Does this work??

[Tequila]

I was reading in the Show Off section a thread about making a 4 finger cigar case.  In the thread there’s a video and it shows a cigar case being made where the case is assembled, sewn and then formed.  From the video it looks like he puts the completed case on a form and then just run a wooden creaser along the edge of the form.  Is it really that easy?  I thought the case would have to have been wet molded, it looked like he was using veg-tanned under the alligator skin.  Has anyone done molding this way and does it work?  Any pros or cons?

[Tequila]

Either this was a really stupid question or no one knows the answer.  I would’ve thought someone would answer. 

[fredk]

A. you should wait longer for a response. Not everyone is on here 24/7

b. A link to what you are talking about would be helpful, then we examine it and tear it apart

[toxo]

On 3/12/2022 at 2:18 PM, Tequila said:

I was reading in the Show Off section a thread about making a 4 finger cigar case.  In the thread there’s a video and it shows a cigar case being made where the case is assembled, sewn and then formed.  From the video it looks like he puts the completed case on a form and then just run a wooden creaser along the edge of the form.  Is it really that easy?  I thought the case would have to have been wet molded, it looked like he was using veg-tanned under the alligator skin.  Has anyone done molding this way and does it work?  Any pros or cons?

Without seeing the video I would just say that most things are possible with leather if you want it bad enough. I would probably make a wooden form out of four half round dowels with a small space between. Find a way to clamp the wet veg tan leather till it's dry, either do two moulds or do the process twice then marry the two halves, stitch between and around, trim off the excess and finish.

[Tequila]

@toxo, @fredk  here you go

[fredk]

I wonder if he's just relying on the stretch of the veg tan to hold the shape, or is there a step we do not get to see [the trade secret] where the veg tan is slightly dampened before the wood block is forced in?

I've not done anything I can think of which I forced into shape dry

I wonder if RockyAussie has any thoughts on this?

 

Edited March 14, 2022 by fredk

[Spyros]

Yeah I'm guessing they probably just didn't show the step where you just spray some moisture inside before putting it on the wood block and leaving it overnight.  That's all it would take.

[fredk]

Studying the video; the guy's watch, is at about 4.25.15 at video time 7.54 when he forces the wood block into the main pouch, the watch is still at 4.25.?? at video time of 8.09 when he is boning the shape, he started the shaping at video time 8.05. None of the the items on the bench, other than the mallet, has moved during this sequence. 

Therefore that sequence may have been filmed in real time or a full 12 or 24 hours later

But there is an edit cut at video time 8.04 thru 8.05 to 8.06

At 8.14 we see the worker polishing up the case, but the wood former is still enclosed. A cut-away to the badge, 8.24, then we see the case being put in the display cabinet, 8.27. An out-of time edit;  In between, was the leather drying out?

Edited March 14, 2022 by fredk

[Samalan]

I have done jobs just like this I would say It would need to be wet, one note taking  the wood mold out can be a bit difficult .

[JayEhl]

I made a cell phone case holster and used a 1x4 (close enough fit) to stretch the shape out but I first filled the pocket with water and let it soak for a few minutes (amazing to see it hold water without leaking!), poured it out and used the 1x4 and let it sit over night.  Worked great (although my measurements were still a bit off and was still a bit too tight for my phone unless I completely took off my rubber protective case which I wasn't willing to do.  Looked too funky chunky anyways so it's still sitting on my bench.     I'm using it as inspiration to help me think of a better idea for the next go around. 

I did find this on the google that is maybe what you're wanting to do?

 

Edited March 14, 2022 by JayEhl
add youtube