Handmade leather pipe pouch, the early years

[Cardinal]

I saw a couple really cool handmade leather pouches in a thread here a week or two ago. I said to myself, "There's no way I'm paying $150-200 for one of those," but I've kept thinking about them. Rather than buy one, I've begun the process of spending even more money to try to make my own. This will probably take a while, but I went to a leather shop this morning and picked up a beginners hand stitching set and some practice material.

I realized when I got home this afternoon that stitching is WAY harder than it looks, or rather keeping the holes perfectly straight is anyway. I needed a good way to hold my materials steady and at hand, so I built a stitching pony this afternoon out of wood scraps I had in the garage.

http://i1329.photobucket.com/albums/w547/temeric79/Mobile%20Uploads/2015-03/4FA5B40E-F639-4425-88E0-2A474F986936_zpsqusgfoaq.jpg

An hour or two and an $8 trip to Home Depot for the bolts and wingnuts later, and here we. The idea is you sit on this contraption, and the long vice arms hold your leather so you can punch holes with the awl and then do your stitching.

http://i1329.photobucket.com/albums/w547/temeric79/Mobile%20Uploads/2015-03/28CDF465-1C77-408F-B9A4-08CD00B9FA2F_zpsd7idac3t.jpg

That's all for today. I tried it out and it works great, at least for holding a piece of cardboard while I wield the awl against it. More to come over the next few weeks. Maybe I'll get one or two put together and get a beta tester to try it out for me.

[Horseshoe]

Looks like it should work. Anticipating seeing the progression. Good luck.

[Emperor Zurg]

Wtf? We demand MS Paint drawings to go along with this story!!
MS PAINT DRAWINGS!!!1!one!!

[Tobias Lutz]

subscribed AND...

http://i2.kym-cdn.com/photos/images/newsfeed/000/431/190/edb.jpg

[Will46r]

Stitching pony.... very useful, did you set the jaws so they were chest height when sitting? Cover the jaws with leather. Strop your awl, the strop it more... when hou think it's perfectly polished, strop it again. I have a vise I set my stitching pony in. If you need advise feel free to ask here or pm me. Harbor freight usually has a set of leather working tools like a v groover, and adnustable stitching groover.

[Branzig]

I said to myself, "There's no way I'm paying $150-200 for one of those,"

That is how 99.9% of my projects start haha

Can't wait to see how this turns out! Super cool idea!

[Cardinal]

Stitching pony.... very useful, did you set the jaws so they were chest height when sitting? Cover the jaws with leather. Strop your awl, the strop it more... when hou think it's perfectly polished, strop it again. I have a vise I set my stitching pony in. If you need advise feel free to ask here or pm me. Harbor freight usually has a set of leather working tools like a v groover, and adnustable stitching groover.

I set them up around chest height, just where I felt like my hands were most comfortable for working. I'll cover them with leather tomorrow, and make sure the awl is sharp and shiny. I've read about using a little beeswax on it too, to help it slide through.

I picked up a groover and overstitch wheel too - Tandy Leather was having a sale on the kit and I couldn't help myself. Came with 3 spools of waxed thread and needles too. If I run into trouble or have any questions I'll be sure to ask, thanks for offering.

[Cardinal]

That is how 99.9% of my projects start haha

Can't wait to see how this turns out! Super cool idea!

By the time I buy a quality piece of leather for the final pouch I will have spent more than enough to buy one from someone who knows what they're actually doing :sulkiness:

[Will46r]

By the time I buy a quality piece of leather for the final pouch I will have spent more than enough to buy one from someone who knows what they're actually doing :sulkiness:



You'll know how to do it too.. and understand why its 150 lol. Like I tell people about knife pricing... you ain't oaying flr this knife, you're oaying for all yhose $50 knives I sold earning a reputation, you're oaying for hundreds of shop jours hknjng my cradt, you're oaying for all my blood sweat and tears that came before your knife.

[Cardinal]

You'll know how to do it too.. and understand why its 150 lol. Like I tell people about knife pricing... you ain't oaying flr this knife, you're oaying for all yhose $50 knives I sold earning a reputation, you're oaying for hundreds of shop jours hknjng my cradt, you're oaying for all my blood sweat and tears that came before your knife.

