I made a Vacuum press for Molding leather masks and cases

To keep up with shaping leather masks for the Etsy shop I decided I needed a better way to shape the leather. Something easier on my thumbs. I tried a foam press like is used for Kydex and didn't like the results. So now I am making a vacuum press. I already had most of the fittings and the pump which is the most expensive part.

Mask pattern available in my Etsy shop: https://bransonsgeneralstore.etsy.com...

If you want to make one of these yourself here is a list of parts that you can buy from Amazon. Some of these are exactly what I used and some are ones that might work even better than what I had. These are affiliate links so I do get payed a little bit for advertising for Amazon

https://amzn.to/3QQRDrg Three way ball valve. I didn't have one of these but this would make things simpler
https://amzn.to/3QTBr8z 90 degree hose barb to NPT
https://amzn.to/3QTtsID Straight NPT to hose barb adapters
https://amzn.to/47mGiEG flare to NPT adapter
https://amzn.to/3FUq5uU Cheap vacuum pump
https://amzn.to/3ssb6VS Neoprene foam for gasket
https://amzn.to/3Szlc1G HDPE sheet plastic. Also works well as cutting boards
https://amzn.to/3slW9om Natural rubber sheet I used for the membrane

I am always working on building something and try to average a YouTube video once a week. Most often leather work, but I have also posted videos on black smithing, knife making, casting, and even how I make soap. Be sure to Subscribe if you are interested in any of these topics, or just making things in general.

Useful leather work tools and supplies (Amazon affiliate links)
Perma-lok needle for braiding and lacing: https://amzn.to/3q2Lfgi
I also use a lacing fid: https://amzn.to/39fK9XU
The tool I use to cut lace: https://amzn.to/35sWQxc
Hand stitching needles I use: https://amzn.to/39ivStf
A nice set of pricking irons for punching stitching holes: https://amzn.to/35snEhj
Edge beveler: https://amzn.to/3bliXtr
Gum tragacanth to burnish edges: https://amzn.to/39a62ri
Round knife I used before I made my own: https://amzn.to/39iw7o9
Wing divider: https://amzn.to/3nt77jd
Rawhide mallet: https://amzn.to/2MSCkjr
Strap cutter: https://amzn.to/3q6aluU
Barge contact cement: https://amzn.to/35Hylgb
A more respiratory friendly glue: https://amzn.to/3bpsJuv
Basting tape: https://amzn.to/39kVFRw

Books and patterns I use (Amazon Affiliate links)
How to make holsters by Al Stohlman https://amzn.to/3putSFr
Holster and gunbelt patterns https://amzn.to/3ovqj0m
Pancake holster pattern by Slickbald https://amzn.to/3ouWA7B
Leather braiding by Bruce Grant https://amzn.to/3oxGU4l
Forge parts and knife making supplies (Amazon affiliate links):

Respirator: https://amzn.to/39lEgbL
Cartridges for respirator: https://amzn.to/2MOBnZk
High pressure regulator I use: https://amzn.to/38sc3jZ
Pol adapter (connects regulator to propane tank: https://amzn.to/2MJFUfn
Cut off wheels for angle grinder: https://amzn.to/35lCQwD
Flap disc Grinding wheels: https://amzn.to/39fLspM
Epoxy I have been using: https://amzn.to/3nx2t3L
Surface conditioning belts: https://amzn.to/3nuWH2C
Hand sanding paper rolls: https://amzn.to/3nqql93
2”x72” ceramic grinding belts: https://amzn.to/2XqAyIa
3M trizact belts: https://amzn.to/3ovIVOy
Drill bits for tougher steels: https://amzn.to/3bs9H6G
Way too much Ceramic fibre insulation to build forges: https://amzn.to/3nsyhqA
Rigidizer for ceramic fibre insulation: https://amzn.to/3nvv61p
Hardness testing files: https://amzn.to/3bpttzN


Amazon affiliate links for video gear

A useful tripod: https://amzn.to/3r0OJAX