Tab Together Tote
- DifficultyMedium
Watch Video
Check out the embedded video for orientation and an overview of the project at the below link. Link: https://youtu.be/kzkHY4CrVsI
Download
Download the laser cut file from this page by using the download button above.
Unzip and Import
Unzip the contents of the .zip folder containing all of the cut and engrave files. The front/back panel is the same file and then the panels that make up the other two sides are referred to as the “side” panels. In the first picture below, the front and back panels are being cut, and as you can see they must be oriented in a specific way for them to fit in the workspace. In the 2nd picture below, you can see that the side panels can be cut alongside the two straps to maximize space.
Cut Materials
After placing the files on your work piece, selecting veg leather from the material library, send your luggage tag to the laser by clicking “start” in the software. Go to your laser to run the job. File names to cut and number of pieces needed: “Bottom_Panel.PDF” x 1 “Front_&_Back_Panel.PDF” x 2 “Side_Panel.PDF” x 2 “Strap.PDF” x 2
Tab Together Front and Back with Sides
The tabbing together process is simple once the pattern is understood and made easy by the uniformity of the cuts by the laser. The video above does a great job of explaining this process so watching it is recommended for reference. You need to start by orienting the panels so that the angled tabs are both point in the same direction as in the picture. The process is done by inserting the “arrow” or triangle end of the tab into the slot of the next tab, as shown in the picture. Then, a tool such as a pair of needle nose pliers is used to push the tab all the way through the slot to ensure that it won’t slide out. This is shown in the 2nd picture here.
Tab Together (Continued)
The same process described in the previous step is used to connect the rest of the panels. Once the two side panels are attached to the front/back panel, the bottom panel can be attached. From here the other front/back panel is attached and you will have the complete body of the bag assembled. The corners where the bottom panels meet the sides are trickier than the rest of the tabs. Begin in the corner of the bottom panel and first complete on of the long edges. From there keep working all the way around until the bottom panel is completely attached. The videos are great reference for further instruction on this as well.
Strap Braiding and Attachment
The straps are braided using a process called mystery braiding. The video is the best reference for how to do this process. The following link is also a great reference for how to do a mystery braid: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IwUq-U_ocjw To attach the handle insert the handle into the top handle slot on the side and then pull it back through and out of the bottom slot.
To reduce the risk of injury user must read instruction manuals for all tools used in this project. Wear eye and respiratory protection. Use clamps to support work piece whenever practical.