Working with leather? The tools.
 

I want to copy this.

I have a sapphire glass coming in the mail. 2” diameter.

Can I do this with tools I already have? Metal rulers, exacto-blades, driil-bits, awls, etc.

Maybe I need (to buy) the waxed thread and proper needles. I need a good glass for the tiny details on plan sheets. Something i can carry in my work vest, in the field.

Not sure how to cut neat circles. Hmmm . I have awesome leather JYL gave me.

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1589132613.jpg

A good pair of aviation snips or similar to cut, use a nail to puncture the holes and some marine whipping twine, (Marlow No 4). To get the inside nice and round a piece of pipe a hammer and a block of wood should do it. If you have a grinder you can grind the end of the steel pipe so the edge is square and sharp, will cut better.

Looks like it would also be handy as a survivalist fire starter...one that would have been prized by any of the early Mountain Men. Very cool design...

If not into do it yourself, I'd contact this guy in Chicago. His cue cases get good reviews, but he does other leather work as well. Maybe your wife would like a custom purse?

One thing for sure..the proper tools are in his shop.

Pool cue cases and other leather products from Castillo Leather Goods

(edit) Here you can see other stuff he does...

http://castilloleathergoods.com/category/accessories

Grind the inside of the pipe to form a sharp bevel. If you've got a Dremel, that will do. That way the outside diameter provides the cutting surface.

I guess someone else has a hard time resisting the CC deals.

I got the smaller sapphire glass before and designed and made a case for it using a 3D printer. Not quite there yet though.

An overstitch wheel is nice to have to mark your holes evenly.
I gave up on my last leather project - recovering a shift knob. It isn't as easy as it looks.

Often it's best to just pay someone who has the proper tools and that important know-how.

I swear, I’m gonna unsubscribe to their emails when I get the glass. :)