Isn't that the truth! I'm already starting to understand, and a couple ruined pieces of leather later I'll be I really get the point :pipe:

[GWBowman]

What we do and what we spend to save money:)Looking forward to the future post. Good luck.

[Branzig]

Isn't that the truth! I'm already starting to understand, and a couple ruined pieces of leather later I'll be I really get the point :pipe:

Well, on the bright side, once you get this down you may have a (small) market here to sell these things too...

:D

[Will46r]

Good God, auto correct let me down lol

I don't bleed AS much doing leather but that awl will bite!

[Cardinal]

Well, on the bright side, once you get this down you may have a (small) market here to sell these things too...

:D

Not quitting my day job just yet haha. We'll see, sometimes the hobby sticks and sometimes it doesn't.

[Cardinal]

Quick update for fun - I bought a big piece of leather, probably enough to do 5-6 pouches, maybe more. The guy at the shop convinced me to try dyeing it myself, so I started with a swatch to get the color the way I like it. I'm practicing cutting and stitching while I wait for my sample to dry.

http://i1329.photobucket.com/albums/w547/temeric79/Mobile%20Uploads/2015-03/FF6F5408-6391-4837-AE4D-C3FCFEE88EDF_zpswq5y628i.jpg

http://i1329.photobucket.com/albums/w547/temeric79/Mobile%20Uploads/2015-03/8E60C661-4DE2-4979-B2EE-DA6241224918_zpsdfbqkmdn.jpg

[Branzig]

Looks good! Can't wait to see how it all turns out.

[Cardinal]

Wtf? We demand MS Paint drawings to go along with this story!!
MS PAINT DRAWINGS!!!1!one!!

As the Emperor requests -

http://i1329.photobucket.com/albums/w547/temeric79/Finish%20him_zpsxgrwjw9s.png

The dyeing is a little tougher than I expected. I tried using a sponge brush and got some awful streakiness, then used an old tshirt and seemed like a much more even application but the streaks are already set. Its actually not as bad in person as it looks in the photo, and I'm going to keep going on this piece just to see how the construction looks and feels.

And I used a piece of posterboard for my cutting template, previously utilized by my daughter for coloring :)

http://i1329.photobucket.com/albums/w547/temeric79/Mobile%20Uploads/2015-03/87829384-80FE-480C-A705-8C5AD307ACA7_zpsz5ra3v7y.jpg

[Branzig]

As the Emperor requests -

http://i1329.photobucket.com/albums/w547/temeric79/Finish%20him_zpsxgrwjw9s.png

Reminds me of Stickdeath :p

[Cardinal]

A couple more pics, had to stop for the day and am about to head over to a buddy's house for BBQ -

http://i1329.photobucket.com/albums/w547/temeric79/Mobile%20Uploads/2015-03/AB900475-A8EE-4210-91D6-8018E3142734_zpsxi5olvg5.jpg

http://i1329.photobucket.com/albums/w547/temeric79/Mobile%20Uploads/2015-03/DA9BA5AC-10B0-44D5-9E0D-511C7BB7F55F_zps64pkgpts.jpg

[Cardinal]

Have any of you gents tried sewing before? This is a first for me, and let me fill you in on a little secret -

http://i1329.photobucket.com/albums/w547/temeric79/gollum-threading-needle_zps5qyuu3ei.jpg

I'm almost done with construction of the prototype now. The leather is pretty stiff so I'm going to work on softening it up, and probably start on v.2.0 today as well. Will put up pics in a bit.

[JustTroItIn]

Very cool project!

[Cardinal]

Optical illusion going on here, everything is square. The idea is one side for the pipe, and one side for a baggie of tobacco and tool/lighter. Fold it over and bind with a leather strap. Not sure how I'm going to set up the strap but probably a hold through the middle..

Like I said, it's very stiff so I'm going to work on that while I let dye dry on the next version. I also made some rookie mistakes on the stitching grooves which I'll correct on the next one. Also, what do you guys think on the stitching? The backside stitching looks alright, but it's not as clean as the front side (which in these pictures is the inside of the pouch). Should I have the 'front' stitching on the inside or the outside?

http://i1329.photobucket.com/albums/w547/temeric79/Mobile%20Uploads/2015-03/21FF83BF-546D-47A8-A6FB-07F1ADAD318E_zps7nmkmcuu.jpg

http://i1329.photobucket.com/albums/w547/temeric79/Mobile%20Uploads/2015-03/5588F356-D123-4BC8-B6DB-D87256DBF526_zpsdo1rbqzz.jpg

[Cardinal]

Alright, here we go. Prototype is mostly complete, just need to dye the strap, which I'll do after lunch when I dye the pieces for the next model.

