DIY vs. BUY: Leather Wet Molds Pt. 2

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DIY vs. BUY: Leather Wet Molds Pt. 2
In this second and final part of our wet mold series, we explore how our DIY Wet mold did in molding a nice small shoulder bag. We look at how the wood performed, how the molding came out, and how the finish piece came out!
I think as I mention in the video, if a mold shape you need is available to purchase for a fair price it's always going to be a bit more accurate than something you can make by hand. But this showdown has taught us that making nice wet molds with hand tools is accessible to us for shapes that are not offered for sale anywhere. It was a fun project - thank you for following along!

[@Brokenhandsleather]

Corter uploads, I watch. It's as simple as that.

[@forestofsmiles6257]

I believe you could also sandwich and glue two pieces of .5” to get the additional strength, As well. Thanks for the content love your work

[@joestuttgen5058]

I bet that if you were making your own mold, you could have a larger base with the positive side and have a couple alignment pins to match the top (negative side). That way you could have multiple top sides to adjust for multiple thicknesses of leather. The alignment pins can make sure the molds come together with consistent gaps all of the way around

[@jameshoward8609]

Something I learned when I started rolling my own cigars. I wanted to make my own cigar molds because the store bought ones were over $100 each. I learned that when the damp cigars were in the mold the wood had a tendency to warp. The oldtimers used 1 inch to 1 1/2 inch hard wood because it did not warp. So with these wet molds I would say use the same wood and you don't have to worry about cracking or having the mold deform over time.

[@paganironworks3622]

Have you done any experimenting with light stamping while it’s in the wet mold after it’s dried part way? Does it affect the finished shape? Or hurt the mold underneath

[@rosemaryblock7751]

Much ado about nuthin' much... and scrounging material IS a thing...if you know a few framing carpenters! 😆

[@bbrachman]

You can repair the one that broke. Just cut strips and wood glue them all the way around. Won't be perfect but will allow you to use it comfortably. I broke a couple of my own and did this. The wonder of plywood with its crossing grain structure.

[@d.s.3551]

Thank you for your videos. I'm planning on making a scripture/journaling tote type bag with dividers and pockets. I am a seamstress and was wanting to make it out of leather. I think the leather I have is about 3oz. What I have discovered is that I have some interesting possibilities that I wasn't sure how to do combining my current sewing construction skills and learning some new ones that are leather exclusive. I think I will need to use more of the leather techniques and appreciate that you have shared your knowledge here with everyone.

[@luvnotvideos]

I've made a couple of these in the past, but my results vary wildly. Is there a standard construction theory listed somewhere? What is the ideal spacing between the buck and the press? 1/8 inch? 1/4 inch? Something else entirely? Should the press edges be rounded or left squared off? Would the squared off create better stitching guides, or would the rounded relieve some stress and prevent wrinkles? I have the wood-working tools and basic knowledge, but these little details might make a difference between "eh" and "wow".

[@BombproofCraftsman]

Glue & screw 2 layers of plywood for the top section. Should keep it from cracking.

[@CrudelyMade]

y'know you could stack your thinner material with some glue and get the thicker material, right? I mean.. that's literally what the thicker plywood is.

[@frankperez1225]

Who can't make molds ... lol so easy.

[@bigfranksworld]

Is there a chart somewhere that would tell us what the gap between the two halves of the form needs to be vs. the weight or thickness of the leather used? thanks.

[@billyeast6819]

I made more money selling molds than selling leather goods. I machined the molds out of steel. You bet it takes time to make one and they are expensive, but they sell.

[@EmperorProtects4848]

For smaller parts/thinner leather 3d printing works a charm and there are a bunch of rather easy to use tools out there to create the shapes you want. I don't have any experience in using it at this size/thickness of leather. But for example pen and pocket knife molds are really easy to create.

[@TheRealStructurer]

I do the same. Long lasting and easy to get exact dimensions 👍

[@acedavis4247]

Have you ever seen anyone make moulds out of plastic like pla or pet or some nylon mixes

[@mistycherie]

I love the exploration of making vs buying! Especially if it's a custom shape. I am definitely someone who considers my time vs just buying. Sometimes it is better to buy vs deal with making it yourself. I am very familiar with woodworking tools, so to me I could easily see the idea of making some vs buying. I had an idea though, could make a graduated set with pieces you add/remove to make the wet molded area bigger or smaller. It would be one mold vs like 3-4-5, just add the rings or remove the rings (from both bottom and top pieces). Much easier if someone has CNC machine vs doing it by hand of course! Haha. (I do not have a CNC machine.) But I could see that as space saving and material saving too. Start with the biggest size and cut out the smaller, and then you only have the cut line as a gap.

