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@ TinkerTailor -- Yeah, great idea. And you could even use rivets instead of stitches. Clever...

In the real world, I'm kinda known for my unorthodox solutions to problems, alot of which involve creative re-purposing and repairing old stuff. Hence the tinker part of my name. Instead of watching Tv, i think of things like using toaster waffles instead of bread for grilled cheese sandys, The little squares hold ALOT of cheese...... and squishing down chromoly bicycle frame tubing from scrap bikes to make bag and slot punches.......stuff like that.

"If nobody shares what they know, we will eventually all know nothing."

"There is no adventure in letting fear and common sense be your guide"

Posted

Just had an aha moment thanks to Tinker's idea, Here's a drop dead easy solution.

$(KGrHqYOKpEE1r!4W7zmBNiwfcVBR!~~_3.jpg

These are pre soldered copper fittings, plumbing fittings. "Pre Soldered" means they already have solder in them -- that's what the ridges are for. They're packed with solder. You could just grind or cut off the ends (or use as is), then cut a slot and shape as Tinker suggests. Then glue your leather in the middle strip. Done. Well, along with the some holes for stitching or rivets.

Granted, it's copper and not brass, but polished copper is gorgeous IMHO. To prevent it from tarnishing, just spray it with some spar varnish (don't use poly though -- the spar varnish looks terrific with copper). You would need to do the same with brass as well although laquer looks pretty good on brass. I did a search for pre soldered brass, couldn't find any (wasn't expecting to).

These never really took off, so don't expect to find them at Home Depot or Lowe's. But here's a place I buy from -- cheapest source I've found yet. I do a fair amount of metal work using copper tubing and these pre soldered fittings (lamps and stuff).

http://presolderedfittings.com/presoldered~prices.htm

What you want is the 1/2" Slip Coupling -- Item 4 on that page. $5.90 for a pack of ten. That's dirt cheap.

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Hi Guys

Thanks for the awesome ideas. After your AHA moment - I took it one step further- why not get brass machine screws/bo;ts at any local hardware store ( or whatever other metal that matches the buckles on the particular briefcase) a little larger in diameter than what the final products needs to be- turn down the threads on a lathe to the final size, cut a channel to the width and depth needed to accommodate the leather strip- could round the edges or even add a rope knurl if wanted. Then drill out the center to the diameter needed, and finally cut a slot in the top with a Dremel tool to slip it around the bottom of the case. Several holes, as mentioned could be created to allow actually sewing the "foot" to the case.

The only part Im still thinking about is how to crimp so its uniform- will probably just be a pair of pliers

RMR

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What about using barbed brass hose couplings as base stock? There are a million ways you can cut these up and solder back together . These ones: http://bit.ly/1EAQi8l Click on images tab....

"If nobody shares what they know, we will eventually all know nothing."

"There is no adventure in letting fear and common sense be your guide"

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Posted (edited)

Machinist here, just use brass bar stock and turn it to whatever shape you want, drill it, cut it, and done. This is a very simple project. No need to over compicate things. We run through tons of brass, copper, and more every month at work.

Edited by BIGGUNDOCTOR

You laugh at me because I am different. I laugh at you because you are all the same.

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Posted

Machinist here, just use brass bar stock and turn it to whatever shape you want, drill it, cut it, and done. This is a very simple project. No need to over compicate things. We run through tons of brass, copper, and more every month at work.

I hear ya there. While i have the skills, i don't have the tools available, and HATE paying someone to do something i can do myself.

I can't cut hair, I pay someone for that...... we all have our strengths.

"If nobody shares what they know, we will eventually all know nothing."

"There is no adventure in letting fear and common sense be your guide"

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