Box Pocket--How To Neatly Trim Excess Leather Flaps?

[thekid77]

Thanks Tree, I have the book...it really doesn't say anything about how to trim the leather without getting into the bottom leather other that to "carefully trim"...

I was going to try again and maybe use a piece of overhead projector film to protect the bottom leather while i'm trimming...just got this idea so i'll see what happens....thanks again

[Tree Reaper]

Maybe something like an exacto knife with a tapered blade would be a little more surgical.

[thekid77]

Yeah great idea, that's what I was thinking...I'm going to use a fresh x-acto blade and protect the leather with some plastic film to keep the blade from nicking the leather..

[Bob Blea]

Forgive my ignorance and I don't have my copy of the book handy, but would it be possible to trim the flap before assembly? That way you could trim it on a cutting surface while clear of the bottom part, and probably burnish it easier too. Not sure if that is possible here or not...

Bob

[Tree Reaper]

Hi Bob;

This is how it's illustrated...

[Bob Blea]

Thanks, I see why now. It's still wet formed. That would be tough to burnish.

Bob

[thekid77]

Forgive my ignorance and I don't have my copy of the book handy, but would it be possible to trim the flap before assembly? That way you could trim it on a cutting surface while clear of the bottom part, and probably burnish it easier too. Not sure if that is possible here or not...

Bob

Hi Bob!!! First off, let me just say that I am soooo impressed with your work!!! I am humbled that you have replied to my question...

The piece could be trimmed before wet forming, but the only problem is that it is just difficult to estimate exactly where the end of the cut should be when trying to take into account the thickness of the leather....thanks for the reply!!

Edited June 7, 2013 by thekid77

[RiverCity]

I don't have a better picture available, but the sides should have flaps that fold under the end piece. Gives a cleaner line. it does need to be either sewn or riveted closed to complete the pocket.

Chuck

[thekid77]

Great idea River, I'll have a go at that method

[Bob Blea]

Hi Bob!!! First off, let me just say that I am soooo impressed with your work!!! I am humbled that you have replied to my question...

The piece could be trimmed before wet forming, but the only problem is that it is just difficult to estimate exactly where the end of the cut should be when trying to take into account the thickness of the leather....thanks for the reply!!

Thanks for the compliment, but I've still got a long way to go. My carving skills are starting to get good but I've got a lot to learn when it comes to construction! Posts like this really help me learn too.

Bob