Map Case -- what weight leather , hints?

[unicornwoman]

The SIL is trying to talk me into making her a map case. She sent this pix as a sample of what she wants.

map case

What weight do you think that is? 3 oz? I usually work with petite calf or smaller, so I'm a little stumped.

I'd also appreciate any hints. I've never tried anything like this and it is definitely going to push all my skills to new heights. I figure I'll have to switch to lacing it as I'm don't think I'm up to sewing that kind of thing and the lacing would hide a few mistakes....

[Elegant]

There is a watermark website on the pic. Perhaps if you went to the site and asked there.....

..oh wait, that's MY creation.

Regards,

Elegant

[MADMAX22]

Hey welcome.

Is there any pointers you can give us for doing something like that? We are allways trying to look for new tips and such on how to build things.

[Elegant]

Hey welcome.

Is there any pointers you can give us for doing something like that? We are allways trying to look for new tips and such on how to build things.

This particular map case was the first one I made, the prototype. It is 3 oz vegtan that was wet molded around a PVC pipe (then pipe was removed). The entire thing is put together with 2 part epoxy. I tried contact cement but the epoxy makes it more durable. My newer ones use a combination of epoxy and brass rivets and have a strap to attach the cover to the case.

[MADMAX22]

Thats very cool, thanks alot for the info.

[calanneh]

There is a watermark website on the pic. Perhaps if you went to the site and asked there.....

..oh wait, that's MY creation.

Regards,

Elegant

Well you do beautiful work Elegant! Even if it was your prototype.... I love the color and the 'old world' simplistic look it has.

Would love to see more!

Will

[unicornwoman]

There is a watermark website on the pic. Perhaps if you went to the site and asked there.....

..oh wait, that's MY creation.

Regards,

Elegant

It certainly is nice. I'm certain she'd love to have YOUR work, but is hoping I'll do it cheaply! LOL! (Actually, she's trying to talk me into a Birthday/Christmas present.)

Thanks for the info on construction.

Edited October 19, 2008 by unicornwoman

[unicornwoman]

This particular map case was the first one I made, the prototype. It is 3 oz vegtan that was wet molded around a PVC pipe (then pipe was removed). The entire thing is put together with 2 part epoxy. I tried contact cement but the epoxy makes it more durable. My newer ones use a combination of epoxy and brass rivets and have a strap to attach the cover to the case.

You just glued it together? I'd assumed it was sewn. Gluing would certainly speed the project along.

[fishguy]

You can stitch it too, however you need to learn to do either a butt stitch or baseball stitch as you are joining edge to edge. I might use a little thicker leather (makes sewing a bit easier), though the rings, besides being deocorative, will help the tube keep its shape. You could also find a thin plastic or metal tube and leave it inside permanently. This is what they do for fishing rod cases (this looks more or less like a small version of a fishing rod case)

[unicornwoman]

You can stitch it too, however you need to learn to do either a butt stitch or baseball stitch as you are joining edge to edge. I might use a little thicker leather (makes sewing a bit easier), though the rings, besides being deocorative, will help the tube keep its shape. You could also find a thin plastic or metal tube and leave it inside permanently. This is what they do for fishing rod cases (this looks more or less like a small version of a fishing rod case)

I have been informed in no uncertain terms by the SIL that the case should ONLY be leather. She made one out of PVC and junk leather look-alike. It is too heavy and unacceptable.

[Todd]

Hey there;

I make map and documents cases on occasion and can help with a tip. I get heavy carbord tubes from the hobby store. This allows me to still use a light-weight chap or upholstery leather to cover the tube. This also makes it easy to measure the diameter and then cut the leather to fit as it will turn inside out to stitch and then once stitched can be turned outside in and slid over the tube. I cut the length long so that it can be folded over the lip of the tube. I glue the base of the tube which is capped on the bottom and the lip 2 inches inside and outside. This keeps the leather from sliding and spinning on the tube. I make finished caps out of saddle leather with a layer of matching chap leather to finish.

[unicornwoman]

Hey there;

I make map and documents cases on occasion and can help with a tip. I get heavy carbord tubes from the hobby store.

I like that idea. Thanks for sharing it!