fitting leather round a box

[dave352]

I am making a snooker cue case, this comprises of a box covered with leather. I am having trouble getting the leather to pull/strech over the corners. I can fold it and cut it to make a good looking corner but the way it should be is streched over somehow I think. Does anyone know if I need a special tool to do this as I really can't see it working atm?

Here are pics of what I mean I want it to look like :

http://i265.photobucket.com/albums/ii234/dvzr/casepicst.jpg

[Jordan]

only a suggestion, wet the leather pull it and or stretch it to form the corners also make some short triangular cuts on the edges to be able to smooth out any puckers. Tack it as you go and you may need to remove and retack a few times kind of like a shoe maker does. wet leather will dicolor at the tack points so they must be where you won't see it in the finished product, also wet leather will pick up all kinds of marks and dents even fingernail marks so slow and careful are in order. Others with far more experience will most likely let you know if there is better ways to do it. also glue it and remove the tacks when it looks right.

Edited May 24, 2008 by Jordan

[$$hobby]

the only thing i can think of is to do a type of mold. casing the leather and then forming it around the mold.

[dave352]

Thanks for your answers guys I didn't even think of wetting it. Yes thats my feeling now moulding.

Maybe hot water will help to shrink it into shape a bit or is that not advisable? The leather i am using is nappa 0.8mm thick sheep and lamb skins, will this be ok to mould?

Has anyone else got more tips on moulding?

[Pip]

Thanks for your answers guys I didn't even think of wetting it. Yes thats my feeling now moulding.

Maybe hot water will help to shrink it into shape a bit or is that not advisable? The leather i am using is nappa 0.8mm thick sheep and lamb skins, will this be ok to mould?

Has anyone else got more tips on moulding?

Watch with hot water, as it will stretch more, but once dry will be stiffer, I have found tyhis with masks. If your water is too hot it wll cause your lether to be brittle, and crack which can add an aged look when you dye it but is generally undisirble. I don't know its effects on thinner leather or sheep, though, maybe another more experienced molder could give you more info.

[ferret]

Sheep nappa is great for moulding, it's got plenty of stretch. Pip is right about the hot water, not a good idea unless your making heavy duty armour out of thick cowhide.

[TomBanwell]

Lambskin is the right kind of leather. It should get really stretchy once wet. Pull and staple as you work around the corners. Also press the wrinkles out with a smooth steel tool.