I softened it up nicely with coconut oil followed by petroleum jelly, then a bunch of handling and twisting..which sounds a little dirty. It feels a ton better already, and some use will finish the job.

http://i1329.photobucket.com/albums/w547/temeric79/Mobile%20Uploads/2015-03/6BD61438-8819-4E5B-81D9-226092E6E80D_zpstbi5tlu4.jpg

http://i1329.photobucket.com/albums/w547/temeric79/Mobile%20Uploads/2015-03/5CF59AE0-F556-4068-BAAC-316104D8BAC8_zpsekfnamco.jpg

[GWBowman]

That is very cool and it looks great. I'm thinking put the front side stitches on the outside, figuring it would get more eye time. If that's your first, you are an amazingly quick study.

[Cardinal]

That is very cool and it looks great. I'm thinking put the front side stitches on the outside, figuring it would get more eye time. If that's your first, you are an amazingly quick study.

Thank you! It's definitely my first try at working with leather and my first time sewing anything.

My eye sees all the flaws and mistakes, but I think I know what I did wrong and I'll be able to correct going forward. I've got 2 more in process, and I'm avoiding some of my mistakes already.

[Cardinal]

Version 2 is WAY better than the first one, from the dye job on. I took George's advice and put the front stitching on the outside and it looks much better. I also added a little pocket for a pipe tool and cleaners. Once again, optical illusion as the pipe cleaners do not extend past the edge of the pouch.

Still don't know if I'd put my name on this and sell it, but it's at least good enough to give to a friend.

http://i1329.photobucket.com/albums/w547/temeric79/61E682E7-B4B9-49E9-9CD6-2487D8398EE7_zpsnwvp001s.jpg

http://i1329.photobucket.com/albums/w547/temeric79/E7B38CFE-FB14-4A6F-9277-964B6C23A5C3_zps3gzmoes5.jpg

[Bruck]

Nice work Tim!

[JollyRogers]

Tried to bump ya but it says I love ya too much! Great write up and impressive work on the leather. Makes me want to try my hand at it! I can't wait to see these with some wear on them!

[Will46r]

Nice job. Did you burnish your edges?

[Cardinal]

Nice job. Did you burnish your edges?

Thank you! I haven't done burnishing yet, in fact haven't even looked into how it's done. Is it tough or time-consuming? Hopefully I'll be able to do it next weekend.

[Cardinal]

And for visual effect, I offer you my third pouch as well as a shot of all three together -

http://i1329.photobucket.com/albums/w547/temeric79/Mobile%20Uploads/2015-03/D258A1AC-FAF5-4E66-A5A5-0D9F93626038_zpsxzw8twdv.jpg

http://i1329.photobucket.com/albums/w547/temeric79/Mobile%20Uploads/2015-03/F5A93AA5-7C10-49E1-BA84-8D37712F805E_zpskm9ma06y.jpg

[commonsenseman]

Those look amazing!

[Emperor Zurg]

As the Emperor requests -

http://i1329.photobucket.com/albums/w547/temeric79/Finish%20him_zpsxgrwjw9s.png

Haha! I take it the project wasn't going all that well that day?

[GWBowman]

Those are just too cool

[Cardinal]

Haha! I take it the project wasn't going all that well that day?

I was upset about the streaked dye job at that point. It's worse than wood even, in the sense that once it was messed up with streaks or spots I couldn't fix it. Maybe there's a way, but I just kept making it worse.

At least that's what I thought at the time. It's growing on my, and I can definitely replicate it haha.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Horseshoe]

Very nice work! I think the dye jobs look fine. Hand made means it has character. I like things that you can tell are hand made. A flaw here and there is just the way it goes, and I see no issues with any of your work. Keep it up!

[GWBowman]

I'm with Brent. Those things keep one from being just another one.

[Cardinal]

Very nice work! I think the dye jobs look fine. Hand made means it has character. I like things that you can tell are hand made. A flaw here and there is just the way it goes, and I see no issues with any of your work. Keep it up!


I'm with Brent. Those things keep one from being just another one.

