Wet Mold Leather with a FoodSaver (Vacuum Seal)

[@systemtim]

if you drill holes in the board beneath the object the air will pull the leather closer to the object and thus you can get a better form.

[@HNXMedia]

Awesome tip! Thanks for posting this. Peace.

[@darylmacdonald8124]

One point to clarify on your wording. You say wait for the leather to dry when in fact, it will never dry in a sealed plastic bag. You simply need to give it time to take the shape and hold it before taking it out and letting the leather actually dry.

[@HNXMedia]

Absolutely. You are correct, my friend.

[@GreatJim54]

Also, if you draw the vacuum without sealing the bag, you can reuse the bag several times before it wears out.

[@lazybird2680]

Hey, how long will it take to hold the shape?

[@darylmacdonald1156]

@@lazybird2680 I usually leave it 20 minutes or so and take it out. The leather won't dry in the bag

[@lazybird2680]

@@darylmacdonald1156 No I got the not drying thing 🤣 thanks. 20 min seems awfully short.. will give it a try tho 👍

[@ddaynormandy290]

I have been playing with some leather projects. Made a knife sheath, I tried to mold the leather to the knife blade. I used 2 strips of smart siding to protect the leather when I clamp it, the siding had a wood texture I overlook which gave the leather a wood texture when it dried.

[@loa129]

This is soooo cool! I have never done anything like this, but I am surely going to try now. I have several knives that need a case! Thank you!

[@HNXMedia]

Go for it! You can absolutely do this! If you would like, check out our leather-working playlist which has a ton of ideas and tricks that might help you on your creative journey.

[@jessicarockhill570]

I realize this is an old video, however it's exactly what I searched! My only question is - How did it dry inside the sealed bag? Did the wood absorb the moisture? I tried this BEFORE finding ur vid, and didn't use any wood, only the item( a cabachon) and the leather. I let it sit for maybe 36hrs, and was afraid to leave it any longer due to the moisture trapped inside. It wasn't sopping wet, but it was still damp when I removed it. I figured it might make sense for me to search for advice on the subject before going any further in the project. Thanks so much!

[@HNXMedia]

Yes, the wood absorbs a lot of the moisture, but once it has set overnight, the leather should hold the shape. It is best to wet-mold with about 6oz veg tan if possible. I have molded around all types of shapes. Wet molding leather is a great and can really take your projects to the next level. Thanks for watching. Stay well.

[@luvnotvideos]

I wonder if adding a washcloth, dish rag, or even several paper towels between the wood and the items would help absorb moisture. Being a food saver and not a regular vacu-former, there is no way for the moisture to evaporate from the sealed bag. I would think having something to draw the moisture away from the leather would help it solidify into the form faster.

[@Mesagsp]

That is genius! Thanks!

[@HNXMedia]

Thanks for watching! Hope the video gave you some ideas.

[@Mesagsp]

I used your method to make my new leatherman sheath. Perfection. Thanks again!!

[@HNXMedia]

@@Mesagsp Nice! Glad it worked out and thanks for reporting back. Stay well.

[@jessicarockhill570]

Oh p.s.: I LOVE SQUIRRELS!!!! thanks for that too ;)

[@amosmoses8656]

Fantastic skills and ideas. Brilliant video.

[@HNXMedia]

Thanks, Mike. Much appreciated, brother!

[@FUBARguy107]

Working on a leather holster for a pistol and this was exactly what I was hoping to see. Now I just have to pester the local pawn shops for a food saver because they're just as expensive as a vacuum chamber...

[@HNXMedia]

Try this one for doing it by hand: kzbin.info/www/bejne/jGLWgqN6jJWrbrM

[@DONK0]

Bonus squirrel content at the end

[@HNXMedia]

😎

[@jaredclark1638]

What model is your Foodsaver vacuum sealer? Will any Foodsaver vacuum sealer work?

[@stevencrawford6421]

How thick is the leather?

[@HNXMedia]

I think the leather in this video was about 4oz, but this technique should work with up to 6oz with proper forming.

[@forrest9097]

I have the same knife, do you like the knife?

[@HNXMedia]

Yes. Super sharp and use it around the house a lot. I typically do not take this one out in the woods with me (because I never had a case before). Hopefully I can use and abuse it a little more now. Thanks for watching and taking the time to leave a great comment. Peace.

[@forrest9097]

HNX Media sure thing! I need to sharpen mine big time, it worked well gutting a deer but it's dull now

[@HNXMedia]

@@forrest9097 Now i am SERIOUSLY jealous! Enjoy the venison! Peace.