Armor Geek Project - Page 2 |
 |
For this project you will want to have on hand our standard basic set of leather working tools. A small ball peen hammer for rivets and punches, a good sturdy sharp razor blade, a good sharp rolling cutter, a hole punch ( don’t skimp on this! Get a good one) and a good metal straight edge ruler. |
|
There are many grades and quality’s of leather. For this project you can choose any thickness and grade you see fit. Leather is sold by square footage and weight by square inch. This weight refers to the thickness of the material. Below is a chart with average approximations for thickness in inches to weight.
Ounces |
Inches |
Ounces |
Inches |
Ounces |
Inches |
Ounces |
Inches |
1 |
1/64" |
6 |
3/32" |
11 |
11/64" |
16 |
1/4" |
2 |
1/32" |
7 |
7/64" |
12 |
3/16" |
17 |
17/64" |
3 |
3/64" |
8 |
1/8" |
13 |
13/64" |
18 |
9/32" |
4 |
1/16" |
9 |
9/64" |
14 |
7/32" |
19 |
19/64" |
5 |
5/64" |
10 |
5/32" |
15 |
15/64" |
20 |
5/16" |
|
 |
For many of the projects we will be presenting the D-ring is the easiest and most user-friendly way of securing straps. D-rings come in several flavors; we prefer the brass plated ring that is not cast for a couple reasons. Firstly is the cost of cast rings that are made from molten brass poured into moulds. Secondly are color options. If you want to get brushed steel, silver, chromed, or antiqued rings its totally cost effective. The usual ring we use is 1-1/4th rings. But 1" would work equally as well. |
 |
Chicago screws are invaluable for the pattern developer and extremely useful for a handful of applications due to their reusability and durability. When prototyping a pattern you can use construction paper and Chicago screws to create articulated paper prototypes before you commit to cutting leather. Secondly in some cases they are the ideal tool for securing articulated joints while allowing quick disassembly for storage and cleaning. |
 |
The typical snap type rivets are a great choice for light to medium use projects. These are very easy to use, come in many different lengths and styles and offer a very secure connection. The only note worth caution worth mention that applies to all rivet types is to use caution not to overly impact them on articulated joints so as to allow freedom of movement in the joint. |
 |
This is a very basic steel ring that is used in fastener and to allow connecting points that are flexible. The usual size we use is two inch rings however you can use rectangular rings in most all cases while still providing the required flexibility. |
|