Thanks guys, I appreciate it. I know what you're saying and I agree...at least when it's someone else's work :pipe:

[JollyRogers]

Every time I look at these I like them more and more, you're making me really want to get or make a cover for the moleskin notebook I use at work. I've got a vision for it, it's the extra large, I'm thinking slots for the front and back cover, a pen loop, a business card pocket and some form of closure. I didn't consider I might be compelled to try a new hobby when I just started into cigars! Damn bums are bad influences all around! :stogie:

[quo155]

WoW! What a project and a great job at it, that's for sure. I'm impressed!

Now.....if I can just keep my mind from wanting to try my hand at leather crafting...to add to my 654 other hobbies.

I want in line to buy one of those whenever you say the word! I've been wanting a leather pouch for my baccy and pipe for quiet some time, but everything looks too cheap or is not me "style" (I'm country) yet has a crazy price tag (being that I don't like what's available to begin with). But, this...is perfect!

Good job Tim!

[Cardinal]

Every time I look at these I like them more and more, you're making me really want to get or make a cover for the moleskin notebook I use at work. I've got a vision for it, it's the extra large, I'm thinking slots for the front and back cover, a pen loop, a business card pocket and some form of closure. I didn't consider I might be compelled to try a new hobby when I just started into cigars! Damn bums are bad influences all around! :stogie:

Haha, GOOD influences! Think of all the useful things you could make!

You really could do that cover. The stuff I've done is probably a little rough to use at the office, but smaller, tighter holes and smaller thread would be doable.


WoW! What a project and a great job at it, that's for sure. I'm impressed!

Now.....if I can just keep my mind from wanting to try my hand at leather crafting...to add to my 654 other hobbies.

I want in line to buy one of those whenever you say the word! I've been wanting a leather pouch for my baccy and pipe for quiet some time, but everything looks too cheap or is not me "style" (I'm country) yet has a crazy price tag (being that I don't like what's available to begin with). But, this...is perfect!

Good job Tim!

Thanks a lot! These are really simply but they do look good, and if they soften up with use I'll be pretty happy with them. And if I ever get to the point where I'm confident enough with my work to sell anything I'll put it up here on the Bum first!

[Will46r]

Haha, GOOD influences! Think of all the useful things you could make!

You really could do that cover. The stuff I've done is probably a little rough to use at the office, but smaller, tighter holes and smaller thread would be doable.



Thanks a lot! These are really simply but they do look good, and if they soften up with use I'll be pretty happy with them. And if I ever get to the point where I'm confident enough with my work to sell anything I'll put it up here on the Bum first!



If you wet the stitching, tap the stitching down, then run the overstich wheel bqck over the thread will help it lay down a bit.

[Cardinal]

If you wet the stitching, tap the stitching down, then run the overstich wheel bqck over the thread will help it lay down a bit.

Thanks, tried that and it does look better now!

[Cardinal]

Little update. I'm trying some different leathers now, and working on my edges. Found out a friend of a friend does some leatherworking, so I went to her shop and she gave me some tips and help, and also showed me her edge waxing wheel which helped a ton -

http://i1329.photobucket.com/albums/w547/temeric79/Mobile%20Uploads/2015-04/6055EF9B-D347-491E-ACF0-FF9D0839AFF8_zpswdw9bssd.jpg

I've got two more in process, one buffalo hide which is thick but very supple, and another in what I believe is oil tanned and quite a bit softer than my original veg-tan, but more rigid than the buffalo.

Here's a pic of the buffalo one, which due to the softness I really struggled with my stitch lines -

http://i1329.photobucket.com/albums/w547/temeric79/Mobile%20Uploads/2015-04/92CFC09D-2273-4AC7-AEEA-4572F5AD0272_zpsaveymzkm.jpg

[Branzig]

Man these are so freaking cool!

Great job!!!!

[Cardinal]

Thanks Brandon. Gotta admit, it's a lot of fun too.

I'm about to meet up with a buddy and give him one of these to try out, so thought I'd take one last family photo including the two new ones in process -

http://i1329.photobucket.com/albums/w547/temeric79/Mobile%20Uploads/2015-04/D71728E3-4644-4C0C-BC34-EFB8227DF470_zps9rdkua4z.jpg

[bluenoser]

those are really nice, great job

[El Whedo]

Yer really doing a good job on those, Tim!

