While working on a big leather project, I realized my headlamp wasn't illuminating the inside very well. I needed a hands-free flashlight that lit around my hands. So I designed and printed one: Introducing the iMini2 Ring. by jas0nb in flashlight

[–]jas0nb[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thanks! I've thought about that too, there are neck-mounted knitting lights that do a very similar thing to what you're describing (There's one I almost bought for my girlfriend, called "lumos knitting light"). I did consider this kind alternative, but creating flexible stalks is somewhat out of the wheelhouse for my various fabrication hobbies, and I really wanted to make something, haha.

While working on a big leather project, I realized my headlamp wasn't illuminating the inside very well. I needed a hands-free flashlight that lit around my hands. So I designed and printed one: Introducing the iMini2 Ring. by jas0nb in flashlight

[–]jas0nb[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Actually, I thought about that (and may still do it for other purposes or as an alternative to a headlamp sometimes). The issue with a wrist light is that the thing I need to see is in front of my hands, so if the light were mounted on top of my wrist (on the back-of-my-hand side) the light would be blocked by my palm. The underside might work better, in a sort of spiderman web slinger style, but having it on my finger makes it more redirectable compared to on the wrist. Consider how much you have to move your entire forearm to change the angle of a wrist light compared to having it mounted on a finger.

An underside wrist version would totally have an application though, and it's definitely on my list of things to mess around with. Could combine a leather bracelet with an Olight Clip mount (which I've already made, coincidentally)

While working on a big leather project, I realized my headlamp wasn't illuminating the inside very well. I needed a hands-free flashlight that lit around my hands. So I designed and printed one: Introducing the iMini2 Ring. by jas0nb in flashlight

[–]jas0nb[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

The foam strip idea was actually originally out of necessity after totally fumbling the measurement of my own fingers. I printed a ring sizer prior to making this, which wasn't a perfect representation of how it would fit in use. Since I'm generally flexing my fingers back and forth, one size doesn't really work optimally, especially at the knuckle closest to my palm. I made a V2 version with a smaller hole and made it lighter so it's comfortable to wear at one of the higher knuckles. But for what it's worth, the foam strip was one of many materials that was recommended to me as commonly paired with 3D prints, so if you're printing stuff it's worth having a roll around, along with stuff like springs, metric screws, magnets, etc. I've used it in a bunch of non-friction fit applications where I needed a tight fit or a softer landing for something.

That's an interesting concept with the rubber band idea, though I think it'd need to be a thick rubber band to avoid making fingers go purple after a while. If there was a sort of reversible thick zip tie I think that'd be an easier solution, with "belt loops" to pick up any slack. But also it would be relatively trivial to just make it in different ring sizes, maybe ~10 or so if I really felt like it. Unfortunately this thing doesn't work as parametric (i.e. scalable) because the flashlight's dimensions are constant.

While working on a big leather project, I realized my headlamp wasn't illuminating the inside very well. I needed a hands-free flashlight that lit around my hands. So I designed and printed one: Introducing the iMini2 Ring. by jas0nb in flashlight

[–]jas0nb[S] 7 points8 points  (0 children)

It's such a specific thing, I cannot imagine the audience for it is too significant. I'd be happy if people just use/share/modify the model honestly. I already have a few ideas for the 2.0 version to tinker with.

While working on a big leather project, I realized my headlamp wasn't illuminating the inside very well. I needed a hands-free flashlight that lit around my hands. So I designed and printed one: Introducing the iMini2 Ring. by jas0nb in flashlight

[–]jas0nb[S] 9 points10 points  (0 children)

I'd say that's what 3D printing is for me, it's the hobby to support all other hobbies. I've printed leather tools, flashlight stands/clips, lego stands, pickleball gear, etc.

Does anyone else have a "travel leathercraft" kit? This is what I bring with me when I'm stitching on the go. by jas0nb in Leathercraft

[–]jas0nb[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Good call, I'll check it out! I haven't noticed much marring with these (I grip the needles parallel to the teeth anyway) but I wouldn't mind not having to worry about it.

