lining a box with bits of leather

[sunnybob]

I've been asked to make a watch display box,
Not a big deal, only for 5 watches with a hinged up glass insert lid. The box holds no terrors for me.
But the inner separate sections and dividers will most likely be black leather covered, and thats something I havent yet attempted.
I can get 1.5 mm car seat leather, but what would be the best adhesive, and method for covering those little square boxes?

 

[NickM]

Custard wrote a very good guide to box lining over on "the other place".

He uses double sided tape to stick the leather (he uses pig suede which is a bit thinner than the stuff you're talking about) and glues the card to the box with copydex (ammonia, PVA stuff).

I've done it a few times and it works really well (but is a fiddly business).

 

[Phil Pascoe]

Remembering that thread, 1.5mm is two or three times thicker than is ideal.

 

[Cabinetman]

Remembering that thread, 1.5mm is two or three times thicker than is ideal.

Probably but this about 1mm, reusing an old leather jacket, over neoprene to make it nice and squidgy, I think I used superglue for this shotgun bracket. Ian

 

[sunnybob]

I mentioned 1.5 mm from memory (not as good as it once was), but I can get off cuts from a car seat refinisher. I cant believe its as thin as 0.5 mm though.

I cant get decent double sided tape here, for some reason one side is strong, the other will peel off with the slightest assistance.

I've been surfing for hinges and catches, and for decent stuff (rather than my usual cheapo trinket box stuff) thats looking like 50 quids worth, which is more than the cost of the wood (and she wants bubinga).
I think I might have to quote high and see what response I get.

 

[Woodbloke]

I've been surfing for hinges and catches, and for decent stuff (rather than my usual cheapo trinket box stuff) thats looking like 50 quids worth, which is more than the cost of the wood (and she wants bubinga).
I think I might have to quote high and see what response I get.

I think Michael (MY63 of this parish) is the top bloke to ask about this sort of thing; might be worth a PM? Always better to quote high, or highish IMO as if you don't, you're liable to be out of pocket when the job gets handed over. If the customer is after bubinga (which is now I believe on the cites list of restricted timbers here in the UK,) it might also be worth having a natter with her to see if she's up for some decent quality hardware - Rob

 

[sunnybob]

She has bought from me before, and I know a reasonable price wont scare her off, but shes set on bubinga to match other stuff she has.
I have some bubinga left, and last time I was in the woodyard they still had some planks. Wish I could afford a thousand or two to buy their stock :lol:
My problem now is that I cant buy decent small box hardware here, and have only been back a week from England where I could have had it delivered next day. That will add a couple of weeks to the job.

I will ask Michael.

 

[Lons]

What about flocking as a possible alternative to leather if it's something she'll accept, I don't think it's cheap but certainly less fiddly. I haven't done any but have watched it being applied.

 

[sunnybob]

Lons,
Not sure where you got the idea it is expensive, its the cheapest finish you can get.
I have been using flocking for many years now. Its OK for the inside of cheap and medium priced boxes, but it is not up to a posh display case. especially on a small removable part that will be handled often like a watch display pad.

 

[Lons]

Lons,
Not sure where you got the idea it is expensive, its the cheapest finish you can get.
I have been using flocking for many years now. Its OK for the inside of cheap and medium priced boxes, but it is not up to a posh display case. especially on a small removable part that will be handled often like a watch display pad.

Fair enough Bob, I have Scottish blood somewhere in my family. :lol: I clearly have it wrong as I was under the impression it's durable

 

[sunnybob]

I wouldnt call it "durable". It is very economical though, you can do box drawers for just a few pennies each.
It looks good inside bandsaw box drawers and is fine for surfaces not often handled, but its knobbly, and is susceptible to unsightly wear if the surface is constantly being touched and scuffed.
This box will have compartments for watches and the watches will be mounted over sponge filled pull out sections. Definitely a leather or similar situation.

 

[Woodbloke]

Definitely a leather or similar situation.