[Will46r]

Now you've done made me place an order for 3-5 oz leather lol. One of the first things a pro leatherworker will when examing your is to check the edges.

Are you having a problem grooving or punching? If it's punching are you placing fingers on eqch side of where the awl goes through? If it's grooving you can use double sided tape or contact cement and glue the leather to some plexiglass or even your cutting board.

[GWBowman]

Looking good

[Will46r]

Rubber cement... RUBBER CEMENT!!!!! NOT contact cement lol

[OnePyroTec]

Little update. I'm trying some different leathers now, and working on my edges. Found out a friend of a friend does some leatherworking, so I went to her shop and she gave me some tips and help, and also showed me her edge waxing wheel which helped a ton -

http://i1329.photobucket.com/albums/w547/temeric79/Mobile%20Uploads/2015-04/6055EF9B-D347-491E-ACF0-FF9D0839AFF8_zpswdw9bssd.jpg

I've got two more in process, one buffalo hide which is thick but very supple, and another in what I believe is oil tanned and quite a bit softer than my original veg-tan, but more rigid than the buffalo.

Here's a pic of the buffalo one, which due to the softness I really struggled with my stitch lines -

http://i1329.photobucket.com/albums/w547/temeric79/Mobile%20Uploads/2015-04/92CFC09D-2273-4AC7-AEEA-4572F5AD0272_zpsaveymzkm.jpg

I love Buffalo hide...When you make another one for sale, LMK :cool:

[Cardinal]

Now you've done made me place an order for 3-5 oz leather lol. One of the first things a pro leatherworker will when examing your is to check the edges.

Are you having a problem grooving or punching? If it's punching are you placing fingers on eqch side of where the awl goes through? If it's grooving you can use double sided tape or contact cement and glue the leather to some plexiglass or even your cutting board.

I'm kind of having trouble with both on the buffalo. First, the leather is so springy that the groover won't cut it, and the marks from the overstitch wheel spring back pretty quickly. However, I can get a good enough line to see and good enough pricks to find with the awl. The worst is trying to punch it - I finally figured out where to put both fingers right over where the awl comes through, but I'm having an absolute devil of a time getting the holes to stay in a straight line on the back side due to the way the leather gives and bends.

[Will46r]

I'm kind of having trouble with both on the buffalo. First, the leather is so springy that the groover won't cut it, and the marks from the overstitch wheel spring back pretty quickly. However, I can get a good enough line to see and good enough pricks to find with the awl. The worst is trying to punch it - I finally figured out where to put both fingers right over where the awl comes through, but I'm having an absolute devil of a time getting the holes to stay in a straight line on the back side due to the way the leather gives and bends.

Try using a fine pen to mark the leather in the points from the over stitch wheel. Have you tried wetting the leather before grooving? Try backing the leather with another piece of leather or thin wood with a small hole drilled in it.

[Will46r]

I'm kind of having trouble with both on the buffalo. First, the leather is so springy that the groover won't cut it, and the marks from the overstitch wheel spring back pretty quickly. However, I can get a good enough line to see and good enough pricks to find with the awl. The worst is trying to punch it - I finally figured out where to put both fingers right over where the awl comes through, but I'm having an absolute devil of a time getting the holes to stay in a straight line on the back side due to the way the leather gives and bends.

Try using a fine pen to mark the leather in the points from the over stitch wheel. Have you tried wetting the leather before grooving? May try backing the leather with a thicker piece or use a piece of wood with a small hole drilled in it.

[Cardinal]

Try using a fine pen to mark the leather in the points from the over stitch wheel. Have you tried wetting the leather before grooving? May try backing the leather with a thicker piece or use a piece of wood with a small hole drilled in it.

That's a good idea on the pen! I've been wetting it and that works great for the veg tanned, but the buffalo is too springy. A little pen-mark is probably the ticket.

I also just gave a try on the backing idea too, first with a stiffer piece of leather and then with my beeswax and both made a huge difference. Thanks for all the advice, it's helping me a lot!

[Will46r]

That's a good idea on the pen! I've been wetting it and that works great for the veg tanned, but the buffalo is too springy. A little pen-mark is probably the ticket.

I also just gave a try on the backing idea too, first with a stiffer piece of leather and then with my beeswax and both made a huge difference. Thanks for all the advice, it's helping me a lot!

