Squilchuck Report post Posted January 2, 2022 Anyone have a surefire way to flatten coasters? I've tried several ways of wetting and pressing, but none seem to work. I'm using 6/7 oz HO leather. You can see in the photo how they develop a slight wave after I thought they were dry and flat. Previous tries ended up slightly cupped. The problem is to press and dry them. I got a few fungus spots from a previous method. -John Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
chuck123wapati Report post Posted January 2, 2022 (edited) set a cold beer on em! lol sorry couldn't help it. Maybe stack them and set a weight on em for a week or so after they are dry. Edited January 2, 2022 by chuck123wapati Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
stelmackr Report post Posted January 2, 2022 (edited) I've had some luck by using a section of a large diameter PVC pipe to press the circumference, as that last embossing: Edited January 3, 2022 by Northmount Removed duplicated photos per OP request Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Frodo Report post Posted January 2, 2022 I have not had that problem with curling , I use 7/9oz leather LOVE the pvc simple embossing great idea Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
JLSleather Report post Posted January 2, 2022 2 hours ago, chuck123wapati said: set a cold beer on em! I recommend using a thinner leather and line em. In fact, line 'em with some 1/16" thick CORK, glued and sewn on. The leather will STILL distort, but the cork with pull it and keep it flat (and also keep it from sliding on the table or counter). Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
alpha2 Report post Posted January 2, 2022 I've made them out of thin, and thick leather. The thick worked better. Either thicker leather, or JLS' idea with cork. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
AA3JW Report post Posted January 2, 2022 Having been a friend of Bill for over 17 years now I would really appreciate it if you could tell me where you got your stamp. Thanks in advance. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
stelmackr Report post Posted January 3, 2022 1 hour ago, AA3JW said: appreciate it if you could tell me where you got your stamp Grey Ghost Graphics https://greyghostgraphics.com/ I then take the stamp and have it milled down to height to 0.918 inches, which is in the printing industry known as "Type High". That allows me to use various metal letterpress letters and designs, in a chase, to emboss leather. I have a little article dealing with embossing leather with letterpress type at: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1qgV6aH_FkHa5lBX_kNceroW2elQju_XW/view?usp=sharing Here is a sample of what I make: Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Handstitched Report post Posted January 3, 2022 I've just made x 30 coasters with Christmas pics, for an elderly residence, but they also double as a Christmas decoration, small hole and ribbon at the top. They were lined ' Christmas green' felt underneath. Never had a problem with curling. They were 3mm veg tan . Antique dye was used, and hand painted Christmas pics with Cova Colour. Took for ever But yes, put a beer on them , a large one HS Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
chuck123wapati Report post Posted January 3, 2022 15 hours ago, stelmackr said: I've had some luck by using a section of a large diameter PVC pipe to press the circumference, as that last embossing: Now that is good thinking. if a guy were to cut some design in the outer or inner edges of the pvc with a file you could add some interesting designs. simple scallops with a round file would be easy! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Dwight Report post Posted January 3, 2022 12 hours ago, stelmackr said: Grey Ghost Graphics https://greyghostgraphics.com/ I then take the stamp and have it milled down to height to 0.918 inches, which is in the printing industry known as "Type High". That allows me to use various metal letterpress letters and designs, in a chase, to emboss leather. I have a little article dealing with embossing leather with letterpress type at: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1qgV6aH_FkHa5lBX_kNceroW2elQju_XW/view?usp=sharing Here is a sample of what I make: I know without a doubt that I will never do that . . . won't be able to find the necessary equipment to do it with . . . but it sure was fun going thru the article and seeing how you did it. Would love to come to your shop some day . . . we'd share a box of doughnuts . . . and together we could make a half dozen items. I'm fascinated by new processes . . . have more process tools than most 4 or 5 guys combined . . . but this is a new one for me to see. Thanks for the info . . . may God bless, Dwight Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Outfitr Report post Posted January 5, 2022 I started lining and sewing all the coasters I make now and they stay very rigid and flat. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
JayEhl Report post Posted January 5, 2022 Man @Outfitrthat really looks great! What do you line it with? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Outfitr Report post Posted January 5, 2022 Thanks so much. I use whatever leather I have on hand. I think these are maybe a 5/6 on top and a 3/4 liner or two 5/6. I do the same on the holder too. Although makes for quite a bit of stitching. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Hags Report post Posted January 6, 2022 Hello from the other side of Washington! I use 7/8 for mine. Finish with resolene then massage them until they lay the way I want. Always seems to be a little cupping, if I cut them from the edges, a lot! Especially if it's a belly cut. My last ones, I glued a piece of 4/5 to the back. Made a big difference. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Squilchuck Report post Posted January 6, 2022 Thanks everyone for the good advice! --John Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
