landm42006

ALCON, As the title states, what ideas or guidance do you have for a fledgling leather worker trying to imitate the look of croc or alligator on veg tan? I'm not looking for the raised / high ridged scales that a whole piece one can purchase from Tandy can get, I'm looking for that segmented look that the plates or scales make, almost (to me) looks like a dried lake bed. Are there any tricks using a bone folder, or is there a stamp that is out there that could be suggested? Thanks so much for any advice. Regards, Marty

ALCON, How could I go about commissioning a stamp creator to produce a stamp of the logo linked below? Who and how much (ballpark price)? https://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://crackberry.com/sites/crackberry.com/files/styles/w325/public/images/wallpaper_20100429111130_4312019102.jpg%253Fitok%253Dt27za56r&imgrefurl=http://crackberry.com/wallpaper-miscellaneous-panerai-logo&h=433&w=325&tbnid=XFNjMcWE4mIZhM:&docid=dt4BNQxvpMLeRM&ei=ESL6VcvkBsKrgwTP-oQQ&tbm=isch&ved=0CBwQMygAMABqFQoTCIuxxtL__McCFcLVgAodTz0BAg Thanks, Marty

Best steak I ever had was a Drunken Ribeye at the Mike's All American in Fairfax VA. Gawd I miss DC

Sooo, Basically purchase a belt blank, and then apply heavy coats of Fiebing's Walnut Pro Oil Dye? Not trying to sound like a smarty pants, but I have never attempted to duplicate a color before, and the color of this shoe is very unique. It looks like they took a run of a shoe in a previous color, and then added dye to make it a darker color. But basically, after dyeing the belt blank, then burnish the edges, install the keepers and buckle, and away you go? THanks, Marty

FIRSTLY: "To those who serve and have served, this day is yours, and remember how you earned this day, as well those before us, and those after us, who go without question or reservation into to the valley, so that same valley never comes to our beloved soil. "Semper Fi", "Oooh-Rahhh", "HooYahh", "Huuwuh" and all the other strange sounds our fighting forces make when receiving the call. Have a great memorial day, and continue to carry on the memory of the honor, courage and commitment that our fallen brothers and sisters displayed while they served their county." Enjoy this day, as it is a reminder that "Freedom is not free." Now then, as I get off the soapbox. I'm sorry for such a noob question, but what does "resist" mean when it applies to staining, dyeing or whatever process being discussed in this post? Also, what / who would sell a dress belt "blank" and dress belt buckle for the AE belt project. I too have a pair of Bourbon McCallisters I got off EBay for a decent price, but I can swing the $90 + to get the matching belt. I also need to resole a pair of AE shoes, but don't know if their asking price for resole services is realistic. Again, sorry for the multiple questions, just wanted any advise that can be gleaned, learn a thing (or two) and save a buck in the process. Semper Fi, Marty

Hello all. I purchased a pair of Allen Edmonds shoes, in a color called Burbon. I got these shoes at a steal, but the color is very unique, and I cant find a belt that matches the shade of the shoes. Any ideas on how I could make my own belt (I have 1 1/4" wide dress veg tanned belt blanks) but I don't have any idea what colors I need to combine to achieve this effect. Any ideas would be greatly appreciated. Marty

Hello all, I have seen a ton of bags and it seems that Saddleback leather has the style I really like, and the materials seem spot on. But I wonder how much these bags are actually marked up in price. The leather is chrome tanned leather, which i think is less expensive than veg tan. In a nutshell, what I am asking is this: of the Saddleback leather bags, how much is actual material cost, and how much is actually profit? Would it be worth it to buy my own leather and have a go at making my own bag. Any and all imput and advise is greatly appreciated. Semper Fi, Marty

That beauty looks like it should be strapped on the forks of a Harley or other manly bike. Shove some diapers in it, strap junior on the sissy bar, and away to the day care we go! Excellent work!

Thanks for posting. How / what kind of punch do you use for making the holes? Also, how do you space your holes?