No problem. I'd be making crappy leather if it wasn't for a lot of free information from master leatherworkers.

[Cardinal]

Well, I'm extremely unhappy with the stitching on that buffalo, so I'm taking it all apart and trimming off the edges enough that I can start again. Good news is I've practiced some more and think I can do it right the next try.

I also completed one with a softer leather that I'm very happy with. I'd put my name on this one.

http://i1329.photobucket.com/albums/w547/temeric79/Mobile%20Uploads/2015-04/4E4725FF-5B0E-433E-B459-288BC29D7972_zpsis1t52ms.jpg

I also finished a veg-tanned and put it in the mail for somebody to check out - 9405903699300394246609 :pipe:

[Nature]

I am impressed Tim! Nice work. Certainly something to be proud of.

[JollyRogers]

These are looking better and better with every post! That last one is a beauty! Keep up the great work

[fiddlegrin]

Beautiful work Tim!

Thanks for showing us!

[GWBowman]

Well, I'm extremely unhappy with the stitching on that buffalo, so I'm taking it all apart and trimming off the edges enough that I can start again. Good news is I've practiced some more and think I can do it right the next try.

I also completed one with a softer leather that I'm very happy with. I'd put my name on this one.

http://i1329.photobucket.com/albums/w547/temeric79/Mobile%20Uploads/2015-04/4E4725FF-5B0E-433E-B459-288BC29D7972_zpsis1t52ms.jpg

I also finished a veg-tanned and put it in the mail for somebody to check out - 9405903699300394246609 :pipe:

That's sweet.

[quo155]

Tim, you're just getting better and better!

You're on to something........

[Gunther7912]

Wow those look really good. Isn't it fun how fast we can pick up a new hobby?

[Cardinal]

It is a blast finding something like this that I really enjoy doing. It's almost like discovering pipes for the first time or something.

I'm working on a different layout based on one of my friends pipe cases that I got to look at last weekend. His is made of heavy canvas and rolls up, so I looked around online and found a few similar ones in leather and I'm trying to recreate one now. I used stiff veg-tan because that's what I've got on hand, but I think a more supple oil-tanned would be better for this application. I'm still going to finish it. The idea is to make a few vertical pockets, with a flap on the top and the left side which should help contain the pipe/tobacco when I roll the thing up.

First pic of some leather I dyed and conditioned heavily with coconut oil earlier this week -

http://i1329.photobucket.com/albums/w547/temeric79/Mobile%20Uploads/2015-04/38207202-66FA-4162-A1A1-924D5381446A_zpsznbhzjaq.jpg

[Cardinal]

Couple new ones going, the first being this new one based on my friend's canvas roll. Unfortunately the leather is too stiff to roll up well, and the top flap needs to be a little longer. I'll try some more conditioned and trim it up a little. It may end up working, but I think I'll need to start with a softer leather if I try this style again. It gave me an opportunity to model Branzig's pipe though!

http://i1329.photobucket.com/albums/w547/temeric79/Mobile%20Uploads/2015-04/E0252139-0B95-46AC-B81B-AF4CF908A1E6_zpsyfhc5msl.jpg

The other one I just finished is the buffalo leather. I was displeased by the stitching being so uneven, so I took it apart, trimmed 1/4" off the edges, and started again with a new technique. It turned out straight and beautiful, and I'm happy with the result. This is the thickest leather I've used, but also the most supple, and it really hugs the pipe and lighter and feels like it offers decent protection. It's my favorite to date, and I want to get some more of this leather to try another one in the style like the roll above.

http://i1329.photobucket.com/albums/w547/temeric79/Mobile%20Uploads/2015-04/53FAD645-86AF-46EF-A285-B984E76AA01E_zps3zznuz3q.jpg

http://i1329.photobucket.com/albums/w547/temeric79/Mobile%20Uploads/2015-04/1B3B5857-7EAC-44F8-A331-C35EAE575A09_zpsxaiioxm4.jpg

[Tobias Lutz]

Very nice, Tim! I'm extremely impressed. I've never been one for much hand craftsmanship... but I did fashion a few decent bongs back in the day ;)

[Cardinal]

Very nice, Tim! I'm extremely impressed. I've never been one for much hand craftsmanship... but I did fashion a few decent bongs back in the day ;)

Lol thanks. Maybe that'll be my...last project, after I retire.

