Jump to content
Spaceblues

Stiffener for Portfolio

Recommended Posts

I've never done a project where I need to reinforce the leather, but I'd like to replace the junky vinyl portfolio that I've carried around the office forever. It's a pretty straightforward pattern - will tool the 4/5 veg tan for outside, line with either the 2/3 veg tan I've got or get some other liner. 

Just not sure what goes in between there. I've searched but found lots of portfolios for critique, etc but nothing that answered. Do I get the Tandy bag stiffener I've seen mentioned in other places?

Oh, and bonus question... best finish for this project? I move between buildings frequently and get caught in rain at times. Worried about the water resistance of Leather Sheen and the cracking of Saddle Lac. Guess it's time to try my hand at Resolene?

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I would use chipboard as a stiffener.  As for a finish for waterproofing, why not carnauba cream?

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Carnauba cream isn't really a top coat in my opinion. The leathersheen is what I would use first, Resolene- if you can stand the smell lol, is also a good top coat. I have seen some great waxing on leather that works extremely well. Since you will  be tooling, I will leave out the suggestion of using Bridle, Harness or Latigo. What about saddle skirting instead? It is good and stiff as you have mentioned that you want as a feature.

The stiffener could also be another layer of leather that you have laying around.

 

Just a few ideas for you to toss around Spaceblues

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Do you have a picture of what you are trying to accomplish? I don't see where a 4/5 ounce tooled leather with a liner would need a stiffener on a portfolio. 

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Mine is at the office right now, but I grabbed the first one on the net I saw. I want the sides to not have any give in them. Looks like this one has some kind of stiffener in the panels as well. 

image.jpeg

image.jpeg.bd203c1672cb287062bb6ebfe7741

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

That one isn't made with 6/7 ounce total of vegtan leather. Its a lighter weight, more flexible leather with, most likely, a card stock stiffener. I make a lot of padfolios, and 6/7  ounce veg tan leather with a thin liner and the pockets are plenty stiff.

 

 

 

 

sophisticated cat padfolio 1.jpg

sophisticated cat padfolio 2.jpg

5701388e6f454_sophisticatedcatpadfolio1.

5701389aca234_sophisticatedcatpadfolio2.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Belts are made out of that weight of leather and are obviously quite flexible. The one I have at the office has zero play in it and that's what I'm wanting to replicate. It has something in between the layers that prevents it from flexing. It's probably chipboard... I'll pick some up and give it a go. 

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Hi, I don't know if you managed to solve the problem, but from what I've seen in some clipboards, for stiffening is used a sheet of high density cardboard. If it's cut tight to the seams should be quite stiff and not as heavy as chipboard.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Take the one you are currently using apart and use the stiffener (and clip if any) in your new one.  Sometimes the lowest cost is to purchase a cheap ready-made item and use it for parts.  Provides examples of how it was manufactured and you get the parts that might be hard to find otherwise.  Have done that for 3" 3 ring binders.

Tom

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Look at various Vilene, Pellon, Pelmet, Peltex, or Timtex interfacing materials and template plastic. There is a huge variety. Some will be lighter, stiffer, and more durable than chipboard.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Masonite, or Plexiglass.  That "stiffener" from Tandy is nothing more than firm paper -- useless.

 

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Kydex could also be an option, perhaps. I used a sheet of 0.093 for a back board for a gun case and I like it pretty well

9 - Nested.jpg

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Join the conversation

You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.

Guest
Reply to this topic...

×   Pasted as rich text.   Paste as plain text instead

  Only 75 emoji are allowed.

×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.


×
×
  • Create New...