Stumped in middle of project...HELP ME RHONDA!!! (or anyone else)...

[DG Leather]

I am making a lap top envelope type of case for my notebook(tiny laptop).

I am making it out of 2 pieces of leather.

The front is the larger piece of leather (that is tooled) and it is molded to the shape and full depth of the lap top dimensions.

The back piece of leather is smaller in size and will lay flat.

i will lace (double loop lace i think its called) these 2 pieces together on 3 of the 4 sides (all but the open part where the lap top slides in and out of).

Problem:

when I molded the front piece over the computer the corners Protrude in one giant wrinkle (excessive in size) straight up. There are 2 corners like this.

I would like to know my options in how to cut this corner so it does not look ugly or take away from my awesomeness of tooling (hehehehe).

any input or advice is welcome and appreciated...i hope my trouble is straight forward. I would have posted pictures but i am at work right now.....

[jbird]

Ok I think I now what you are saying, first off if am way in left field with this I am sorry but with outs a picture it hard to know,

Have you ever wet molded a round corner before, if not I will start with the basics, the piece needs to be cut a lot larger than the end size reason is when molding the corners they are tuff so you have two options you can make a mold of your lap top out if wood and then make out side clamp type mold this works nice but is time cosuming, the best way is to make the top piece

Bigger and then when molding use small nails to hold the leather in place but when you get to the corners you make slits in the corners back of the finished size this let's the leather wrap around the corners better I can't post pics my coumputer is dead I am on my I phone.

But this is how you make a nice smooth mold and get those wrinkels out. Hope this helps

Josh

Edited May 31, 2009 by jbird

[DG Leather]

any other suggestions?.......

1

http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=2786...p;id=1761919467

this is the corners i am talkin about....

2

http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=2786...p;id=1761919467

over all shot

3

better shot of the corner

4

problem/decision #2 (after i get first problem resolved)

I figure (but dont know) I can lace this with the double loop stitch lace.....I know it can be done this way.......

http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=2786...p;id=1761919467

but i am wondering if i can do that stitch this way?

http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=2786...p;id=1761919467

If you all could give me input i would appreciate this asd i dont want to ruin this piece........gawd i dont know if i am over thinkingg or not!

[BobHall]

A couple of questions for you, then I'll try to help. How are you molding the top? Are you wet molding it to a form, or over the actual piece? How much extra leather do you have around the outside edge of the top?

[BobHall]

...I can't post pics my coumputer is dead I am on my I phone..."

Josh, kudos to you if you typed all that on you cell. My battery would go dead and I've have to stop to eat a few times if I tried to type that much on mine!

Bob

[MADMAX22]

You really need al stohlmans books on case making. Basically there are a few techniques to get to doing this.

One which is done alot is to make a wood or similer cast with a top and bottom piece and then use a press to basically squish the leather together. Not very good for hobbiest unless your making holsters and change the technique a little.

Another thing is making a slit straight down from the corner, then fold the bottom edge down, then cut a slit out from the edge at a 90 angle tot he first one. Then another downward slit which makes a flap on the side basically. This is then pushed down and the corner which is now nice and neat is stitched.

Depending on how radical the corner needs to be you can wet form it and just keep on working and working it and it will get somewhat of a nice corner look. It wont be that nice 90 degree corner but still works.

Sorry I dont have any pictures. There are other ways to do it I just only use the one.

[DG Leather]

I am just molding around original piece that i wrapped in plastic and the holding it for a few minutes......i heard about this whole jig type mold press......i guess i thought i could cut corners and not have to do it.....

maybe i need to stop and just do it.....that way its done and resolved......if i do a jog mold it just seems like alot of work to get a press that will only be used 1 single time

[jbird]

Thank you thank you but still no spell check and that's downer

Josh

Josh, kudos to you if you typed all that on you cell. My battery would go dead and I've have to stop to eat a few times if I tried to type that much on mine!

Bob

[Luke Hatley]

I am just molding around original piece that i wrapped in plastic and the holding it for a few minutes......i heard about this whole jig type mold press......i guess i thought i could cut corners and not have to do it.....

maybe i need to stop and just do it.....that way its done and resolved......if i do a jog mold it just seems like alot of work to get a press that will only be used 1 single time

*************************************************************************

dont cut corners, go on and make the 2 piece mold. there just might be a second time.

also you will have the Problem solved and you will be proud of the Project.

[DG Leather]

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dont cut corners, go on and make the 2 piece mold. there just might be a second time.

also you will have the Problem solved and you will be proud of the Project.

LUKE,

Thank you for that...seriously, i think you are right and I am just gonna have bare down and git R DUN...

I thought maybe there was an easier softer way for me the AMATEUR....however I am learning from true artists on here and I take what you all very deeply in regards to this as I am striving for the goal to be a leather worker!

i will also grab that Al Stohlmans case making... i already bought the second one which does not have that information in it!!! So i am finding that all these books i buy are often the wrong ones!!! grrrrrrr.

so my next set of questions i already posted are in regards to the lacing I love it is the double loop braided looking style.....will i need both sides of the leather to be flat against each other at the seam or can i put the molded front piece so it is 90 degree with the back piece that lays flat?

YOU ALL are awesome possums

Daniel

[Luke Hatley]

I would put both sides together flat and start Lacing.

good luck and have fun.

*there is another Book that will be very Helpful to you

"THE LEATHERWORKER HANDBOOK"..by..VALERIE MICHAEL.

I GOT MINE AT TANDY.

[DG Leather]

thanks Cool Hand Luke!