Binocular Case

[Otto6294]

I decided to try something new with many techniques I have never tried. It was a total nightmare and I almost quit several times, but I had a lot of time invested so I kept going.

1st problem with Binocular case. Poor planning. I tooled an eagle head on a rectangular panel so I could bend it into an oval for the body. I wanted to use the sewing machine and sew the seam and then turn it inside out.....let me tell you 9 oz leather is stiff and does not want to be bent inside out. So I soaked it in hot water and wrestled with it until I accomplished it. Needless to say, 75% of my nice tooling disappeared and I did not take a pic of it when it looked really good. I was angry and put it on the shelf.

My wife came down while I was working on a sheath. She asked what the eagle tube was for. I told her nothing now because it is screwed up. She said I think it looks cool and old. Dye it and see what it looks like. So after it dried, I did.

Second problem. I have done very little wet forming and no gussets. Getting a wet piece of leather tucked up into the bottom was very frustrating and difficult. It kept moving around and buckling. Took a good hour to fit a wet piece in there and then I let it dry in place. Next I needed to make the cap.

Third problem. I did not have a clue how to make the top and put it together. I have read about box stitching, but have never tried it. Maybe it isn't as bad on a square bag or box, but getting a smooth 45 degree angle on that oval top and side strap was very difficult. At least two hours later I was gluing it together. That was not even the bad part. Trying to punch accurate 45 degree stitching holes was ridiculous. The glue kept letting go and yes it was dry. I finally put the awl down and got my cordless drill and a 1/16" bit. That helped but still put a few stitches outside my line. My new sewing machine was pretty well useless for the whole project.

Eventually I got it finished this evening and it turned out pretty good. I wish my tooling had not been ruined. I am going to make another one for my other binoculars and I think it will be much better. I learned a lot and it was a very humbling experience.

[Wishful]

Its not bad, sometimes learning "the hard way" provides the best lessons

[Bob Blea]

For all the struggles I think it turned out very well. You're right it was a great learning experience.

[Oldtoolsniper]

I admire the fact you you stuck with it and managed to make a nice case out of it. Thank you for sharing it with us.

[MonicaJacobson]

I think it turned out pretty cool, despite the difficulties. I can't believe you managed to turn that thing inside-out. The turned stitch lines look awesome, though. This one looks cool enough that I'd be very interested to see how a better planned one turns out.

[Otto6294]

Monica,

The number one change would be an overlapped skived seam for the main compartment.....or butted with a backing strip and baseball stitched. The only thing on this one I do not like is how the tooling and body is wavy, puckered and distorted.

[jmkjmk2]

love the look of that

[ChiefFilipino]

I think it came out pretty nice!

[Frederiek]

That came out nice! Good learning from projects that give you a hard time

[toomzz]

Hi Otto,

cool, pity of your tooling. I like the hinge-concept!

Cheers,

Tom