[Lostmason]

Cardinal


Couple new ones going, the first being this new one based on my friend's canvas roll. Unfortunately the leather is too stiff to roll up well, and the top flap needs to be a little longer. I'll try some more conditioned and trim it up a little. It may end up working, but I think I'll need to start with a softer leather if I try this style again. It gave me an opportunity to model Branzig's pipe though!

http://i1329.photobucket.com/albums/w547/temeric79/Mobile%20Uploads/2015-04/E0252139-0B95-46AC-B81B-AF4CF908A1E6_zpsyfhc5msl.jpg




Tim, are you going to sell this one, and if so how much?

Matthew

[Cardinal]

Cardinal



Tim, are you going to sell this one, and if so how much?

Matthew

The stitching and alignment on this one are so sloppy and poor that I wouldn't even give it away. It works as a prototype/lessons learned I guess. Will let you know if one works out at some point. I like the concept, but the execution needs major work.

[Lostmason]

I read an article about using wd/40 to soften leather made me think of glove oil, for baseball gloves,might make it more supple.

[Lostmason]

The stitching and alignment on this one are so sloppy and poor that I wouldn't even give it away. It works as a prototype/lessons learned I guess. Will let you know if one works out at some point. I like the concept, but the execution needs major work.

I really like this one, looks more personal and stylish.

[Gunther7912]

I'm not sure if it will help or not but when I played baseball and needed to soften a new glove I would rub Vaseline on it and then put in a warm oven for a bit then wipe off the excess. Worked like a charm for me.

[Billb1960]

Hey Tim, as we discussed by PM my Dad did leather work as a hobby for quite a few years. He had the same issues with stitching as you so he got one of these:

http://springfieldleather.com/42795/StitchingChisel%2CDiam-pt%2C6Png/

Much easier and faster than an awl. One shot with a rawhide mallet and you get 6 perfectly aligned holes.

http://i1372.photobucket.com/albums/ag360/hey_blue99/Mobile%20Uploads/2015-03/7A2910A1-3C0C-431A-B6CA-45A29046BA3E_zpszh4o25qk.jpg (http://s1372.photobucket.com/user/hey_blue99/media/Mobile%20Uploads/2015-03/7A2910A1-3C0C-431A-B6CA-45A29046BA3E_zpszh4o25qk.jpg.html)

[Cardinal]

Hey Tim, as we discussed by PM my Dad did leather work as a hobby for quite a few years. He had the same issues with stitching as you so he got one of these:

http://springfieldleather.com/42795/StitchingChisel%2CDiam-pt%2C6Png/

Much easier and faster than an awl. One shot with a rawhide mallet and you get 6 perfectly aligned holes.

http://i1372.photobucket.com/albums/ag360/hey_blue99/Mobile%20Uploads/2015-03/7A2910A1-3C0C-431A-B6CA-45A29046BA3E_zpszh4o25qk.jpg (http://s1372.photobucket.com/user/hey_blue99/media/Mobile%20Uploads/2015-03/7A2910A1-3C0C-431A-B6CA-45A29046BA3E_zpszh4o25qk.jpg.html)

Thank you! I just got one of those a couple weeks ago, and it makes an enormous difference especially with the softer leather. Where before the leather stretched and keeping a straight line was almost impossible, now I can punch really nice, tidy lines. I still enjoy using the awl on veg-tanned leather, but the chisel is great for the softer stuff I've been working on lately.

Speaking of, here's my latest iteration of a roll-up. I got a really awesome, pliable, distressed leather and worked on fixing the flaws from my prototype. I got my measurements about right and I'm happy with the results. That top flap folds down for protection and the whole thing rolls up pretty tight.

http://i1329.photobucket.com/albums/w547/temeric79/Mobile%20Uploads/2015-04/47D2ED7C-24F4-4E15-A1AB-CE9557689F2A_zpsrusji4sf.jpg

http://i1329.photobucket.com/albums/w547/temeric79/Mobile%20Uploads/2015-04/0F253142-9B9E-4FFF-81DD-F438DF5C180F_zpsowxpomdj.jpg

[Branzig]

Speaking of, here's my latest iteration of a roll-up. I got a really awesome, pliable, distressed leather and worked on fixing the flaws from my prototype. I got my measurements about right and I'm happy with the results. That top flap folds down for protection and the whole thing rolls up pretty tight.

http://i1329.photobucket.com/albums/w547/temeric79/Mobile%20Uploads/2015-04/47D2ED7C-24F4-4E15-A1AB-CE9557689F2A_zpsrusji4sf.jpg

http://i1329.photobucket.com/albums/w547/temeric79/Mobile%20Uploads/2015-04/0F253142-9B9E-4FFF-81DD-F438DF5C180F_zpsowxpomdj.jpg

You're pumping these things out like a boss!