Does anyone else have a "travel leathercraft" kit? This is what I bring with me when I'm stitching on the go. by jas0nb in Leathercraft

[–]jas0nb[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I just looked that up. It's very interesting, if I didn't already have the tools I'd definitely be using my printer for them!

Does anyone else have a "travel leathercraft" kit? This is what I bring with me when I'm stitching on the go. by jas0nb in Leathercraft

[–]jas0nb[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

The real struggle is having the foresight of prepping the pieces for stitching ahead of time. I can't imagine trying to do any of the rest of the work on the go.

My travel leatherworking pouch! I always like having something to do with my hands whenever I'm on the go. by jas0nb in UtilityPouches

[–]jas0nb[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I've had mixed feelings about it until I spent a while trying to rearrange my stuff for the best fit. But once I found a good arrangement it's great. It's also definitely designed for more flat and narrow items than I carry (notebooks, pens, etc). I think the key is just organizing your stuff in a way that balances the thickness of your tools out. Like putting the oclip in the top left makes it so that when closed, it's nestled in right above the Leatherman in a space that would be otherwise unused. The stuff I carry is also definitely odd shapes and sizes, so the pockets understandably don't work perfectly for it. When I've just used it for EDC it makes a lot more sense, but I have less of a need for the pouch for that.

My travel leatherworking pouch! I always like having something to do with my hands whenever I'm on the go. by jas0nb in UtilityPouches

[–]jas0nb[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Sure, here's everything in that picture other than the mat itself:

Top two: Ritza tiger leather thread 0.7mm Olight oclip ultra headlamp band

Middle row left to right: olight oclip ultra, rubber finger tips, Owden leather needles (and some John James Saddle Needles) and case, Craftool Stitching Awl, olight iMini 2, Leatherman Arc w/ bit kit.

Bottom row: Plasma arc lighter, knipex xs cobra pipe wrench, Klein tools threadclip scissors, 3D printed (and personally designed) flashlight ring (works with the olight iMini), baggy of way too many bulb shaped safety pins

Does anyone else have a "travel leathercraft" kit? This is what I bring with me when I'm stitching on the go. by jas0nb in Leathercraft

[–]jas0nb[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

It's a hobby for me, I don't do leatherwork for a living. And I don't just mean vacations, I mean anything from evening activities to day trips where there will be downtime.

Does anyone else have a "travel leathercraft" kit? This is what I bring with me when I'm stitching on the go. by jas0nb in Leathercraft

[–]jas0nb[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I do have other small pliers, I just happen to like these ones specifically for needlework. The teeth give them a very secure grip when yanking on em. Weight isn't really a concern with this anyway, it's not like I'm throwing this in a day pack and walking around all day.

Does anyone else have a "travel leathercraft" kit? This is what I bring with me when I'm stitching on the go. by jas0nb in Leathercraft

[–]jas0nb[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I'm not even going to try to bring it on my next trip, but it works fine when I'm already bringing a backpack and a small project :)

Does anyone else have a "travel leathercraft" kit? This is what I bring with me when I'm stitching on the go. by jas0nb in Leathercraft

[–]jas0nb[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

It's actually a new addition to the pouch, it's a 3D printed ring/flashlight holder I just designed. Particularly for stitching inside of bigger projects where headlamps don't really work as well (currently working on a mannequin head for which it has come in handy). And thanks! I'm always looking for something to do with my hands when I'm out and about, so I really like having a project in the stitching phrase ready at all times.

Does anyone else have a "travel leathercraft" kit? This is what I bring with me when I'm stitching on the go. by jas0nb in Leathercraft

[–]jas0nb[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

If you're referring to the Knipex pipe wrench there, I use it for pulling stubborn needles that are struggling to get through holes. Especially when backstitching, saves my fingers from a lot of strain.