Wet Forming And Tooling

[retiredff]

I'm going to make a cell phone case, and I want to tool the front part. Is there an easy way to calculate the area to be tooled so it is centered? I have the fear I will tool the leather then wet form just where it bends around the phone only to have it not centered. Or should I do the tooling after forming?

Tony

[Northmount]

Wetting the leather enough to form it will destroy much of your tooling. Others have posted, best to tool after forming.

Tom

[retiredff]

I was afraid of that. I'll have to come up with a way to support the leather while tooling.

Thanks Tom

[papaw]

If you can cut a piece of hard wood in the shape of your item, and use that to stamp on.

[retiredff]

I think I have a piece of wood I can cut to size.

[Dwight]

Even better if you can do it, . . . cut the wood 1/8 or 1/4 of an inch thinner than needed, . . . then lay a piece of steel the right thickness under your leather. You might wrap it in saran wrap so that the steel doesn't discolor the leather inside.

The steel makes a much better surface on which to tool than does wood. I have little plates of steel just for this purpose, . . . and for doing rivets inside a pouch or bag. Works great.

May God bless,

Dwight

Edited January 6, 2015 by Dwight

[retiredff]

I'll try that Dwight, I have a small anvil, that may work.

Tony