Modern Leatherwork for Makers: Traditional Craft Techniques Meet CNC and 3D Printing

by Tim Deagan

Overview

Take leather crafting into the 21st century with this complete guide that marries traditional skills to the latest CNC and 3D printing technologies. Learn how to start making your own leather creations with traditional tools, and then take them to incredible new levels with digital design techniques. Leatherworking is one of humankind's oldest skills and remains a fun and exciting way to make great-looking wearables, accessories, and cosplay items. 3D printers and even hobbyist-class CNC machines have created fantastic new opportunities for new directions in this popular hobby. The book is perfect for makers new to leatherworking, as well as experienced leatherworkers who want to understand how to integrate new digital fabrication tools into their workbench. Written by an experienced leatherworker and programmer, this is a resource that makers will turn to again and again.

Highlights:

First comprehensive reference on applying digital design techniques to leatherwork

Provides both a reference manual and a project guide

Includes traditional techniques like cutting, stamping, tooling and dyeing leather

Introduces novices and experienced leatherworkers to cutting-edge digital tools

Every project has been real-world tested

Opens up exciting new project areas for makers

This book provides valuable reference and how-to information for makers interested in leatherworking but who have no prior experience, for experienced leatherworkers who want to extend their knowledge to include new digital tools, and for 3D printing and CNC enthusiasts who want to include a new material in their repertoire. Leatherworking is a hobby that is enjoyed by a wide range of people from middle school through adulthood and can be incorporated into a variety of other kinds of projects, from clothing design and costuming to carrying cases and furniture.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781680453201
Publisher:	Make Community, LLC
Publication date:	08/26/2017
Pages:	236
Sales rank:	1,149,538
Product dimensions:	7.90(w) x 9.60(h) x 1.00(d)
Age Range:	12 - 18 Years

About the Author

Tim Deagan has written for Make: magazine, Nuts and Volts, and other technical publications. He is a licensed Texas Flame Effects Operator and the Flame and Safety Coordinator for the Austin Mini Maker Faire. After years of building flame effects, aka "booshes," in the local Burn community, Tim began teaching classes called "Propane 101" and "Build Your Own Aluminum Foundry" to help other interested makers create their own projects. As a former firefighter in the Brent Volunteer Fire Department and captain of a Red Cross Disaster Action Team, Tim has always believed that the most exciting pursuits are at their best when safety is fully understood and becomes part of the culture. Tim is also a contributor to the open-source 3D CAD program OpenSCAD and an active member of the Handibot CNC and Printrbot 3D printer communities.

Table of Contents

About the Author v

Introduction vii

1 Understanding Leather 1

Tanning Leather 2

Understanding Hides 3

2 Fundamental Leatherworking Tasks and Tools 7

Cutting or Removing Leather 9

Joining Leather 14

Shaping and Decorating Leather 22

3 Computer Control of Leather 31

Toolchains 34

Digital Leatherworking 39

4 3D Printing Leatherworking Tools 43

Additive Manufacturing Techniques 44

The 3D Printing Toolchain 48

3D Printed Leatherworking Tools 56

5 The Fractal Journal Cover 63

Design 64

Digital Laser Fabrication 67

Leatherworking 81

The Results 85

Enhancements 85

6 The Ghouls and Gears Multi-Tool Holder 89

Design 90

Digital Laser Fabrication 93

Leatherworking 102

7 Steampunk Action-Cam Top Hat 111

Design 112

Digital Fabrication 116

Leatherworking 119

The Results 126

Enhancements 127

8 8-Bit Cell Phone Belt Case 129

Design 130

Digital Fabrication 136

Leatherworking 145

The Results 152

9 PCB Tablet Sleeve 155

Design 156

Digital Fabrication 161

Leatherworking 171

The Results 173

10 Elder Gods Belt Pouch 175

Design 176

Digital Fabrication 182

Leatherworking 187

The Results 190

11 Le Voyage dans la Lune Shoulder Bag 193

Design 194

Digital Fabrication 199

Leatherworking 203

The Results 209

A Appendix: Online Resources 211

Leather 211

Hardware 212

Software 213

Digital Fabrication 214

Index 215