Another "dumb question": What is the significance / importance of Irish linen thread / cord? In several sites devoted to watch straps, most of the leather straps are stitched with Irish linen. I go to the INTERNET to find out about purchasing, and there are different thicknesses. My "How to Sew Leather" by Al Stolhman has an illustration tat shows the different thicknesses for sewing different materials, and recommends 2oz thread / cord. I cant find that. So is 2 oz the same as 2 ply? And where could I get Irish Linen in CONUS? Thanks, Marty

So do you think that a simple good scuffing wiht sandpaper on some veg tanned 3oz leather would mimic the appearance of nubuck?

Like the title says: What is nubuck? I have seen some watch straps professionally made, and they advertise their wares as nubuck. But then I see some alligator straps that are also "nubuck". So is nubuck a leather, or a treatment the leather recieves? And if it is a treatment, how can the novice / begginner pull off this effect? Thanks, Marty

Would I use plain old paint thinner to keep the glue fresh, or is there a specific thinner for this kind of glue?

After a brief absence, I hope to start making straps again. HOwever, the glue I have been using (Tandy "Tanners Bond Contact Cement") in the 8oz can is now a big glop of rubber in the bottom of the can. My question is: 1. Is this the best glue for strap making? 2. Will a "glue pot" help keep my glue lasting longer and what would you reccomend? THanks, Marty

Please ignore the awesome watch. This is the hole style I am trying to replicate. I have an oval punch from Tandy, but it does not achieve the same tight, crisp holes that are on this professionally (probably machine made) strap.

Thanks. I am to keep plugging away, and do plan on selling some of my less used watches and will probably be getting one of yours to see and feel the difference. The first one I referenced will go nicely with the Pam 359 I will be getting in the next few months. Keep up the awesome work. Regards, Marty

Frog, I am out of that paygrade. I would love to, and perhaps after my financials straighten out, I can get one of your masterpieces. But half the fun is trying to master that dye job. And so far the fun is frustrating. But thanks for the insight on the leather grain being the key element in that look. You are the man. I would love to see an updated "play by play" of how you make these babies, but that would give away too many secrets. Thanks for posting the motivation of a Frogman strap. I will keep on plugging away trying to be half as good. Regards, Marty

Spirit dye? Is that the Fiebings dye, or something else. How is that different color effect achieved?

I have gotten this pic from another website. The owner of the pic states this is "Itialian Leather". I love his work, and want to do this for my personal straps. I love the look of this leather, but cannot figure out how it is replicated. Also, what kind of stitching do you guess that is? How is this effect achieved, and what colors would you guys use? Or, any ideas where I can purchase "Italian Leather"? Thanks, Marty

For the life of me, I cannont keep a white stitch white by the time I am done stitching. I make watch straps and here are the steps I take in doing so: 1. Cut and glue the straps together. (Leather is already dyed to desired color). 2. I case the leather with tap water and then make my stitching marks with a four pronged diamond awl. 3. Allow the leather to dry. 4. Place leather in stitching pony, finish punching the stitching hole with my sewing awl. and lastly, I saddle stitch the strap. All of my materials come from Tandy, and I stitch using that nylon thread they sell that is pre-waxed. I even stitch with rubber gloves, due to feeling that perhaps the oils in my skin were causing the stitches to become "dindgy". Please tell me what I am doing wrong, or is there a way of cleaning the stitching after the strap is completed. Thanks and S/F Marty

What kinda tool is this and is there a pic or vid of this being used?

well that was a bust. I ordered a second bottle of beige from a different vendor with the same result. All told, I have spent $20 on dye, and still dont have the color I am looking for. Bollucks!!!!

Very noob question, but what would be the difference between calf leather and the veg tanned leather I buy from Tandy to make watch straps with? And where can I purchase this calf leather, if it is that great? I read about calf this, and calf that, and how soft it is, but can not find any at the tandy site. Dont know if I am even looking properly, or using the correct "search" term. Please, oh learned ones, enlighten an ignorant soul. THanks and S/F, Marty

Good idea. Thanks

Well folks, the topic title says it all. I am looking for a punch that makes rectangular holes in leather. The punch can be a free handed tool, or can be mounted as in the plyer form that some punches are attacned to. The punch is to make a hole that is 2mm high by 3 - 4 mm wide. I am also looking for a #2 edge beveler, as well as a supplier for wholesale watchstrap buckles. Thanks for your time, and I hope that someone out there can point me in the right direction. Marty