Noko's Leatherworks - New Orders On Hold

[geogga]

You should get yourself vendor status, no?

Looks gorgous, personally don't like custom designs as i feel like it would feel wierd placing your palm on it, just plain ol' leather

[Galactic]

These look amazing. Can't wait to pick up a TKL one. Definitely needs to be made vendor status.

[Blusey]

Hey!, just wondering as this ones quite a long shot haha, but I get that the TKL is $75, and custom art starts at $25, but how much would it cost on a TKL to have these logos, I guess it should be easy for a guy of your talent ;P? http://gyazo.com/7e428fcd329b05599d5d6805f23cf5b3 + another logo but I'd have to send that via PM haha. (:

[Noko]

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I made this wrist rest just before the holidays--it was the first full size I made with the new mould.  I had never tried using latex mask to colour with multiple dyes, either--but it turned out great.  I also learned just how long I need to leave leather clamped down to dry fully--almost a week is best.

Since it's a prototype, I wouldn't feel right selling it for full price.  I've put it up for 50% off

This wrist rest is literally to die for  .  Please say you will be doing more of them in the future especially TKL sizes.

Out of interest what type of glue are you using for the bonding of the top part of the rest to the bottom part?

I try to use as little glue as possible with these--the leather and the wood both need to breathe to adapt to changes in temperature and humidity, and I've found that using glue makes the rest start to warp.  I use a bit of rubber cement to hold everything together for stitching while ensuring flexibility.

Hey!, just wondering as this ones quite a long shot haha, but I get that the TKL is $75, and custom art starts at $25, but how much would it cost on a TKL to have these logos, I guess it should be easy for a guy of your talent ;P? http://gyazo.com/7e428fcd329b05599d5d6805f23cf5b3 + another logo but I'd have to send that via PM haha. (:

The logo you've posted would be in the $25 range (except I would say the "TEAM" text is too small to be doable and I'd have to leave it out).  If you wanted me to add another logo, I would guess that would be $10-20 more.  You can email an attachment to admin(-at-)noko.ca if you'd like me to take a look

These look amazing. Can't wait to pick up a TKL one. Definitely needs to be made vendor status.

Thanks   If you're looking for something with no carving, feel free to throw out some colour ideas in the thread!

My impression was that mods were trying to rework vendor forums, so I haven't inquired as of yet about that.

[daerid]

Is that an ErgoDox rest I spy? If not, would you be able to make a pair?

[demik]

Is that an ErgoDox rest I spy? If not, would you be able to make a pair?

Current sizes are 60%, TKL, and full size; ErgoDox is still in the prototype stage.

[daerid]

derp (thanks)

[demik]

np. can't wait to see it, my lust for an ergodox is growing >.<

[Noko]

But, I want it to fit the HHKB Pro 2, which would mean only 11.5 " long.

I've started thinking about this and I'm kind of confused.  Checking on elitekeyboards and mechanicalkeyboards, they say the HHKB and Poker 2 are both 11.6", which should be 29.5 cm or so.
And then I remembered this post, where people weren't able to fit the HHKB in this keyboard bag because it was too big:
http://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=46167.msg972867#msg972867

I went back and measured my 60%-size and it's a tiny bit bigger (1-2mm) than my Poker, so that the stitches are exactly in line with the case.  The actual length is 29.7 cm.
I changed my FAQ to be more accurate on this because 12" != 30 cm (bad Canadian habit of unit-mixing at work).

But .. so how big is a HHKB, actually?  Would a 30cm rest be an appropriate size?

[Sai]

But, I want it to fit the HHKB Pro 2, which would mean only 11.5 " long.

I've started thinking about this and I'm kind of confused.  Checking on elitekeyboards and mechanicalkeyboards, they say the HHKB and Poker 2 are both 11.6", which should be 29.5 cm or so.
And then I remembered this post, where people weren't able to fit the HHKB in this keyboard bag because it was too big:
http://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=46167.msg972867#msg972867

I went back and measured my 60%-size and it's a tiny bit bigger (1-2mm) than my Poker, so that the stitches are exactly in line with the case.  The actual length is 29.7 cm.
I changed my FAQ to be more accurate on this because 12" != 30 cm (bad Canadian habit of unit-mixing at work).