You might also consider Alcantara which is a leather like, very high quality faux suede, much used in the top end motor trade and available in a huge range of colours - Rob

 

[sunnybob]

I suspect that wont be available here, and I'm very hopeful of scrap leather pieces at the best possible price :eusa-whistle:

 

[MY63]

Hi Bob sorry I missed this, I have been consumed by the work on my daughters flat.
Leather wise goat or lamb (nappa) will be your best option 0.5mm if you can get it, I pay around £25 per skin for goat Lamb might be a little more £28 to £30 and it tends to be slightly stiffer.
I will be placing an order next week if you want me to add one for you I dont know what the cost of shipping to Cyprus is. There is a good tannery in Greece I can get details if you wish.
Alcantara is a brand name like Goretex and is priced accordingly.
I dont know what others do but I always make inserts from card which I wrap in suede or leather.

 

[sunnybob]

Michael, thanks for the reply.
That cost is prohibitive for me.
I only have a small watch presentation box to make so buying skin from the UK would surpass the value of the box. I try not to get into this kind of thing, preferring wood finish, so no point in even buying it and putting it by for future use.
My current plan is to get free scraps from a car upholsterer, hopefully 1 mm or less.
If that fails I dont have a viable pan B at the moment :eusa-naughty:

 

[Just4fun]

If that fails I dont have a viable pan B at the moment :eusa-naughty:

I lined a small box with a chamois leather car wash cloth I bought at a local "Halfords" type store for cheap. It worked fine.

 

[sunnybob]

Hey! I have a plan B !
:eusa-clap: :eusa-clap: :eusa-clap:

 

[MY63]

Bob I thought it was a big box you were making, I did some work for a high end retailer :eusa-naughty: I am not allowed to talk about it,It was all in black skin let me know how much you need. Postage might be the issue.
Pictures would be nice I like your boxes.

 

[sunnybob]

Michael,
The box will be abut 30c. x 10cm x 8cm.
The lid will be glass. Its just to hold 5 watches, like this;-
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Watches-Storag ... 412&sr=8-7
But in highly figured bubinga, with chrome hinges in this style;-
https://www.nichelocks.com/Cabinet-Hard ... googlebase
I'm struggling to find a nice chrome catch to go with it, but the guy has said he will be happy with magnets if all else fails.
Small box furniture here is strictly limited to the cheapest of the cheap chinese pot metal.

Its not a valuable box overall, not even a 100 quid, but it wont work with just finished wood on the inside.

I'm planning on going to the car upholsterer tomorrow. If thats a complete wash I just might get back to you on your offer. Thank you.
But of course, now the UK is no longer in europe, that would involve import duty(20%) and then vat on top (another 20% of the running total).

At the moment, theres nothing to see, only the 4 sides waiting to be trimmed. I bought back a large (21kg) cast iron mitre trimmer from the UK 2 weeks ago, the blades are away being sharpened and I hope to get them back this week, allowing me to put the 4 sides together.

 

[sunnybob]

Breathe easy, Michael and Andy. :eusa-pray:
I managed to scarf a largish piece of car seat "leather" thats barely 1mm thick.
I have enough for a few trial runs.
Thanks to both for very kind offers, but the logistics were far more involved than the value of the box. :eusa-naughty:

Of course, if anyone goes to Cyprus on holiday and decides to bring gifts, I can supply a few beer tokens anytime. :lol:

 

[sunnybob]

Looking for adhesive suggestions now.
Bear in mind this 0.75 mm car"leather" lookalike will have to be what I use, I now need suitable glue.
First trial with UHU spray glue onto thick card failed within a couple of hours.
Next trial will be with titebond 3. Any other realistic options?

 

[AJB Temple]

If you got it from a car trim place, why not ask them what they use to bond it to wood? They must do door panels and dashboards.

 

[sunnybob]

Language barrier is a mighty thing. I've seen them stitch covers and force over foam, never seen them fix to a flat surface.

 

[AJB Temple]

Language barrier is a thing of the past.

Type "What glue do you use to stick leather to wood?" into Google translate on your phone or laptop.
Greek: ti kólla chrisimopoieís gia na kollíseis to dérma sto xýlo?

Google translate has an icon too which speaks the Greek for you. They can show you their glue or type into the app or speak into the app. This will suffice easily to solve your problem with an adhesive that they use locally.

You can then use it to learn Greek :lol:

 

[sunnybob]

My phone is a phone. it is not internet connected. I dont use it enough to warrant the cost.
I shall overcome.

 

[MY63]

Hi Bob I use contact adhesive for heavier leather, PVA is fine for lighter leathers. If I am sticking it to card I would use contact adhesive as PVA will soak in and soften the card. Dont forget double sided tape.

