Need help with an idea

[Windrider30]

Ok need some help just got ot into my thick skull to design and make a gaming lap top bag for an alienware. Now this thing is a BRICK and a half and needs to carry the power cord and a few other goodies. Here is where i need the help...how the hell do I padd this ? What material shouldI use I'm thinking of using 8 to 9 oz leathet (veg tan double shoulder) and either sheep dkin or pig skin for a linner or hell even roo as its cheapish here but for the lap top part I want to add a bit of padding whay padding should i use and should it ve glued or left free floating between 2 pieces of linner leather?

[Sofaspud]

First two things that come to mind are using foam padding between the layers, or simply using shearling for the liner. 

[Grumpymann]

I have used foam pads singly and in pairs that I picked up from craft stores usually in the kids section. Used then fro Tablet and computer padding. 

[Stetson912]

I agree with grumpy. Craft foam should be fine. You can find it fairly thin I believe 2 mm. Also there are rolls of sponge neoprene you can buy. But I'm not familiar with that product as much. 

[byggyns]

Neoprene is available in multiple thicknesses from like 1/8" to over 1 inch (but I would not go close to that thick)

You can also do a dense foam from the craft store or upholstery shop.

[Windrider30]

Cool thanks everyone for the ideas going to go to a place called Clark Rubber here and see what they have,  This bag is slowly turning into a gaming briefcase. So here is the idea and see if you all like it or not. So the inside will look something like this: Will have two padded mid sections, which means it will be a double gusset hell maybe 6 gussets actually not sure on that one just yet, front of the briefcase will be padded as well as I am thinking of making a section for a ps4 (so long as its upright) it will have to have at least two pockets in the back (on the inside) for controls, power supplies and all the other cables that are needed for both laptop and ps4, outside of the case will have a two pockets on the front large enough to stash a few things such as phones wallets and maybe a few games, the back I am thinking either one long pocket or maybe a couple of more pockets not sure yet. Though I think this will be a monster of a briefcase, Will be hand stitched, heavy duty handle (to handle the weight) and shoulder strap, big enough to become a cross body strap. might say to hell with it and drop the slot for the ps4 have to design this first and see how tall and how long it's going to be first. 

[Stetson912]

I know both the laptop and PS4 are somewhat large. Getting both in one case would be challenging. The case will be very large but you could probably still make it small enough to be a good mobile game center. Sounds like a cool idea. A lot of stitching though haha. 

[Sofaspud]

Sounds like a monster of a project. Please post photos of your progress.

[Windrider30]

38 minutes ago, Stetson912 said:

I know both the laptop and PS4 are somewhat large. Getting both in one case would be challenging. The case will be very large but you could probably still make it small enough to be a good mobile game center. Sounds like a cool idea. A lot of stitching though haha. 

Yeah my fingers have already started to scream and bleed and I haven't even bought the leather yet!!!

24 minutes ago, Sofaspud said:

Sounds like a monster of a project. Please post photos of your progress.

I will once I start this

[BenjaminEstberg]

You could always get some closed cell foam 1/4" to 1 " and use that as the padding. closed is a lil stronger than open cell but i would think either would work. We make special cases for medical equipment to chain saw bar covers and everything has some padding ( foam) in it.  hope it helps

[Windrider30]

16 minutes ago, BenjaminEstberg said:

You could always get some closed cell foam 1/4" to 1 " and use that as the padding. closed is a lil stronger than open cell but i would think either would work. We make special cases for medical equipment to chain saw bar covers and everything has some padding ( foam) in it.  hope it helps

Yep major help though now I have another question lol

Ok another question also just popped into my head. I know I am going to use 8 to 9 oz leather (still not sure if I will be able to do a double shoulder or if I will have to get half a hide) the question is this, when making my pattern (which I am doing from scratch) how do I take into account the thickness of the leather? 

[480volt]

We use the cheap, blue camping pads from wallmart as a source for medium density foam for LARP weapon construction. Comes about 5/8" thick.

[Stetson912]

Hmm that's a good question. I don't have an answer per say. I would think it depends on the shape and design aspects of the bag. Like for the gussets you have to take into consideration the thickness of the gusset leather for the inside dimension of the compartment. Same with liners and foam padding. That will build up thickness making the inner dimensions smaller than desired. Also, thicker leather doesn't fold or bend as easily so if you have anything like that (again the gussets maybe?) That needs to bend you'll have to add extra length unless you are going to v gouge it or something. I think you'll have to play with it and little bit. Maybe use some cardboard and duct tape to make a mock up for your pattern.a piece of corrugated cardboard is close to the right size of 8 oz leather I believe

[Windrider30]

5 hours ago, Stetson912 said:

Hmm that's a good question. I don't have an answer per say. I would think it depends on the shape and design aspects of the bag. Like for the gussets you have to take into consideration the thickness of the gusset leather for the inside dimension of the compartment. Same with liners and foam padding. That will build up thickness making the inner dimensions smaller than desired. Also, thicker leather doesn't fold or bend as easily so if you have anything like that (again the gussets maybe?) That needs to bend you'll have to add extra length unless you are going to v gouge it or something. I think you'll have to play with it and little bit. Maybe use some cardboard and duct tape to make a mock up for your pattern.a piece of corrugated cardboard is close to the right size of 8 oz leather I believe

Yeah i am aware of the not bending well part of the 8 oz thanks for the corrugated cardboard going to give that a try and see. As for v gouging the flap I really want to avoid that if i can. Now just have to see about the gussets so far I am thinking i am gouing to need 4 to six depending on how I separate the three halves as i do not want any free floating dividers I want everything stitched in place.

[LumpenDoodle2]

You asked if the padding should be glued or free floating.   Personally, I'd glue the padding to at least one of the leather pieces.     I've owned a case where, over many years, the thin foam crept, and moved out of place.

Obviously, the more dense foam would have less chance of that happening.

[Windrider30]

Ok running into another interesting "issue' with this design. So far this is going to be a 6 gusset (3 on each side) case. Now this case is going to have a bit of weight to it so not only will it have a handle (heavlly reinforced) but I want a shoulder strap/cross body strap as well. Now with this being a 6 gusset case I want the weight to be distributed as evenly as possible, but lets face it with a gaming lap top, a ps4 or xbox one (making it wide enough..i think to be able to use one or the toher) and all the cords, plus a few games, wallet, phone, cards and what ever else the person wants to stuff in the third pocket, as well as the two exterinal pockets that I am going to be adding, this is going to hold a fair bit of weight. Case is going to be roughly 8 inches depth wide so my thinking is that just hooking the shoulder strap to just one d-ring will not be enough. So could I actually use 6 d-rings, run straps (with releases on each end of each straps) to lets say an O-ring and then hook the shoulder strap to the two O-rings do you think this would help handle the weight a bit better?

[Grumpymann]

I would think that would be a bit much but done right it would look really cool! Did you think of adding a bigger D or O ring with a LAGER attachment crossing the gusset from the front of the bag to the back distributing the weight and taking it low down towards the bottom.

Or adding a system attaching spanning  FRONT gusset and back with straps that connect to a single ring ABOVE the bag and THEN attaching the strap. Like a triangle?

Also you could have a WIDE bels (Like a weightlifters belt ) that runs under the bag and the so the weight sits in it like a cradle. Then attaching it to the bag?

I was thinking about the bulk it will be pretty big have you thought about adding some buckles and belt straps so you could collapse some of the sections when not in use?

 I know that this is a lot of words I can draw up a sketch if you like. 

 

Edited July 9, 2017 by Grumpymann
Cleanning it all up

[Windrider30]

7 hours ago, Grumpymann said:

I would think that would be a bit much but done right it would look really cool! Did you think of adding a bigger D or O ring with a LAGER attachment crossing the gusset from the front of the bag to the back distributing the weight and taking it low down towards the bottom.

Or adding a system attaching spanning  FRONT gusset and back with straps that connect to a single ring ABOVE the bag and THEN attaching the strap. Like a triangle?

Also you could have a WIDE bels (Like a weightlifters belt ) that runs under the bag and the so the weight sits in it like a cradle. Then attaching it to the bag?

I was thinking about the bulk it will be pretty big have you thought about adding some buckles and belt straps so you could collapse some of the sections when not in use?

 I know that this is a lot of words I can draw up a sketch if you like. 

 

The strapping system I am thinking about would end up in two triangles all three pieces hooked to large O ring then having the shoulder strap hooking to the two O rings. Now running straps underneath the bag is a good idea as well, I am thinking of running the center flap strap from the front under the bottom then bring it up all the way along the back (stitching the whole thing in place) so that its just one long strap with a buckle on one end and the holes on the other. Now I do want to make it so that the shoulder strap can come off, as some people don't like using a shoulder strap that is why I was thinking of hooking the D rings on each of the sides and using  these: https://www.tandyleather.com.au/en/product/round-trigger-snaps-nickel-plated to hook to the D rings, but hmm had not thought of running straps under the back length wise either it would make it a lot more secure..I think I am going to have to get 4 large feet for this bag if I do the strap idea so that it will sit above the strapping. Oh and a sketch would be nice to see if I have the same idea in my head as you are talking about. The more that I think about it the cradle idea would help support the weight (as it will be pretty damn heavy fully loaded with an alienware 17 gaming lap top, ps4 and all the a sorted cables, controllers and what not) instead of just a few small bits of leather attached to the gussets with the d-rings looped in. Thanks for that idea I think I am going to get that a go, Might even add two bottoms to cover the straps, hmm not sure about that idea, might have to see how that looks on my mock up.

Edited July 9, 2017 by Windrider30
added thought

[Grumpymann]

Will get you a sketch tomorrow. But I had to toss this out. Think of making 2 bags and devising a secure system to connect them? I did that with one shoulder bag that I attached my tablet to the outside so I could snap it on and snatch it off easily. I also made a system that I could attach 1 of 3 accessories pouches to the main bag. (LOL I have a snap on system that I can attach my tablet to anything from a hand held board, a stand, elastic band to strap it to my palm. And another where I can change the face of the tablet case from business to party.) 

Just something to think about.

[480volt]

Just my 2c worth of input, sounds like an interesting project from a design and fabrication standpoint.

However, I have a tool bag from Occidental, and when it's fully loaded and slung cross-body it's a bastard to carry for any length of time, partly from sheer weight and partly because the width of the bag puts the center of gravity far from your body. Really kills the back after a while. If you drop the PS2, the laptop and associated stuff in a Trader Joe's bag and sling it over a shoulder for a while, does the weight feel practical to carry? Then again, my tool bag serves primarily to corral up my hand tools in one place, and isn't intended to be carried constantly.

[Windrider30]

55 minutes ago, 480volt said:

Just my 2c worth of input, sounds like an interesting project from a design and fabrication standpoint.

However, I have a tool bag from Occidental, and when it's fully loaded and slung cross-body it's a bastard to carry for any length of time, partly from sheer weight and partly because the width of the bag puts the center of gravity far from your body. Really kills the back after a while. If you drop the PS2, the laptop and associated stuff in a Trader Joe's bag and sling it over a shoulder for a while, does the weight feel practical to carry? Then again, my tool bag serves primarily to corral up my hand tools in one place, and isn't intended to be carried constantly.

One I live in Australia no trader Joes here lol. But I honestly do not see this bag as something that will be carried around constantly I am seeing its use as a multimedia carry bag for lan parties and what not. The main weight will be the lap top (it does out weight the ps4 or an xbox) which is why I am setting the lap top slot in the middle of the bag, a gaming lap top is still going to be thinner than either an xbox or ps4 so the middle slot will be where the heaviest part is going to be. I am also planning on having a wide strap that will be have a sliding shoulder pad that will be padded to help ease the strain a little. And this is going to be a heavy duty case/bag as all of it will be maid from 8 to 9 oz leather

 

2 hours ago, Grumpymann said:

Will get you a sketch tomorrow. But I had to toss this out. Think of making 2 bags and devising a secure system to connect them? I did that with one shoulder bag that I attached my tablet to the outside so I could snap it on and snatch it off easily. I also made a system that I could attach 1 of 3 accessories pouches to the main bag. (LOL I have a snap on system that I can attach my tablet to anything from a hand held board, a stand, elastic band to strap it to my palm. And another where I can change the face of the tablet case from business to party.) 

Just something to think about.

Intersting idea but I think I will stick with one bag mostly for the security issues and makes it a little easier for padding.

[BenjaminEstberg]

we make shoulder bags that hold 6 full bottles of wine at once plus 2 lbs of chill packs. They have hand straps to carry also a shoulder strap that connects to 2 d rings one on either side of the bag. we mainly make them out of 600d, 1000d, 1680d ( ballistic nylon)  but we do make them out of leather (chrome tanned)as well.  when we make them out of leather for the  shoulder strap we use a nylon webbing that is sewn on to the underside of the leather strap. gives great strength. as far as taking the thickness of leather into account, if you cant skive the edges.... then its going to be thick not sure of a way to thin it out per say. ??

Keep us posted

Best,

 

Ben

[Windrider30]

4 hours ago, BenjaminEstberg said:

we make shoulder bags that hold 6 full bottles of wine at once plus 2 lbs of chill packs. They have hand straps to carry also a shoulder strap that connects to 2 d rings one on either side of the bag. we mainly make them out of 600d, 1000d, 1680d ( ballistic nylon)  but we do make them out of leather (chrome tanned)as well.  when we make them out of leather for the  shoulder strap we use a nylon webbing that is sewn on to the underside of the leather strap. gives great strength. as far as taking the thickness of leather into account, if you cant skive the edges.... then its going to be thick not sure of a way to thin it out per say. ??

Keep us posted

Best,

 

Ben

I am going to use 8 to 9 oz leather for the shoulder strap so I do not think it will need any extra strength but hmm the nylon webbing is a good idea!

[johnv474]

Neoprene has already been mentioned, and that is a good and durable padding.

 

Another option is wool fleece/shearling.  I bought a military surplus blanket that is just under 1/4" thick, made of 90% wool 10% nylon.  It cost me $30 or so for a good size blanket and have cut pieces from it to use as padding.  Note: between the padding and leather you may not need 8 oz plus a liner, or it can get thicker than wanted/needed.

[Windrider30]

8 hours ago, johnv474 said:

Neoprene has already been mentioned, and that is a good and durable padding.

 

Another option is wool fleece/shearling.  I bought a military surplus blanket that is just under 1/4" thick, made of 90% wool 10% nylon.  It cost me $30 or so for a good size blanket and have cut pieces from it to use as padding.  Note: between the padding and leather you may not need 8 oz plus a liner, or it can get thicker than wanted/needed.

I am looking for something no more than an 1/8th of an inch and avoiding neoprene do to its price (trying to keep the price dwon a little) and yes using 8 to 9 oz will make it a little thicker but I still want a little extra padding for security of mind kind of thing.