Toadlord

I thought gussets were a good idea until I tried to stitch them, lol

I wanted a belt pouch to carry stuff while hiking. This was one of my inspirations for started leatherworking to begin with. I know there are areas that need work, but I felt overall it was a success

Right now I'm so new I don't know what I want to do yet haha. Small items for now, not making saddles or armor or anything that big or extravagant yet. I'm working on a Vape case at the moment and plans to make a belt or two, a camera strap, maybe some dog collars and leashes, belt pouches. That sort of thing. I have a slab of granite I got from a countertop store already. Currently I'm literally working off of a folding TV tray so vibrations carry quite well. That's why I ask if maybe I'm overthinking. Would just a solidly built bench be sufficient in itself to cut the noise? Also how thick for the plywood? 3/4" sufficient? I noticed that's what Spyros mentioned he used. Is that about right? overkill? underkill? For holes I have a simple hole punch for my smaller rivets and snaps that came with my beginner set. I also picked up a cheap Rotary Hole Punch from Harbor Freight. I know I'll want/need better later on, but to get me started it seems to work ok. As far as holes for stitching, I haven't gotten that far yet really. I've got a set of 4mm stitching chisels with my set.

I have a question that, I think, would fit this thread. If I'm wrong, I apologize in advance. I'm new to leatherworking and looking to build my first bench. I live in a house and rent a room on the second floor. This makes noise a big concern for me. My landlord's bedroom is right under mine. As much as is possible I want to make sure he can't hear me when I'm hammering away stamping or setting rivets etc. I've looked at several pictures, on here and elsewhere, and the consensus seems to be just using plywood (short of those that actually went with a full on cutting board or marble top). Is this sufficient? I was thinking about two layers of plywood with a rubber mat of some sort in between. I'm I overthinking this? I've got a little money to spend, but trying to keep costs down as much as possible too. Ideas? Suggestions? Thanks for the help in advance.