retiredff Report post Posted January 6, 2015 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 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Northmount Report post Posted January 6, 2015 Wetting the leather enough to form it will destroy much of your tooling. Others have posted, best to tool after forming. Tom Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
retiredff Report post Posted January 6, 2015 I was afraid of that. I'll have to come up with a way to support the leather while tooling. Thanks Tom Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
papaw Report post Posted January 6, 2015 If you can cut a piece of hard wood in the shape of your item, and use that to stamp on. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
retiredff Report post Posted January 6, 2015 I think I have a piece of wood I can cut to size. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Dwight Report post Posted January 6, 2015 (edited) 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 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
retiredff Report post Posted January 6, 2015 I'll try that Dwight, I have a small anvil, that may work. Tony Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites