Wet forming: how much curvature is too much?

[toxo]

I don't know why no one has suggested multi layers. Layers of thinner leather will be much easier to form and of course you don't have to stop at 3.5mm if the idea is to protect the hand.

[mikesc]

Quote

I don't know why no one has suggested multi layers. Layers of thinner leather will be much easier to form and of course you don't have to stop at 3.5mm if the idea is to protect the hand.

Multi layer..is what I was describing in my post of yesterday at 01.14...and my post before that one.

[toxo]

16 minutes ago, mikesc said:

Multi layer..is what I was describing in my post of yesterday at 01.14...and my post before that one.

What I'm suggesting Mike is thinner layers covering the whole thing being more mouldable. Each layer drying before the next. When thick enough just trim and cover with the binding.

[mikesc]

Ah..lots of thin layers each molded to that complete shape..could work, but they'd all have the same outside and inside dimensions, so how would you Matryoshka* ( матрёшка ) "Russian doll" them into each other to glue them up ?

* yes I know..verbing nouns weirds them

[toxo]

Once dry, the next layer is easier to mould by virtue of the "bloc" being bigger and the moulding radius greater. I would suggest Gorilla glue between  the layers because it needs damp to work and I can absolute vouch for the join having had to separate two pieces of leather after a mistake. Had to cut the leather, easier than the glue

[Leb]

17 minutes ago, mikesc said:

Ah..lots of thin layers each molded to that complete shape..could work, but they'd all have the same outside and inside dimensions, so how would you Matryoshka* ( матрёшка ) "Russian doll" them into each other to glue them up ?

* yes I know..verbing nouns weirds them

@mikesc Perhaps working "inside out" would work? That is, start with the first layer, and then shape the next layer on the wooden shape with the first layer of leather on it. However, I suspect you would need to come up with a "variable size outer mould" to adapt to the extra layers.

Edit: Ah, I see toxo already replied.

Anyway, if anyone has some bull scrotum they have for sale - let me know

Edited September 20, 2019 by Leb

[mikesc]

Yep..I was still testing stuff on that laser ( other concurrent thread ) and missed Toxo's and your replies..Hadn't thought either of you meant leaving on the layers and building over the top of each..That would work.

[Leb]

Since it's hard to get proper rawhide in small quantities quickly where I stay, I used one of those dog-chews for rawhide (which is just very thin low quality split side). And the thin leather did conform to the shape, but with many overlapping folds on the side. I also improved my leather press a bit, and managed to form the initial veg-tan a bit further, which gives me hope. I think I need to make a new form which changes more gradually and looks more like a bell, as someone mentioned at the start of this topic.