1st tooling and sissy pad in progress

[cwa11is]

My addiction is in full swing. After my 1st attempt with leather, making a custom 2-up seat out of a chap side, and the high level of inspiration I gained from all of you, I had to dig deeper and buy some veg-tan and a few tools. I need a sissy bar pad and I wanted to make it myself. Here is the result of some quick practice:

Then the real project begins:

I will use a 3/32 single loop lace and I know that will be the weakest part of the finished piece, but it it's time to just dive in and gain some experience. One mental block that I encounter is the translation from paper to leather. The paper wrinkles and I try to keep it to a minimum, but it seems to be a leap of faith to expect the leather to fit the same way as the paper. Is there a more precise way of making a pattern that you can trust?

Thanks,

Chris

[cwa11is]

Tooled, but still wet. I hope it shrinks as it dries. Do any of you experts know if leather expands and contracts when wet and dry?

[MADMAX22]

Very nicely done, that looks really good (IMHO).

I think it may shrink a bit but I wouldnt hope for too much.

[cwa11is]

Finished.

Installed. I did the seat and sissy bar as well.

[MADMAX22]

Looks really good man, and I love that sissy bar, they go together very well.

[rickybobby]

Tooled, but still wet. I hope it shrinks as it dries. Do any of you experts know if leather expands and contracts when wet and dry?

Chris,

I suppose you have found out by now leather shrinks as it dries. The trick is to have it just wet enough to work, form, and tool (all 3 are different levels of moisture) and then to hold it to shape while it dries. Usually by a form or tacking it in place while drying.

The metal work on your website is very cool. The sissy bar and leather cover is great.

Rick J.

[cwa11is]

Chris,

I suppose you have found out by now leather shrinks as it dries. The trick is to have it just wet enough to work, form, and tool (all 3 are different levels of moisture) and then to hold it to shape while it dries. Usually by a form or tacking it in place while drying.

The metal work on your website is very cool. The sissy bar and leather cover is great.

Rick J.

Rick,

Thanks for signing my guest book.....I have found that the leather grows significantly after casing. I have adjusted my technique as to not lay my pattern out untill after the raw veg tan has been wet. After the tooling is done and the piece is dry, I then cut out panel pattern and punch lacing holes. I appreciate your advice.

Chris