attached the bottom to the seat frame via copper pop rivets and aluminum washers on both sides. Copper and black is the color scheme for the bike btw. The top, not as easy. I didn't want the traditional stitching or lacing used to attach the top to the bottom. I used the copper rivet/aluminum washer setup again. I finish doing the tool work on the top, then attach the top over the bottom. Then I just trimmed the excess and glued the edge down firmly.
Oiled with neatsfoot, sat in the sun for a day. Just waiting on my order from Feibings.
Order up! Airbrush black then orange, antique, Aussie conditioner, buff, then super sheen, buff again.
I'm extremely happy with the outcome of this seat! I've learned some invaluable information, and enjoyed the entire process. Maybe not the pattern part. Now that I still have almost an entire hide left over, I'm constantly thinking of new projects. That also brings me back to this site.
Once again, thank you so much! I can't wait to start something else.
Hope you enjoy.
Shane