But .. so how big is a HHKB, actually?  Would a 30cm rest be an appropriate size?

i measured my wrist rest and it is a little over 29cm. so i guess 30 cm should be ok.

[Noko]

i measured my wrist rest and it is a little over 29cm. so i guess 30 cm should be ok.

Awesome, thanks for checking for me.

[Galactic]

Any chance of getting an icon like this engraved on a classic kind of look for a TKL? Tan leather with black finishes maybe? I'll leave it up to your expert opinion.



Will probably get one in the near future, little low on funds atm. How much would something like that be and shipping to aus.

Cheers.

[ynrozturk]

Have a great design idea for the one I'm thinking of.. will probably place an order in a month or so.

[Noko]

Any chance of getting an icon like this engraved on a classic kind of look for a TKL? Tan leather with black finishes maybe? I'll leave it up to your expert opinion.

Will probably get one in the near future, little low on funds atm. How much would something like that be and shipping to aus.

Cheers.

What's funny is that plain circles are actually pretty difficult!  Luckily, I've had a bit of practice with others' custom orders so it wouldn't be that hard.
My final quote would be $145 including shipping (unfortunately international with tracking is a bit on the expensive side).

An update:  I've been working on finalizing a couple of custom orders as well as my ErgoDox prototype, so I haven't been able to get to test carvings as of yet.
However, I hope to post pics of the new ErgoDox prototype later this week!  I'm going for the Retro DSA look on this one 

[pexon]

Any news on mine?

[Noko]

Any news on mine?

Going to start your test carving with the other batch of those above.  I have to clean everything up in my apartment before Thursday (landlord inspection..haha) but I'll set to work on Friday.
Wrist rests for keyjay and brokengame just have their edges curing and will be ready to invoice and ship by Wednesday--I'll have some pics of those as well to show off.

[JayKthnx]

*waits patiently for ergodox rests*

y'know, if you need another person to test them for you, I'd be willing to offer my assistance. for your benefit, of course.

[pexon]

Any news on mine?

Going to start your test carving with the other batch of those above.  I have to clean everything up in my apartment before Thursday (landlord inspection..haha) but I'll set to work on Friday.
Wrist rests for keyjay and brokengame just have their edges curing and will be ready to invoice and ship by Wednesday--I'll have some pics of those as well to show off.

Awesome, thanks for the update, be sure to show me some pics of how the test goes! 

[JayKthnx]

Received my rest today. Thanks again for the great work!

[pexon]

Looks brilliant! 

[Noko]

Thanks, Jay, for the picture!

I've finished two custom orders today, a fullsize and a 60%, plus a premade black-and-orange TKL:



Was aiming for the "vintage leather" look on this one:



Also, I got in some new thread colours--including two kinds of purple:

[pexon]

Stunning work 

[ekw808]

Im planning my second rest =).

[lcs]

 looking great! I want an ergodox one

[Noko]

can this be done on a wrist rest made for a hhkb?

http://vector-magz.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/oni-mask-vector1.png

Did a quick practice run of this one--



I've also been happy with how the ErgoDox pieces I moulded this week turned out, so I've put in an order to the laser cutter to get the internal pieces made, which is the last big step before these are ready to go.  I'm going to be offering two different thicknesses: one for those with the built-in rest Litster case (normal height) and one for the regular Litster case (double height).

[lcs]

yay great news

[Noko]

Put up a new premade rest for sale today: Hack Orange!





Decided to redo my photography too--I really need to get a DSLR

[JayKthnx]

Also, I got in some new thread colours--including two kinds of purple:

have these been added in the list of thread colors available? what are the purples called?

[Noko]

Also, I got in some new thread colours--including two kinds of purple:

have these been added in the list of thread colors available? what are the purples called?

Yes--the "pinker" colour is Raspberry, and the other is Lilac.
I got a thread sample card in the mail so I'll be able to post a nice reference image later today of all thread colours.

[JayKthnx]

Sounds good. Are you accepting custom orders for ergodox rests yet?

