Living in a flat I am a bit limited on what I can do DIY-wise due to noise, particularly in the evening. Even simply using a mallet with stitching chisels to punch holes in the leather can be a bit too much.
The aim of this project is to create a press-like tool that is sturdy enough for me to just push the chisels through the material, allowing me to work more quietly.
I opted for some hardwoods for this project as although the original plan for a very utilitarian tool, testing found a lot of flex and give in the cheaper pallet wood I'd originally planned to use.
The base and back are iroko, with oak providing the corner piece and the uprights that connect the lever, which is maple.
All the pieces are simply screwed together, with a bolt passing through the oak and maple to create the pivot.
The levers handle was rounded with a notch cut into it's underside to support the chisels, and a cheap cutting board was used to create a working surface.
Finally, a small scrap of leather was attached to the back with upholstery nails, which creates 4 loops, to store the chisels.
In time I intend to give the handle a leather wrap, but that can wait until I've got a suitably sized scrap to spare.
It works great, not only in reducing the noise, but is actually a lot faster to use than the mallet, so I'm a lot more productive as well.