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Advice on strap making

steviecav

Getting To Know The Place
26/10/10
65
0
6
I had a go at turning an old belt into a 24mm strap for my panerai rep this weekend. The only tools I had were a sharp knife and a needle and thread so the result is a bit rough to say the least. I am considering getting a couple of proper tools as I might attempt another one if I come across a nice enough leather belt. I wanted to ask if anyone knew what to use to burnish the edges of the leather? I have just used a brown wax crayon for this one!

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JackTheBear

Getting To Know The Place
7/7/10
71
0
0
Looks pretty darn good!!!!!!!! I to am working to make my own band - It is not rocket science. I have made a couple so far (much like yours) but I am not happy with my stitching. Going to Tandy today to get some education. I bought a couple of belts at the Goodwill Store the other day and hope to turn those $3 belts into $175 watch bands. I use a drum sander with a fine grit tube to skive the leather where I glue the places for the spring bars and buckle.

I am using the buckle that came with my Puretime 359m but you can get them pretty cheap on eBay too.
I am making them out of necessity since the manufactures don't offer longer straps (8 1/4 inch). I refuse to pay $175 for a new band and the cheaper ones don't fit.
Again, really nice job. I have been buying my supplies at Tandy Leather (they are on line) and bought a nice piece of leather I could make 100 straps from for $26. Really folks, $175 for ONE BAND! What does that guy say "Give me a break." JTB

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J.Prime

I'm Pretty Popular
Trusted Dealer
11/4/10
1,397
20
38
Really folks, $175 for ONE BAND! What does that guy say "Give me a break." JTB

Not to be a dick, but you aren't going to make a $175 strap from a crappy belt. Nor from a $26 hide. Quality leather doesn't come cheap, neither does the time of a gifted, seasoned craftsman. The price of high quality straps are dictated more by the skills of the maker and their dedication to details and less by the price of leather. Layering several pieces of leather, burnishing, sealing, and stitching is not a simple task and making it look professional takes several hours. The more I learn about leather work and the results of quality materials, the more I am willing to pay $300+ for a hide. Quality tools, adhesives, dyes, waxes, threads and conditioners are important as well to produce the previously stated '$175 strap.'

Any way, back to the OP. Burnishing is a timely process where dyes and wax are rubbed to create friction which melts the wax into the seams creating a smooth finish. Head over to http://www.leatherworker.net Join and explore their forum. I was planning to link a tutorial I have in mind but their forum requires membership to view most topics. There are several tutorials on burnishing and all kinds of leather work information. Good luck!!
 

Dodgy

Renowned Member
20/12/09
517
0
16
Nice 1st effort mate!

Croc: Thanks for the info, i was wondering why some straps are so damn expensive.
Is there a way to tell the good from the not so good?

Lots of guys charging the "175" price or more and im fairly sure not all of them are the skilled the craftsmen who use the best leather, dyes, glues etc.. you describe in your post.
 

J.Prime

I'm Pretty Popular
Trusted Dealer
11/4/10
1,397
20
38
Nice 1st effort mate!

Croc: Thanks for the info, i was wondering why some straps are so damn expensive.
Is there a way to tell the good from the not so good?

Lots of guys charging the "175" price or more and im fairly sure not all of them are the skilled the craftsmen who use the best leather, dyes, glues etc.. you describe in your post.

I feel like people with large reputations, years in the strap business, lots of feedback and reviews can be trusted. Finding blogs or sites which review straps can help you in the right direction, as well as finding out here in the forums what people wear the most and why. I'd like to think mine are great, and I haven't started charging $175 yet!! :biglaugh: Plus, they are all I wear ;)
 

karesz501

I'm Pretty Popular
10/8/10
1,985
7
38
European Union
I feel like people with large reputations, years in the strap business, lots of feedback and reviews can be trusted. Finding blogs or sites which review straps can help you in the right direction, as well as finding out here in the forums what people wear the most and why. I'd like to think mine are great, and I haven't started charging $175 yet!! :biglaugh: Plus, they are all I wear ;)

Guys, just order a single strap strap custom made for your wrist from Crocodile and you will experience that for the fraction of 175usd you get 100% SERVICE and the end product is UNBELIAVABLE!

Cheers,
One of his returning and satisfied customer:)

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