Transparency Film?

[bran7347]

So I was thinking, I use the regular tracing and vellum paper to transfer patterns for tooling, but I know there must be a better way, The paper always soaks up the moisture out of the leather and get soggy, and you can't see through it clearly. So I was thinking about the old projector film that teachers use to use before the age of computers. I was thinking you can run it through a laser copier/printer and boom you've got a pattern that is perfect forever. So I went over to Staples and they have it, about $50 bucks a pack though. So has anyone else thought of this and does it work as good as I think it would, or am I going to have to spend 50 to find out? Let me know....

Thanks Brandon

[TigerPal]

If you know someone who works at a printing plant which does "offset" printing, their printing plates are packed with acetate film in between, to protect the photo-sensitive coating. That is usually tossed when the plates are exposed, so they might be willing to let you have some free. The film is usually "frosty", and takes pencil marks quite well, and will last for quite a number of uses. Never tried photo-copying onto it, but believe it might work.

[dscott]

I got some at work and tried it it worked great can ues it over and over a least i have

i use overhead that is rough on one side that is the side i print on

David

[electrathon]

I have been using it for a couple years. The only issue is only use a laser printer, an ink-jet will make a smeary mess.

Try looking at a different store, the price you said seems to be a lot higher than i remember paying.

Aaron

[King's X]

Spend the $20 and buy a roll of film from Tandy. Or, you can call Ron at Hidecrafters and buy their 20 pack sheets for $9 and you can stick it in your ink jet printer.

Good luck

[tashabear]

So I was thinking, I use the regular tracing and vellum paper to transfer patterns for tooling, but I know there must be a better way, The paper always soaks up the moisture out of the leather and get soggy, and you can't see through it clearly. So I was thinking about the old projector film that teachers use to use before the age of computers. I was thinking you can run it through a laser copier/printer and boom you've got a pattern that is perfect forever. So I went over to Staples and they have it, about $50 bucks a pack though. So has anyone else thought of this and does it work as good as I think it would, or am I going to have to spend 50 to find out? Let me know....

Thanks Brandon

I just use regular paper or inkjet vellum covered with clear cellophane packing tape.

[rickeyfro]

you can also trace onto paper and put the paper into a clear page protector, cheap at office depot, especially in bulk

[bran7347]

Thanks for the ideas guys!

[CitizenKate]

So I was thinking, I use the regular tracing and vellum paper to transfer patterns for tooling, but I know there must be a better way, The paper always soaks up the moisture out of the leather and get soggy, and you can't see through it clearly. So I was thinking about the old projector film that teachers use to use before the age of computers. I was thinking you can run it through a laser copier/printer and boom you've got a pattern that is perfect forever. So I went over to Staples and they have it, about $50 bucks a pack though. So has anyone else thought of this and does it work as good as I think it would, or am I going to have to spend 50 to find out? Let me know....

Thanks Brandon[/size]

Hi Brandon,

We had a discussion about this a while back... click here to see what I do.

A very simple way to use transparencies for pattern transfer is to print your design on the transparency with an ink jet printer, lay the printout face-down on dry leather, and rub the design into the leather with a modeling spoon. Wait about 15 minutes, then case your leather and carve.

When you're done transferring the image onto the leather, you can just wipe off the remaining ink with a soft cloth and re-use the transparency numerous times. I have one transparency I think I've re-used about 20 times so far. The fact that you can re-use the transparencies means one pack of them will last you a very long time.

I have been using it for a couple years. The only issue is only use a laser printer, an ink-jet will make a smeary mess.

Aaron, an ink-jet printout will make a smeary mess on wet leather, but on dry leather, it does a very nice job of reproducing the image, and you can re-use the sheet you printed on.

[Peter Ellis]

I just use regular paper or inkjet vellum covered with clear cellophane packing tape.

Chuckle.. you too