Coin Case With Framed Construction

[Lone Fortress]

This is the second case of this construction method I made. The first-a phone case, didn't have good results as it was far too bulky. So I altered the design and instead of using a one piece frame that goes all around, I used two frame pieces-one for each side. I also slimed down the dimensions and used a single piece of leather instead of two. I discovered that this construction method looks much better when used for smaller cases such as coin pouches.

Not all of the problems have been solved though so that is where this thread comes in. Like the first attempt, the holes are not aligned. I'm not sure if it can be noticed in my lousy photographs, but the Chicago screws on the right side of the case are slightly higher than the left and I don't like it. I want them to be as even to each other as possible, but since I'm dealing with leather..I'm not sure how I can accomplish that. If I make layout lines, they would be too noticeable-even if done on the inside.

A template would have the same problems. I don't have a printer, so everything has to be done by hand-including the drawings, templates, etc. I would have the same problem, how do I get the holes on each side aligned to each other? Perhaps I'm overthinking things a bit, but what I tried this time was to:

Get the frame materials identical in size, drill the holes in one, then use that as a guide for the other frame then use the frames as a guide for the holes in the leather. Still not aligned.

What would be a more effective method? I can go to a more traditional stitched approach if I have to, but I really would like to get this assembly method to work.

Here's the photos, they're blurry but I think they show what I'm referring to. I'd also like advise on how to get the flap more refined as it looks crude.

It has other flaws of course, such as the uneven tooling, but fortunately-I know where I went wrong with them. The misaligned holes is the problem I'm having issue with.

Edited October 26, 2014 by Lone Fortress

[Wild Bill46]

LF

I'm thinking you might be a bit hard on yourself,

This looks very nice to me !!!

Your dots or Chicago screws (as I think your refering to) might be a bit off ? but that could be from how

your punch was held, and in which position, or the tool itself.

To make yourself feel better - Try making a templet of card stock, holes and every detail included,

now use a pencil to put a reference pencil dot on the leather through the templet where your templet says the dot should be.

all you'll have is a pencil dot, with no reference lines.

As you progress you'll develope a style all your own, as you will with methods.

We all do this, whichever way works best for ourselfs, but only with Patients and Persistence !

Your design is nice, your color scheme is nice too, and the dots (screws) make it pop ! I say Congratulations ! -- Wild Bill46

[Lone Fortress]

Seems that I was overthinking things a bit then. I have plenty of card stock, so I'll give that a try for the next one.Thanks.

[byggyns]

Yeah, card stock & a T-square or a drafting triangle to get them lined up. Another method is to make a pattern with thin paper, mark holes on one side, fold it in half and mark the other side. Then transfer the pattern to the heavier stock to make your pattern last longer.