 

[sunnybob]

Michael, thanks.
I shall try double sided tape, but what I have seems to be much stronger on one side than the other.
I have a superglue piece on test which I will check later today.
I'm wondering about a "no more nails" type of adhesive?

The material I have scrounged is very springy, trying to keep it folded it over card is proving difficult, but cost is now everything on this project. I havent made a lined box before and have significantly underestimated the material difficulty and prices.
If these tests fail I might just leave the inner box as bare wood. The bubinga is highly figured and it might be an easy cop out. Then it would just be the foam filled inserts for the watches, which 'er indoors says she can sew. :eusa-dance:
It would be nice to make a small profit on it. :eusa-pray:

 

[MY63]

Hi Bob.
There are a few tricks to get leather to do what you want it too. Even chrome tanned (which is what you will have) moisture and heat are the easiest.
If you are using card to mount the lining you cannot wet the leather to much.
Glue the card to the leather with contact adhesive leaving a good amount to fold over. Apply a damp cloth and using an iron apply some heat and pressure, working away from the edge. The heat will usually soften the contact adhesive so take care. Use weights or clamps to hold it until it dries out. If it is causing issues use contact adhesive to stick the flaps down saving the tape for mounting.
Dont forget to allow for the thickness of the card and leather or it will bite you when you put it together.
Anything else let me know.

 

[sunnybob]

The superglue test piece has worked. Still solid after 24 hours.
I dont actually have real leather, its some kind of plastic with aerated fabric back on it, making it very springy.
I looked closely at leaving the box bare, but it just isnt right. I might have to bite the bullet and lose a bit on this box, but she has been my most profitable customer to date, so I'm just giving a bit back. :lol:

Had a major setback today, attaching the chrome hinges, got the grooves really nice fitting, and the third screw to go in snapped off clean :shock: Thats despite me drilling 1.5 mm pilot holes for 2.25 mm screws, and even coating the screws in wax before putting them in the box. I HATE box hardware!!!
Took me well over an hour to dig the old screw out without damaging the slot (much) and glue in a wedge.
Now I'm drilling 2 mm holes to make sure it doesnt happen again. I might coat them with glue this time :lol:

 

[AJB Temple]

Linley uses faux suede. Their basic Henley box starts at £995, and this will take two faux suede watch cushion inserts at £500 the pair. https://www.davidlinley.com/collections ... y-box-grey

This is for their basic (ie Far East copy) hinge and lock fittings set rather than the expensive real deal. Looks like it would hold 8 watches.

I think Linley sub out all their box making to third party skilled makers who construct to a specification, size and finish. They look nice boxes but nothing all that special - well within the capability of most of us.

Very hard to see how Amazon can do a 5 watch box, with all hardware and a "real glass" lid insert for £20.

Shall be interested to see how yours turns out Bob.

 

[Woodbloke]

I think Linley sub out all their box making to third party skilled makers who construct to a specification, size and finish. They look nice boxes but nothing all that special - well within the capability of most of us.

Linners does indeed sub out everything. The outfit which makes most of his work is in Robin Hood's Bay, nr Whitby and the NI box maker from Belfast, Ian Hawthorne has also recently sold his soul to make for the royal personage - Rob

 

[AJB Temple]

Now that is a weird coincidence Rob.

I bought a humidor in an antique shop down near Rye, earlier this year. It was quite new and was made by Ian Hawthorn - who I had never heard of until I got home and looked him up. Fabulously well made and I bought it because it was being sold at £80 and I bought it for £40, which was obviously a daft price. I've never smoked and have no use for a humidor, but my plan was to convert it into a different type of box. Superb fittings and lock.

Had no idea he also does stuff for Linley.

 

[sunnybob]

Luckily, I have never ever attempted to add a labour cost to my boxes, or I would be up there with the grand a time mob , even at a pound an hour :lol:
My idea of making a profit is to cover costs and parts, and some more on top for electric and blades.
If I can run my hobby at zero expense to the exchequer, I'm a happy camper.

The box is coming along. I'm on the last finishing of the wood now I've repaired the damage caused by the busted screw.
Just got to get the artist formerly known as 'er indoors to dig out the sewing machine. :eusa-whistle: