I sketched a few more ideas of tool bag. One for students, one for machinist. Slightly different sizes for different purposes. Development continues….
Do it yourself
The tool rolls purposely do not have any rivets or bar tacks for easy customisation. You can change the position of stitches to create division for your tools.
Using what’s available
I usually try using things which is easy to get hold of. For my tool bag I applied same the concept. Cork, safety pin, button, elastic are all easy to be replaced when damaged or lost.
Aramid fabric from VESTGUARD
I came up with this idea to use ballistic material for some parts of my tool bag to make it strong. I also wanted to source materials no longer wanted or remnants to help reducing waste in small way. I came across this company called VESTGUARD. They make body armour and ballistic shield etc. https://www.vestguard.co.uk/
They agreed to give me fabric remnants of aramid fabric. Thank you.
Tool bag toile
Started toiling my tool bag in calico. Ongoing decision making, selecting processes and testing. Nice to see my ideas coming together as something real.
Webbing
I decided to use only one type of webbing. More things you have more chance of things breaking.
Bags in a bag
Individual bags help to organise your small tools. Here is some ideas of different bags for some of my tools. I Tried using simple shape to minimise wasting materials.
Powder Coating
Powder coating is one of the finishing methods I chose to use. It’s durable, long-lasting and above all I really like the look. Here is a website summarizing the pros and cons of powder coating. https://www.thomasnet.com/articles/custom-manufacturing-fabricating/powder-coating-pro-con
I contacted a local powder coater in Tottenham and they were very helpful despite the timing just before Christmas and being very busy. Thanks to Kevin and his team at ERA Rodman Bros Limited. http://www.rodmanpowdercoating.co.uk/
Finishing
It was really hard to make changes to the sand casted paperweight as it was such a beautiful object but I had to prepare for the next process of powder coating. I decided to change the size of the whole by drilling and also I needed to make the surface smooth by sanding on a lathe. Alan helped me with drilling and Rory helped me with the lathe. The lathe is an amazing piece of machinery. If I get a chance I really would like to learn how to use it.
Sand casting
I was looking for a way to produce a prototype of my paperweight, mainly to find out how heavy it would be. Without making a prototype I would never be able to calculate the volume as I am not a maths genius ......Thanks to Colin for suggesting the technique and Rory for making it happen. I used my printed 3D models to make the sand mould. what came out was so beautiful that all I wanted to do was to lock it in a cabinet only for display.
Printing 3D models
I had to jump many hurdles to print 3D models. I am useless on the computer and to print something out in 3D opened up a whole new world to me with new programs, unfamiliar words and techniques…. without Andy’s guidance, I would be still be in the dark. I printed three different models to check which design would work best as a paperweight and to be stackable for minimum storage.
Zips from YKK
I went to the YKK showroom to find out about their recycled plastic zip called Nautulon. I had a really interesting chat with the French lady there. She asked me if I am looking for the zip which has a label of environmentally friendly or I want to be environmentally friendly. The reason was the recycled zip I was looking for can only be produced in Japan at the moment which causes greater carbon footprint when it is delivered due to the distance. I really appreciate her way of thinking.
Meeting Martin Shoben
Martine Shoben is a man who designed many fashion tools including ruler, tapes and an author of many pattern cutting books. http://shobenfashionmedia.com/
I met him to have a chat about my ideas of developing tools and he was very helpful. I had an intention to make my tool bag to fit one of his rulers but it was too big. I might ask him to design one that fits my bag. He mentioned collaboration with me so one day it may happen?
