Portable Leather Workshop

For some time now I've had all my leather tools stuffed into two or more boxes. It's not been much fun starting a leather project when I know my tools are scattered around. When I have an idea and I want to test it I want to dive in not wading through unneeded equipment and tools.

As I always do, I make a box for starters. As you'll see in the next step I made two. One for my leather tools and one for my repair kit.

I've got several unfinished and still not started leather projects which I now attack with my new Portable Leather Toolbox.

Supplies

As a beginner leather maker, I do well with cheap and simple tools.
I can see getting more quality tools will improve my work but for now, I'm really happy with what I have.

Here are a few must-have tools:

Leather beginners tool set

LeatherCraft Stitching Punch Tool

Many of the tools were from earlier projects so no need for upgrading yet.

Step 1: The Box…

It all began with a shelf of some sort I found in the trash. It was wide enough to be cut in half and make up for two new boxes. Hinged at both sides I could open it with full access to everything at once. I did some remodeling of the shelvings inside to have open walls on one side. But as you can see a pretty basic interior plan.

Step 2: Grouping the Tools…

Before starting to add tools to the different parts of the box I did a grouping of all the tools I have so far. Both to get an overview and a sense of required space needed. I also wanted to make sure I had some room left over for future tools to arrive. I was amazed at how much I have already compiled. Got to do more rawhide:-)

Step 3: Constructing the Interior

After placing everything out I could start mounting and fixing the holders and hooks for the tools and parts. A drawer was convenient at the base. I made shelvings and clamps where tools were best suited.

Step 4: 3D Print for Saving Space

Space is always limited in my experience so whenever possible I'll make smaller containers and compartments with my 3D printer. This time I wanted to be able to pull out the smaller containers from the bottom drawer. This is really straight forward in Fusion 360. Drawing up the size of the container is done in a second, next pull the rectangle up to its desired height. Now comes the best part right-clicking you cube, choose infill and… booooom you have a box. Now a smart little trick is to make one of the sides, bottom (preferably the one pointing out) rounded ---> fillet. This is great when the contents of your container are small and hard to pick up with your fingers. With the rounded edge you just "pull" it out.

I also made some smaller containers for easy access on the middle shelves.

Large parts box
70mm x 40mm x 40mm
Small parts box
120mm x 80mm x 10mm

Boxes for organizing leather tools: thingiverse.com/thing:4375907

Step 5: "Hidden" Storage and Helping Hand!

To make full use of all available space I made a fold out-door. This added an extra 2 panels of space. Some of the lager tools need this and I really don't want to have an extra bag of tools hanging from this box:-) I hinged it with a wood plug and an IKEA metal plug used for holding shelves in place, then I rounded off the wood hinge back part so it would be flush with the inner wall.

Step 6: Circle Guide Cutter and the Rest…

So here we go! This was utterly satisfying, seeing every piece find it's place and still have room for more.

I'm especially proud of the circle guide cutter made from leftover washers welded together. It fits perfectly on the inside of the fold-out door.

Step 7: What Dosen't Fit Inside…

…must fit on the outside! The back of the box is perfect for storing the cutting and hammering mats. They are kept in place by the centered lock at the top. You slide them in place on the narrow ledge with a lip keeping them steady.

Step 8: One More Thing…

Light, needle… ACTION!
My builds almost always end up with some kind of lighting. This time was no exception and for this type of toolbox… really useful. You pull the light arm out and flick the switch (which I 3D printed, files attached).

This strip of LEDs are powered by a 9-volt battery, but there is also a 12-volt contact on the outside. The brightness increases at 12V, but I find 9 is enough.

Step 9:

From now on I will have all my leather tools in one place and a handle to carry them around. I like having specific toolboxes so I can bring them when traveling on vacations or working form new locations.

I'd love it if you have any tips on tools I'm missing out on or other leather making tricks!

Wonder what leather projects I've got in the pipeline, please head over to @smogdog future builds!

Comments

[chaoscreationz149]

So what were the finished dimensions of the box? I'm making one for my mom a bit different from yours. I'm starting from scratch not a shelf. But the one I'm making her sits at 2'x2'x6" wonderful idea and will be a great mothers day gift though so thanks

[smogdog]

Hi, sorry late reply!!!
I will get you the dimensions tomorrow, on bank holiday today:-)
I would really like to see how your box turns out!
Cheers

Hans g

[Ham-made]

Smogdog, superb concept and design! I think this is the way to go for makers who have perpetually growing lists of interests and skill sets. Also, I will no longer build any storage case without including a helping hand! :)
Cheers!
Mr. Ham

[SharonA1963]

Absolutely awesome toolbox! May I ask for some some clarification please ?
I have read and re-read and looked and re-looked and I can't figure out the helping hand? Will you please expand ?

Thank you so much.

[smogdog]

Hi Sharon!
Thank you so much!!!
It's a very small helping hand:-) Makes for a fun little handle and I smile every time I see it:-D Totally useless in the real world!
I'm planning to add a stiching pony, now that will actually be of help
Cheers
Hans g

[SharonA1963]

Duh...now I get it...and L-O-V-E it!
Thank you so much for the clarification.

May I have your permission to copy your idea? Right now I have a little personal "sweatshop" in my parents basement making PPE items (it's a lot easier to make a toddler wear a face mask if they have matching bunny ears on their head LOL!) I think it would be cool to include a little Helping Hand with each set/item.

Is it safe to assume the hands came from a craft/hobby shop and no Barbie dolls were harmed in the making of this product?
😉

[smogdog]

Ha ha:-D
Even small hands can help sometimes:-) From a bag of hands bought in a doll-making shop in Spain I think…
Yessss, please go ahead and copy all you want. I'd love to see what you make.

Cheers

Hans g

[smogdog]

Hey Ham! Thanks a million mate, and nice of you to notice my helping hand:-)

[kz1]

Adding The light was a nice touch. A very nice and functional design! Much better than a pile-o-tools anytime.

[smogdog]

Thanks for scrolling all the way to the end:-) The light is my favourite!

[tincho1962]

Muy interesante los posts

[smogdog]

Muchas gracias, la pasé muy bien haciéndolo:-

[Chickenrun123]

Very entertaining and awesome video you made and a great music choice!

[smogdog]

He he! I love that music, got to be careful not to use it on everything:-D Cheers

[Maimunnkhan]

Phenomenal job! Even better, you wonderfully described your process to design the box and with that, I can imagine all kinds of different cases that I need. Thank you!

[smogdog]

Thank you so much, I can only hope my Instructables come across as you describe, you made my day!

[Penolopy Bulnick]

Really nice! It's great when you can have everything in one place like that :)

[smogdog]

Yeah I know, and just how much more fun it is to start a new project when everything is at your finger tips:-)
Cheers!