I dig the doubled-up storage pouches on this one. Ever thought about trying to line the inside of one of the pouches to hold raw tobacco?

[Cardinal]

You're pumping these things out like a boss!

I dig the doubled-up storage pouches on this one. Ever thought about trying to line the inside of one of the pouches to hold raw tobacco?

I haven't really. Now that you mention it, I'm having trouble picturing how to do it. I could line one of the pockets with a thin, smooth leather and add a flap. That would probably work better on the first pouch I made. If you have a vision let me know, I'd like to improve on these things.

[Branzig]

I haven't really. Now that you mention it, I'm having trouble picturing how to do it. I could line one of the pockets with a thin, smooth leather and add a flap. That would probably work better on the first pouch I made. If you have a vision let me know, I'd like to improve on these things.

I guess I envision something like sewing 9 mil plastic into the inside of one of the pouch. I think that would work well. Then you could just dump whatever blend you wanted to smoke that day straight into the pocket and away you go. The 9 mil is thick, so it would hold humidity fairly well and if you roll the pouch up tight I think it would seal off fine for at least your day out and about.

The only other thing I could think of is sewing in a latex bag inside the pocket as well. I think higher end pipe pouches have latex liners in them...

Just spewing out ideas from the top of my head here :lol:

[Cardinal]

I guess I envision something like sewing 9 mil plastic into the inside of one of the pouch. I think that would work well. Then you could just dump whatever blend you wanted to smoke that day straight into the pocket and away you go. The 9 mil is thick, so it would hold humidity fairly well and if you roll the pouch up tight I think it would seal off fine for at least your day out and about.

The only other thing I could think of is sewing in a latex bag inside the pocket as well. I think higher end pipe pouches have latex liners in them...

Just spewing out ideas from the top of my head here :lol:

Thanks, that's a good idea and I think it would be pretty easy to add. I'll try one like that.

[Emperor Zurg]

Just my 2 bits...

I don't like latex. It's great at first but it has a tendency to dry out and crumble to dust over time. I hate that. I'd go with the thick plastic. Would be awesome if you had a heat sealer and could heat-seal a seam just inside of the stitch line on each side. You could also try leaving a plastic flap sticking up on one side, then maybe a guy could tuck the flap down over the top of the open end and slip it between the plastic and leather so it would help keep the baccy from spilling out.

Just a thought anyway...

Another thought: have you considered some other leather than cowhide? Pigskin is pretty supple and goat skin even more so. Might make for a less bulky roll. I believe you can get whole pig hides, tanned for pretty cheap.

[Basment_Shaman]

So glad I stumbled upon this thread, I'm always trying to reinvent the wheel or the better mousetrap you get the idea. Hand made crafts are rewarding.
2001 l just won a hand made pipe holster from ebay[attaches to your belt] looks simple enough. I like to duplicate it for gifts to my pipe smoking friends.

[Cardinal]

Just my 2 bits...

I don't like latex. It's great at first but it has a tendency to dry out and crumble to dust over time. I hate that. I'd go with the thick plastic. Would be awesome if you had a heat sealer and could heat-seal a seam just inside of the stitch line on each side. You could also try leaving a plastic flap sticking up on one side, then maybe a guy could tuck the flap down over the top of the open end and slip it between the plastic and leather so it would help keep the baccy from spilling out.

Just a thought anyway...

Another thought: have you considered some other leather than cowhide? Pigskin is pretty supple and goat skin even more so. Might make for a less bulky roll. I believe you can get whole pig hides, tanned for pretty cheap.

I have handled a bunch of different leathers including pig, deer, and sheep for sure. They're extremely soft and would be less bulky, but they'd give almost no protection and most that I've seen wouldn't hold much structure at all.

Maybe a double layer so that I'd have a nicely finished inside though.

And I think that plastic lining would be the best. I'll mess around with it sometime.


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