One of my 2019 goals is to make a hard side suitcase and a trunk similar to images below. Does anyone have experience making hard sided items? Know of any books or other resources?
I have watched every YouTube video I can find related to trunks and hard sided cases so I have a basic level of knowledge.
The only guide I have found on how to make a case like that is in one of al stohlman's book. Can remember which volume. If you havent a copy of that already I think you should have a look at it.
I started my hard sided suitcase today. I’m using baltic birch plywood for internal structure. It looks like some use Baltic birch plywood and others use poplar. I don’t have the tools or skills to use poplar. I‘m using 6 mm (1/4 inch) for front and back and 9 mm (3/8) for sides. I think I might also use 6 mm inside to create a step or lip around top so top and bottom fit together snug. I’m totally making this up as I go so I’m not sure yet.
Ordered Wickett & Craig English Bridle today to use as outside covering. After discussion with Dave McCracken, sale person, we decided to go with 3 to 3.5 ounce or 1.3 to 1.5 mm and have them stake it to make it more softer. I’m hoping the staking will make it easier to mold over edges and corners.
There isn’t much info available for this type of project, if you have ideas or experience that might keep me from doing something stupid I would love to hear it.
@Philip do you have any recommendation for good light solid wood for these type of trunks?
This is a project and direction that I'm doing this year too.
Funnily enough, this is where my business is going moving forward in the future. In answer to your question... There is nothing beside that attache case 240p 'How it's made' video on YouTube that I'm pretty sure you've seen.
Your best bet is to learn from a past master. How do you do that? You go on eBay and buy yourself a vintage attache case that the seller clearly doesn't understand the value of (decent construction, good brand, but in poor condition) and carefully take it apart. (you can set eBay to notify you of key words such as 'vintage' 'attache' 'leather case' 'vintage dunhill', you get the idea.
Take it apart.
You can then note the materials, leather thickness, hardware, measurements, where they skive from, how they finish edges etc. Record this down and begin making a new case.
While you are there, restore the case you tore apart to beautiful condition, then sell it for a lot more than you purchased it for.
Congratulations, you now know how to make a case from new and restore an old one, plus you made your money back and paid for the time it took you to do it all.
Repeat with any product you like, just don't forget to use your knowledge to create something unique with your own style and personality. Otherwise it's simply a copy.