Weird??

[Two Feathers]

Howdy folks Two Feathers here with a question?
I'm making a shot flask (rather repairing one) with an English shot charger head (supplied by my customer) and it's something I've never done before.
Here's my question. I was told by a guy that when he water molds bags he uses a balloon and an air compressor to stretch the bag into shape? I can find NO info. on this anywhere? Does anyone here do it that way? I use sand, but I own 2 compressors and if it makes things easier or better, then I'd like to give it a shot.
Can anyone tell me where I can find info. on this strange idea? A video would be great! I just don't see a kid's rubber balloon being strong enough to apply that kind of force without abrading itself to pieces inside a rough leather bag?
Thank you in advance.
God bless:
Two Feathers

 

[rafterob]

Shot flasks were made by molding the leather. Certainly not an easy method if you have to make the mold. I think I recall reading of the balloon method a number of years back. It would be easy to try.

 

[Two Feathers]

rafterob:
I've never tried making a wooden mold. I use sand packed into a wet/damp bag after I stitch it. Getting the throat or neck stitched right up to the end is rough.
My sand method has been working for 40+ years, but I thought the balloon thing sounded intriguing?
Thank you for your input.
God bless:
Two Feathers

 

[Kansas Jake]

Here is a small bag I did yesterday. First attempt. I stitched it up, fill it with water and dumped it out then went to the garage and blew it up with the nozzle on the air compressor. I stuck a plug in the end and hung it to dry overnight. I still need to stain it and make a plug. The water compressor thing worked pretty well. I didn’t put anything inside after I expanded it.

 

[Two Feathers]

View attachment 239862
Here is a small bag I did yesterday. First attempt. I stitched it up, fill it with water and dumped it out then went to the garage and blew it up with the nozzle on the air compressor. I stuck a plug in the end and hung it to dry overnight. I still need to stain it and make a plug. The water compressor thing worked pretty well. I didn’t put anything inside after I expanded it.

I could NEVER get mine THAT airtight?
Two Feathers

 

[Kansas Jake]

It wasn’t airtight. I did glue the seam area before stitching though. It did expand and blow up nice with air. It contracted slightly as the pressure dropped. A tied balloon would likely have resulted in a little more volume.

 

[Two Feathers]

It wasn’t airtight. I did glue the seam area before stitching though. It did expand and blow up nice with air. It contracted slightly as the pressure dropped. A tied balloon would likely have resulted in a little more volume.

Thanks. I glue mine before I stitch them too.
Dave

 

[R Ellis]

Maybe put the balloon in a cloth bag to protect it from the leather just a thought

 

[Two Feathers]

Maybe put the balloon in a cloth bag to protect it from the leather just a thought

Worth a shot, thanks.
God bless:
Two Feathers

 

[Hermit Tim]

I glue mine also before stitching. So far all the ball bags I've made were from softer leather and not molded. Alot like an 18th century change purse. Been planning on making some like this but too many irons in the fire lately. I think the balloon idea is worth trying at least.

 

[Hermit Tim]

What if you just lined the inside with ticking? Would look cool and also maybe protect the balloon, going back to the cloth idea of R Ellis.

 

[hawkeye2]

Balloons are cheap, one time use, needn't overthink things.

 

[Rifleman1776]

rafterob:
I've never tried making a wooden mold. I use sand packed into a wet/damp bag after I stitch it. Getting the throat or neck stitched right up to the end is rough.
My sand method has been working for 40+ years, but I thought the balloon thing sounded intriguing?
Thank you for your input.
God bless:
Two Feathers

If it works, why change? There are a couple sayings: "Don't mess with success." and "Dance with wat brung ya".