[Noko]

Sounds good. Are you accepting custom orders for ergodox rests yet?

I got in the parts today and am going to put together one this week.  If I think it meets my standards, then I'll put it up for sale and also start taking custom orders for ErgoDox rests.

As well, here's the pic I promised earlier showing all my thread colours:

[pexon]

Emerald! 

[swill]

That Turquoise is stunning...

[Melvang]

Absolutely amazing work man.  If I ever get the money gathered up for one I will want this done into it.

[clickclack123]

Sounds good. Are you accepting custom orders for ergodox rests yet?

I got in the parts today and am going to put together one this week.  If I think it meets my standards, then I'll put it up for sale and also start taking custom orders for ErgoDox rests.

As well, here's the pic I promised earlier showing all my thread colours:

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Why are some colors censored? Are they too rude for us to know their names?!

[Noko]

Sounds good. Are you accepting custom orders for ergodox rests yet?

I got in the parts today and am going to put together one this week.  If I think it meets my standards, then I'll put it up for sale and also start taking custom orders for ErgoDox rests.

As well, here's the pic I promised earlier showing all my thread colours:

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Why are some colors censored? Are they the ones that you don't offer?

Yup, don't have those ones on hand.  If there's one you'd be interested in, though, I am happy to order it in.

[codyeatworld]

PM'd you and free bump! These look really nice.

Probably gonna pick up a black one because there is too much color on my desk already.

[Melvang]

I might have some alternate options for leather for you.  My wife showed me a brochure from where she works at (professional quality print lab) for some of the leather covers that the do.  Some of those would make an AWESOME wrist rest.  She said that she would talk to the owner about getting a couple scraps and or some contact info on the supplier side of things.  If you might be wondering the company is American Color Imaging.  I would give you a link to the actual portion of the site dealing with this but they are in the process of updating the website.  This should be a link to the product catalog for these products.

[demik]

can this be done on a wrist rest made for a hhkb?

http://vector-magz.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/oni-mask-vector1.png

Did a quick practice run of this one--

Show Image

I've also been happy with how the ErgoDox pieces I moulded this week turned out, so I've put in an order to the laser cutter to get the internal pieces made, which is the last big step before these are ready to go.  I'm going to be offering two different thicknesses: one for those with the built-in rest Litster case (normal height) and one for the regular Litster case (double height).

oh that's nice, but it seems like the left horn is a little further down than the other. other than, i love it

[Noko]

can this be done on a wrist rest made for a hhkb?

http://vector-magz.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/oni-mask-vector1.png

Did a quick practice run of this one--

Show Image

I've also been happy with how the ErgoDox pieces I moulded this week turned out, so I've put in an order to the laser cutter to get the internal pieces made, which is the last big step before these are ready to go.  I'm going to be offering two different thicknesses: one for those with the built-in rest Litster case (normal height) and one for the regular Litster case (double height).

oh that's nice, but it seems like the left horn is a little further down than the other. other than, i love it

Yeah, I was trying out a new carving knife and was clumsy in a couple of places :(
The teeth are also a bit messed up and I have a better idea of how to do them now.
That's why I always do at least one practice carving for any design--half of it is just trying out how to make the cuts and what kinds of tooling to use where.

I want to do another batch of tests for some other who have PM'd me tomorrow/Friday, so I might give it another go and post how it turns out.

[darkfire32]

Awesome news on the Ergodox rests, but are the rests that you're making for the classic ergodox case? If they are, could I put in a custom order for a thin leather rest for the full hand case?

[Noko]

I might have some alternate options for leather for you.  My wife showed me a brochure from where she works at (professional quality print lab) for some of the leather covers that the do.  Some of those would make an AWESOME wrist rest.  She said that she would talk to the owner about getting a couple scraps and or some contact info on the supplier side of things.  If you might be wondering the company is American Color Imaging.  I would give you a link to the actual portion of the site dealing with this but they are in the process of updating the website.  This should be a link to the product catalog for these products.

Some of that stuff is super nice--thanks for the PDF.
Unfortunately that would be quite a ways off--it's chrome tan leather, which I've made a couple of tries at using but haven't been satisfied with
It doesn't mold like veg tan, so I wouldn't be able to use it for the rests without major changes, but for keyboard bags/cases it would be a different story.