[@PapaDan]

If they don’t keep enough in stock I’m making them

[@ianthomas3653]

I love wet molding tools and making custom tool holders. This series however makes me want to try making a 2 piece considering i have the means over the funds to buy them.

[@mauramorais3233]

Gostei❤

[@joaoalbertodosanjosgomes1536]

Que horror!

[@MrBassman313]

Gotta know how wood works just as much as leather works.

[@mydearriley]

what did you call the closure?

[@joaoalbertodosanjosgomes1536]

Very interesting work. 🌎👍❤

[@kminer49er]

As a 16 year old kid, 60 years ago, I worked for my Dad in his grocery store. We used a hammer just like the one you used to open wooden fresh fruit and vegetable crates. The produce wholesaler's sales reps handed them out. Yours was advertising Cow Brand Baking Soda; what we know today as 'Arm And Hammer'. The hook on the handle was most likley a staple remover.

[@Corter]

no way! That's so cool!

[@WesB1972]

I have one myself, Mine is called a Bixby Box Terrier . My great grand father had it over 100 years ago and kept in a small tool box on the logging locomotive that he operated for the Babcock Lumber Co.

[@WesB1972]

FWIW that mold is a simple wood working project, beginner level !!!!!!!

[@groosbro1]

"I don't have a jigsaw..." Harbor Freight sells a $30 jigsaw as good as most of the hardware store brands. No excuses!

[@tonywilson1078]

Thanks for the video. As always, very helpful. I came across a plan for a tool bag with wet molded sides, and I’ve decided to buy the BG mold and adapt the plan to the molded piece. And I know I can use the mold for lots of other projects: bags, trays, boxes, etc. Thanks again.

[@artangulo4550]

Greetings. Any of the parts for the molds the plywood can be double layer to make any part of the molds thicker and strongest plus water resistant glue can be use, just an idea.

[@erikfontaine1979]

Thanks for this! I have been thinking about doing a mold since seeing BG's shipping fees to Canada. Will definitely try it.

[@alanbithell4587]

Could you please give me the details of the closure you use on this pouch?

[@steveslenderman]

Great video. I enjoy making my own wet mold of all types. Great way to customize a product.

[@jacquesleonard1429]

C'est un très beau travail!!! Mais tu parles beaucoup de trop c'est très fatigant

[@c7customleather]

Just double up the 1/2 in ply wood you have 🤙

[@Copodile]

Would you ever work with exotic leathers?

[@goforthbmerry]

fast work on a CNC but not everyone has easy access to that.

[@raymondrussell500]

Use Baltic Birch plywood for your molds. It is stronger and better water resistance. Also a better working plywood

[@Corter]

It absolutely is, that's what I used according to the SKU on the leftover piece :) 3/4" is $120 a sheet right now where we live so I was doing my best to provide an affordable alternative as a comparison. At that price it's more economical to just buy the molds from Buckleguy, hopefully it'll come down in price soon!

[@wild-radio7373]

🥰👍

[@JoFrostleatherwork]

Anyone know where to order those closures?

[@matchstickdesignco]

Well, I just replied to your question with a link to where you could get them, but my reply was deleted. Maybe because it wasn't a link to Buckleguy? I guess free market is frowned upon here, so you'll just have to search on your own. They're called Loxx closures, btw.

[@Corter]

I didn't delete your comment so it must have been caught in a filter but yep, Loxx closures - any marine store should have them!

[@gypsymysticuniverse]

I've bought those closures (Loxx fasteners) from Maker's Leather Supply. Great fasteners and they have them at a very good price.

[@JoFrostleatherwork]

Thanks all for the info!!

[@владимирникитин-ь6р]

Иногда лучше купить форму.

[@themegasexybasterd]

"Idea" not sure how this would work but here goes. Couldnt U use "Severe Weather 2-in x 12-in x 8-ft #2 Prime Ground Contact Wood Pressure Treated" its only $20 for 8 feet. Criss cross the grain double thick,so the top would be 4 inches thick and the bottom 4 inches thick glue clamp and screw {Router 1 or 2 inches even 3 would still give u 1 inch left}. Router the outside of ur bottom then router the inside of the top. Wouldnt that be stronger then plywood? Can u picture what I'm trying to say? if that worked u could make at least 2 12inch by 12 inch 4 inches thick for $20