Modern Leatherwork For Makers

Modern Leatherwork for Makers

Modern Leatherwork for Makers

Take leather crafting into the 21st century with this complete guide that marries traditional skills to the latest CNC and 3D printing technologies. Learn how to start making your own leather creations with traditional tools, and then take them to incredible new levels with digital design techniques. Leatherworking is one of humankind's oldest skills and remains a fun and exciting way to make great-looking wearables, accessories, and cosplay items. 3D printers and even hobbyist-class CNC machines have created fantastic new opportunities for new directions in this popular hobby. The book is perfect for makers new to leatherworking, as well as experienced leatherworkers who want to understand how to integrate new digital fabrication tools into their workbench. Written by an experienced leatherworker and programmer, this is a resource that makers will turn to again and again. Highlights: First comprehensive reference on applying digital design techniques to leatherwork Provides both a reference manual and a project guide Includes traditional techniques like cutting, stamping, tooling and dyeing leather Introduces novices and experienced leatherworkers to cutting-edge digital tools Every project has been real-world tested Opens up exciting new project areas for makers This book provides valuable reference and how-to information for makers interested in leatherworking but who have no prior experience, for experienced leatherworkers who want to extend their knowledge to include new digital tools, and for 3D printing and CNC enthusiasts who want to include a new material in their repertoire. Leatherworking is a hobby that is enjoyed by a wide range of people from middle school through adulthood and can be incorporated into a variety of other kinds of projects, from clothing design and costuming to carrying cases and furniture.

Make: Tips and Tales from the Workshop

The hard-earned tips and tricks gained by experience are the hidden currency of makers -- passed along in workshops and makerspaces by example and by retelling -- shared wisdom that will help you work smarter, easier, and more efficiently. Who doesn't remember with gratitude the insider secrets they learned from from a parent, shop teacher, or artisan? The best ones are never forgotten! This benchtop reference collects hundreds of ingenious and indispensable shop tips and pearls of wisdom collected by the editors of Make: and some of the most talented and prolific makers who've contributed to the magazine and Maker Faire over the past decade. Inside you'll find tips for measuring and cutting, gluing and fastening, clamping and joining, drilling, shop organizing, maintenance and repair, and more. The topics covered run the gamut from traditional shopcraft to electronics and soldering. You'll also encounter fascinating tales from experienced makers whose personal stories illuminate their favorite tools and best discoveries. Illustrated in full color with photos, drawings, and comic strips, Tips and Tales from the Workshop will entertain and enlighten while inspiring you. Get ready to smack your head and ask yourself, "Why didn't I think of that?" Praise for Tips and Tales from the Workshop: "Gareth Branwyn is the Tip Master. He scours the workshops of the world for practical, time-saving, life-altering tips to help you make stuff better, faster, and cheaper. This book rounds up the best ones he knows." --KEVIN KELLY, creator of Cool Tools and Wired Senior Maverick "Gareth has essentially created a magic book for makers." --DONALD BELL, Maker Project Labs "Tips and Tales from the Workshop is sure to inspire anyone to get making with newfound ease and satisfaction. This book embodies the spirit of great mentors, across every medium, and imparts a wizard-like cleverness to its readers. I thought I was clever, and this book has already prevented at least a dozen new mistakes in my studio. It's "ah-ha" moment overload!" --BECKY STERN, DIY guru and Instructables content creator "It must be hard to write a book like this with such uncommon clarity and in so entertaining a fashion as Gareth Branwyn has done here. Gareth clearly has a deep understanding of making and those who make because he is a maker himself. Tips and Tales from the Workshop is jam packed with invaluable information; it is both a fun read and a reliable shop reference for any do-it-yourselfer." --ANDY BIRKEY, YouTube maker