Bags/cases are probably going to be my next project after the ErgoDox rests, so if you've got some ideas about what you'd like to see in a carrying case or bag, I would love to hear them!

Awesome news on the Ergodox rests, but are the rests that you're making for the classic ergodox case? If they are, could I put in a custom order for a thin leather rest for the full hand case?

Yup, I was hoping to offer regular height for those who want an extra rest on top of the full hand case, and double height for those with the classic case.
I'm going to be doing two things in the next couple of days: doing a picture post about the current ErgoDox prototype, and putting that prototype up for (discounted) sale for a beta tester so I can verify the double height works with the classic case.

[Melvang]

I might have some alternate options for leather for you.  My wife showed me a brochure from where she works at (professional quality print lab) for some of the leather covers that the do.  Some of those would make an AWESOME wrist rest.  She said that she would talk to the owner about getting a couple scraps and or some contact info on the supplier side of things.  If you might be wondering the company is American Color Imaging.  I would give you a link to the actual portion of the site dealing with this but they are in the process of updating the website.  This should be a link to the product catalog for these products.

Some of that stuff is super nice--thanks for the PDF.
Unfortunately that would be quite a ways off--it's chrome tan leather, which I've made a couple of tries at using but haven't been satisfied with
It doesn't mold like veg tan, so I wouldn't be able to use it for the rests without major changes, but for keyboard bags/cases it would be a different story.

Bags/cases are probably going to be my next project after the ErgoDox rests, so if you've got some ideas about what you'd like to see in a carrying case or bag, I would love to hear them!

Awesome news on the Ergodox rests, but are the rests that you're making for the classic ergodox case? If they are, could I put in a custom order for a thin leather rest for the full hand case?

Yup, I was hoping to offer regular height for those who want an extra rest on top of the full hand case, and double height for those with the classic case.
I'm going to be doing two things in the next couple of days: doing a picture post about the current ErgoDox prototype, and putting that prototype up for (discounted) sale for a beta tester so I can verify the double height works with the classic case.

Not a problem.  If you ever get to the point of wanting to try some let me know.

[JayKthnx]

I might have some alternate options for leather for you.  My wife showed me a brochure from where she works at (professional quality print lab) for some of the leather covers that the do.  Some of those would make an AWESOME wrist rest.  She said that she would talk to the owner about getting a couple scraps and or some contact info on the supplier side of things.  If you might be wondering the company is American Color Imaging.  I would give you a link to the actual portion of the site dealing with this but they are in the process of updating the website.  This should be a link to the product catalog for these products.

Some of that stuff is super nice--thanks for the PDF.
Unfortunately that would be quite a ways off--it's chrome tan leather, which I've made a couple of tries at using but haven't been satisfied with
It doesn't mold like veg tan, so I wouldn't be able to use it for the rests without major changes, but for keyboard bags/cases it would be a different story.

Bags/cases are probably going to be my next project after the ErgoDox rests, so if you've got some ideas about what you'd like to see in a carrying case or bag, I would love to hear them!

Awesome news on the Ergodox rests, but are the rests that you're making for the classic ergodox case? If they are, could I put in a custom order for a thin leather rest for the full hand case?

Yup, I was hoping to offer regular height for those who want an extra rest on top of the full hand case, and double height for those with the classic case.
I'm going to be doing two things in the next couple of days: doing a picture post about the current ErgoDox prototype, and putting that prototype up for (discounted) sale for a beta tester so I can verify the double height works with the classic case.

Wht colors is the prototype one? I'll probaly pick it up depending on how well it'd match my classic

[Noko]

Here's a pic of the prototype: the edges need sanding and finishing, but it's close to being done.
The colour is chocolate brown, with white stitching and soon-to-be brown edges (I was going for a Retro DSA complement).



I ironed out a couple of spacing issues regarding the stitching, so I don't feel it's perfect, but I think I'm satisfied I've now figured out the design.

If you're interested in the colour, feel free to send me a PM and we can talk

[clickclack123]

Here's a pic of the prototype: the edges need sanding and finishing, but it's close to being done.
The colour is chocolate brown, with white stitching and soon-to-be brown edges (I was going for a Retro DSA complement).

Show Image

I ironed out a couple of spacing issues regarding the stitching, so I don't feel it's perfect, but I think I'm satisfied I've now figured out the design.

If you're interested in the colour, feel free to send me a PM and we can talk :)

Looks great! Any photos of it with an ergodox?

Have you decided on a price?

[clickclack123]

Just curious, how soft/hard are these rests? Do they have much "give"?

[darkfire32]

Here's a pic of the prototype: the edges need sanding and finishing, but it's close to being done.
The colour is chocolate brown, with white stitching and soon-to-be brown edges (I was going for a Retro DSA complement).

Show Image

I ironed out a couple of spacing issues regarding the stitching, so I don't feel it's perfect, but I think I'm satisfied I've now figured out the design.

If you're interested in the colour, feel free to send me a PM and we can talk :)

Looks great! Any photos of it with an ergodox?

Have you decided on a price?

Pricing is on the website.
"You can customize as many or as few options as you would like, but pricing and terms will vary. I start with a base price for each rest size:

    $65 for 60%
    $75 for TKL
    $85 for Full Size
    $95 for ErgoDox

Custom dying and thread colours are simplest and will add $0-10 to a quote.
Custom tooling starts at $35 for a small image.
Larger or more complex images will lead to a more expensive quote. Before starting work, I will confirm your final specifications as part of the payment contract."

So it's looking like another wallethack

[Noko]

Here's a pic of the prototype: the edges need sanding and finishing, but it's close to being done.
The colour is chocolate brown, with white stitching and soon-to-be brown edges (I was going for a Retro DSA complement).

Show Image

I ironed out a couple of spacing issues regarding the stitching, so I don't feel it's perfect, but I think I'm satisfied I've now figured out the design.

If you're interested in the colour, feel free to send me a PM and we can talk :)

Looks great! Any photos of it with an ergodox?

Have you decided on a price?

Pricing is on the website.
"You can customize as many or as few options as you would like, but pricing and terms will vary. I start with a base price for each rest size:

    $65 for 60%
    $75 for TKL
    $85 for Full Size
    $95 for ErgoDox

Custom dying and thread colours are simplest and will add $0-10 to a quote.
Custom tooling starts at $35 for a small image.
Larger or more complex images will lead to a more expensive quote. Before starting work, I will confirm your final specifications as part of the payment contract."

So it's looking like another wallethack

Here's a pic of the prototype: the edges need sanding and finishing, but it's close to being done.
The colour is chocolate brown, with white stitching and soon-to-be brown edges (I was going for a Retro DSA complement).

Show Image

I ironed out a couple of spacing issues regarding the stitching, so I don't feel it's perfect, but I think I'm satisfied I've now figured out the design.

If you're interested in the colour, feel free to send me a PM and we can talk

Looks great! Any photos of it with an ergodox?

Have you decided on a price?

Yeah, I think I'm going to reduce that to $85 after working through my prototypes.  They take more forming time, but the stitching and trimming is a lot simple than a fullsize, so I think $85 is a fair price.

I'm barely making minimum wage on these once materials are deducted, if at all, so please don't think I'm trying to gouge you with the price. 
For the ErgoDox rests, I'm essentially making 2 for 1 in terms of the time the process takes.

Regarding the softness/feel of the rests, here's an approximate diagram of what's inside:



The felt is thicker than this diagram though--about the same thickness as the wood, though it's compressed down upon assembly.
In short, they are padded but firm.  The leather itself holds its shape but is supple enough to flex.

[Noko]

Double-height ErgoDox prototype is done:
I've put up a new post in my build thread showing the process too.







I feel this one is 90% of where I want it to be, but my major concern is confirming that this is an appropriate height for the classic litster case.

I'd like to put this one up for sale for half price ($50 including shipping Canada/US) to someone who'd be willing to take some quality pics of the rests together with their ErgoDox, so I can feel assured about the height and proportions.  I'd prefer Canada/CONUS just so shipping doesn't take forever.

If you're interested, let me know