Author: valevans

June 17, 2016

3D printing – parts three and four!

The new 3D stamps to compliment the saddle bag flap arrived last week. Sadly I had not taken into account the limitations of the printing process enough. After the success of that first flap, I made the next ones too detailed. So we had some spurs and blurring when I tested them out (I am very picky!) but it was a good learning process. Back to the drawing board and a full set of new files are out printing as we speak. But the saddle bag flap has stood up to repeated testing and use and I have completed a set of saddlebags in red showing what these 3D stamps can do.

Saddlebags with 3D printed stamp detail on the flap

Saddlebags in progress

3D stamps second tests, too detailed for the process, shown with leather tests

3D stamps second tests, too detailed for the process

3D stamps second tests, too detailed for the process, shown with leather tests

3D stamps second tests, too detailed for the process

I also have tried a different method for producing small tack items, western bits and flat plates along with the stamps – this was more expensive and used resin material rather than plastic (PLA). Its produced a much smoother, finished product which is holding the shape really well. Hopefully lots less finishing and a better look!

3D printed resin western bits compared to PLA plastic (sprayed)

I used TinkerCad to make the 3D models from an outline graphic – www.tinkercad.com

And Hubs to source a 3D printer close to me – www.hubs.com

June 8, 2016

More adventures in 3D printing

I did go on a leather carving course a couple months back, its a lovely thing to do, working with leather stamps is very satisfying. But it made me think about just how small the carving would need to be to look appropriate at 1/6 scale. So I decided to try another adventure in 3D – and I think it worked amazingly well.

Using my Adobe Illustrator software (again) and one of the handy patterns included I created a saddlebag flap illustration. Sounds easy? Not quite that easy, fiddly and involved some detailed adjustments. And after all that, on the advice of the printers, a little more fiddling! But the finished stamp has been working so well…

After lots of testing, (sourcing of g clamps) and generally trying out clamping and drying times etc, this is where I’m at. Because its worked so well I have ordered 2 more stamps to complement this one, for the saddlebag connecting strap and front of the bag. I hope to complete a full set of saddlebags very soon…

I used TinkerCad to make the 3D models from an outline graphic – www.tinkercad.com

And Hubs to source a 3D printer close to me – www.hubs.com

First embossing test of 3D stamp on leather

More tests of 3D stamp for embossing leather

It’s amazing what some burnishing with a soft cloth achieves

May 12, 2016

Another finished saddle, or two!

Took a quick holiday because the opportunity arose! But managed to get my latest saddle finished, a lovely chocolate brown number AND my Al Stohlman saddle too, so they have to be photographed for the website! Fortunately I have a great room which gets really good natural light. It does change day to day but Photoshop can usually help fix most things. I use a simple compact camera set on automatic and a Gorillapod for stability, a roll of white craft paper and Bob’s your uncle! So I took a few quick shots but need to take a better set now, watch this space. Then its on to the next one, if I can squeeze it in around the gardening of course.

Taking photos of tiny saddles

Wolfy with a dark brown saddle

Details of dark brown saddle, something else you never see!

The Grey with a replica Al Stohlman tan saddle