3 ring binder

[jbird]

So got a question about a binder how do cover one with leather what is the method how do you go about it, got any pics of the different steps lay it on thanks gang

Josh

[pete]

it's easier to make your own binder than to re-cover one. What exactly do you want to know?

[Tkleather1]

the only way that I have covered one was measure your binder and all the hinge points and make the cover roughly the same size but a little bigger. and then stitch pockets that the binder itself can slip into.

But my personal favorite way to do it is cut the binder portion (ring part) out of the book and then build a new cover out of leather and line it with light chap leather. then use either decorative chicago screws or nice conchos to attatch the binder.

[jbird]

Ok so what ever the way is you all do it I just need to now what that way is I mean what part of the binder do use just the middle part and cut the rest off but then how do you cover the middle part.

Josh

[Tkleather1]

Ok so what ever the way is you all do it I just need to now what that way is I mean what part of the binder do use just the middle part and cut the rest off but then how do you cover the middle part.

Josh

I take the metal part only out of the binder (be careful when pulling the rivets they use) if you damage the holes or bend the binder it wont open and close properly. then when you make the new binder and line it with w/ something you can measure and line up where you need to punch your holes and I either use decorative chicago screws or nice conchos to attatch the binder. this is a Horrible Lining job but it is my own and still functional. Normally I would line the entire thing with no space in the center but I ran out of chap leather. So sorry the overall project looks like crap but I have done many others CORRECT ane they turned out real nice.

Edited March 14, 2009 by Tkleather1

[hidepounder]

Josh,

Here's how I make a notebook or binder. It's made out of three pieces. The front cover, the back cover and the binder. This is constructed completely of new leather. The front and back are 7/8 oz and the binder is 4/5 oz tooling leather. The lining is 2/3 oz. I have not seen a binder which was purchased and then covered with leather. I think that would be an impractical approach (if I interpreted your question correctly). Tool the front, back and binder, sew them together, line them and then install the three ring binder with chicago screws and/or conchos. Obviously, any combination of pockets, etc., can be added to the interior. Hope this answers your question.

Bob

[jbird]

Thanks all that clears it up for sure and the only question I have is were do I get the metal binder part thanks.

Josh

PS Bob amazing stuff thanks for posting

Edited March 15, 2009 by jbird

[wildrose]

Well, you can either buy a cheap-o binder from somewhere like Target or Walmart, or what I do is buy the kits from Tandy. Of course their leather usually isn't superior quality, but it has everything in one box. I think they call it a "memory writer" or "memory binder" kit.

[bruce johnson]

Josh,

I buy a good quality binder from the office supply stores and then drill out the rivets that hold the binder clip inplace. Use a small bit that will drill out the rivet and not eat the binder clip. I prefer the cobalt bits for this.

I cut the plastic off and save the stiffeners and sandwich them between the cover and liner to stiffen them. I normally use 7/8 for the cover. I line with 2/3 or 3/4 commercial oak from Siegels. It oils up to a nice color. I use an acrylic finish (Leathersheen) and have no bleeding problems with the oil and no waterspotting.

[Tkleather1]

Wow look at hide pounders and not mine. I should scrap mine and try again that thing is beautiful. But it sounds like we have all come to the same way of doing things. I obviously still need to work on it but I do it the same way now in my revamped version again this one is the first one and very experimental.