Members DHopper Posted January 8, 2013 Members Report Posted January 8, 2013 Wasn't sure if I should post this up here or over in the luggage forum. Decided that since I made it primarily to serve as a gun case; here it would go. Since I purchased my first single action revolver I had the idea of turning a late 1800s suitcase into a gun case. Given that the cowboy era was what they reminded me of; and the fact that I can't walk around sporting a double holster rig, I wanted a case that looked the part. The problem I ran into was finding a suitcase in a condition that was good enough to actually use that didn't cost more than both my single actions combined. I used to see these things at sales and antique shops for next to nothing; at least until I wanted one. So it seemed to me that I had one option .... Make one from scratch. The case is 17"x12" od and 16"x11" id approximately. I used all heavy veggie tanned tooling hide in 6-8 oz. It has a cardboard base form which the leather was wrapped and attached. It was all hand stitched as well. I made the handle by wrapping a 1/4" aluminum rod that I bent to shape. I definitely learned a ton with this project. I would rearrange a few steps in the process next time around to quicken it up and save some headaches along the way. I would have definitely built a seperate interior form and lined that then installed it before putting in any rivets. All in all I'm super happy with it. Now to get it oiled up and waterproofed. Quote Dave dhcustomwork.com
Members benlilly1 Posted January 8, 2013 Members Report Posted January 8, 2013 Wow...now that's a gun case!! Quote
Members Driften Posted January 8, 2013 Members Report Posted January 8, 2013 That is an excellent gun case. Quote
Moderator immiketoo Posted January 8, 2013 Moderator Report Posted January 8, 2013 Dear God in heaven, thats beautiful! I want to make one... Quote Learnleather.com
Members DHopper Posted January 9, 2013 Author Members Report Posted January 9, 2013 Thank you! I'm really happy with the outcome. Like a lot of projects; especially the ones that seem so daunting and are the first time trials, it takes a few days for it to sink in that its done and that I really did just make that. I'll post up a few more pics after I oil it up. Still trying to determin exactly what I'm going to treat it with. I'm back and forth on just spraying it with waterproofing. That will darken it slightly like an oil, but adds a big weather barrier. What would you all do? Quote Dave dhcustomwork.com
Moderator immiketoo Posted January 9, 2013 Moderator Report Posted January 9, 2013 Dude, I'd oil it and then atom wax it. Classy. Quote Learnleather.com
Members mattsh Posted January 9, 2013 Members Report Posted January 9, 2013 Man that is sweet! Awesome job. Don't suppose you'd make a tutortial for that? Quote "Courage brother, do not stumble, though thy path be dark as night: There is a star to guide the humble, trust in God, and do the right. Let the road be dark and dreary and its end far out of sight. Face it bravely, strong or weary. Trust God, and do the right." - General Norman Schwarzkopf
Members camano ridge Posted January 9, 2013 Members Report Posted January 9, 2013 I would oil it then use Montana pitch blend or Skidmores cream Both are natural product using a mix of Bees wax mink oil and other products. Either product will give it protection with a rich low gloss look. Quote https://www.facebook.com/CamanoRidgeCustomLeather?fref=ts
electrathon Posted January 9, 2013 Report Posted January 9, 2013 I really like this, cool idea. Quote
Members chiefjason Posted January 10, 2013 Members Report Posted January 10, 2013 That is stunning! I'm thinking just a mellow oiled color. That would be classy! Quote
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