JHLeatherwood Report post Posted October 27, 2020 I'm making a whale tale tank bib for my son's Harley, and he has the split tanks with a gap in the middle. I'm using 7-8oz veg tan, and given that it's going to get wet many times, I'd like to put something between the veg tan and the buckskin "liner" I'm using to back it and protect the tank. Springfield and Tandy sell "bag stiffeners" but it looks like they're heavy card stock - which will retain water, and eventually disintegrate. Some folks have suggested "EVA craft foam" but it's very floppy to begin with, and 2-3mm thick besides, so not a good fit for me. What suggestion do y'all have? I do some 3d printing and thought about a 1mm printed sheet of PLA (plastic) that tapers to effectively zero at the edges, but I'd love to have an off-the-shelf option. James Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Ed in Tx Report post Posted October 27, 2020 Why not try a thin sheet of aluminum between the layers. Just cut the aluminum 3/8" smaller to allow room for stitching. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Zonker1972 Report post Posted October 27, 2020 go to the dollar store and get some flexible cutting mats. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
JHLeatherwood Report post Posted October 28, 2020 20 hours ago, Ed in Tx said: Why not try a thin sheet of aluminum between the layers. Just cut the aluminum 3/8" smaller to allow room for stitching. I like this idea - clearly the most rigid solution. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
TheCyberwolfe Report post Posted March 5, 2021 A little late to the party, but consider Kydex rather than aluminum for the next one. Aluminum may interact with water/gas and leather over time, but Kydex is inert. It also won't dent (not that it would be likely in this application). No affiliation, but this place sells sheets in many varieties: https://www.indexthermoplastics.com/thermoplastic/kydex/solid-colors/black-kydexr-sheet.html Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Dwight Report post Posted March 7, 2021 Here's a second vote for the kydex . . . easy to work with . . . not that expensive . . . if necessary it can be heat formed if you need a bend, wrinkle, or whatever. Didn't like the stuff when I first started messing with it . . . am quickly warming up to its many uses. and if there are seams where the tanks meet . . . take you time with a tough sewing machine . . . sew right thru the kydex as well. May God bless, Dwight Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Samalan Report post Posted March 9, 2021 Kydex Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Sanch Report post Posted December 22, 2021 Kydex not a good solution. It gets soft with heat. Harley Davidson+ riding=hot bike. Thin Aluminum better option. Just my opinion... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Bruce H Report post Posted December 30, 2021 Cut some square patches out of plastic milk jugs, then glue 2 or 3 layers together and cut to fit...It'll make a great stiffener. IMO Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
