Jump to content

Recommended Posts

  • Members
Posted

So, I am very new to everything leatherworking. (and I am largely teaching myself, as I don't have any friends who are leatherworkers.

One thing I am trying to do is leather molding. I know nothing about it nor how to do it. Basically I want to know anything and everything on how I can get started.

Thanks!

Got em gutpla. Papua New Guinea em asples blo mi ya!

  • Replies 20
  • Created
  • Last Reply

Top Posters In This Topic

Posted

What are you trying to mold? Short answer is you get it wet, stretch it into the shape you want it. What you want to make will affect how you do it.

  • Members
Posted

The first thing I'm looking to make is a simply sheath for a small flashlight of mine. (led lenser F1). It's pretty small, only about 8 or 9cm. I'm thinking a paddle style holster, but I'm not sure yet. Any suggestions would be more than welcome.

Got em gutpla. Papua New Guinea em asples blo mi ya!

  • Members
Posted

An 8 or 9 cm flashlight is over 3 inches in diameter.

You will want at least 5 oz leather, . . . maybe as thick as 7/8 for a good rugged flashlight holder.

Make it like the little drawing.

May God bless,

Dwight

post-6728-0-85830500-1388664739_thumb.jp

If you can breathe, . . . thank God.

If you can read, . . . thank a teacher.

If you are reading this in English, . . . thank a veteran.

www.dwightsgunleather.com

  • Members
Posted

Electrathon pretty much summed it up. I'm also self teaching and some sources that I found helpful were a book called The Art of Making Leather Cases Vol 1 by Al Stohlman, and Ian Atkinson's YouTube channel.

  • Members
Posted (edited)

You know...it's just not that important and no one would care about what I was going to say anyway. Nevermind.

Edited by TXAG
  • 2 weeks later...
  • Members
Posted

Wet the leather in warm water a few seconds. Let it sit for a few minutes, you can let it sit longer if you put it in a plastic bag. Put the item in the holster, or mold the leather to the item with your thumbs. Toothbrush handles work well if they are smooth too. Once you are done put it on a shoe rack in the dryer and dry it on high for 30 minutes to stiffen the leather.

First though, figure out if you are going to stitch the holster and force the light into it. Or mold the holster and stitch it after.

  • Members
Posted

I would probably mold it first, and then stitch it.

Is the process much different?

Got em gutpla. Papua New Guinea em asples blo mi ya!

  • Members
Posted

I would probably mold it first, and then stitch it.

Is the process much different?

Actually that is the process I have always used, . . . it has never failed me yet.

When it is dry, . . . I cement the pieces together, . . . re-test the fit, . . . sew, . . . and finish.

But that is just one way to do it, . . . kinda like making soup, . . . all kinds of recipes.

May God bless,

Dwight

If you can breathe, . . . thank God.

If you can read, . . . thank a teacher.

If you are reading this in English, . . . thank a veteran.

www.dwightsgunleather.com

Join the conversation

You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.

Guest
Reply to this topic...

×   Pasted as rich text.   Paste as plain text instead

  Only 75 emoji are allowed.

×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.


×
×
  • Create New...