citrusvanilla

hey guys, working on a satchel.. i am using 6oz vegtan on a prototype for straps intended to wrap around the contents of the satchel and affix back on itself by button posts and keyholes/hooks (its like a belt with post and keyhole). The 6oz vegtan is not pliable and cracks a bit when the button post is fit through the keyholes from the tension. If the belt is between sizes (the post falls between keyholes), there is very little ability to stretch the straps to make the next size. So there are two issues: 1. the cracking, and 2. the lack of stretching. what would you guys recommend as an alternative leather? I've seen some splits/suedes that can stretch but retain shape. I was also thinking of just sizing down to 3oz vegtan. Another method might be to soften the vegtan. However, manually softening the leather is time-intensive so when I eventually want to make more than a prototype, the manual soften is not an ideal option. What do you guys think? Thanks! Justin Rockaway, NY

ed, thanks- not a bad idea at all. i'm looking into it. at some point id like to get real metal and wood components though, are there like large vendors that do this thing or should i find a mom and pop outfit around me?

What's up guys- I'm in the middle of designing a prototype and I have come to a point where it is not possible to proceed without certain machined/fabricated parts being made. I am looking for services to complete the request. I have complete detailed plans and specs available to share, that I am attaching here. There are three components of the part- a metal piece about 1x1x1'' that I believe will be constructed from sheet metal, a flat wood piece that should by stained plywood, and screw posts for holding the leather. None of these parts I would assume would be available. I am of course willing to pay for the services rendered. Any ideas guys? Feel free to pass my gmail email along (citrusvanilla@) Justin, Rockaway Beach, New York

What's up guys- I'm in the middle of designing a prototype and I have come to a point where it is not possible to proceed without certain machined parts being made. I have never approached someone to machine parts for me, and I am looking for services to complete the request. I have complete detailed plans and specs available to share, that I am attaching here. There are three components of the part- a metal piece about 1x1x1'' that I believe will be constructed from sheet metal, a flat wood piece that should by stained plywood, and screw posts for holding the leather. None of these parts I would assume would be available. I am of course willing to pay for the services rendered. Any ideas guys? Feel free to pass my gmail email along (citrusvanilla@) Justin, Rockaway Beach, New York

Okay, I found this for hockey helmets, which is close. however helmet snaps are notoriously difficult to snap and unsnap..

Guys, I'm looking for a very specific piece of hardware that may or may not exist. I would call it a 'screw post snap button'. It's a combination of this: and this: So essentially the male piece of the screw post would have the button attached to the end of it. What do you think? Does it exist? Maybe I can make it? Justin

so i opted for 1/16'' gum rubber 40a duro, and a sample of toughtek standard. 1/16'' gum is probably doable, but the friction of the toughtek really can't be beat, and i'm guessing its thickness comes in somewhere between a third and a half of a millimeter. both seem to be receptive to adhesive, though i would sew in both if given the chance. thanks for the suggestions guys!

billy, lightningad, dwight- thanks you guys are awesome. you put me on the right track and i ordered some samples. i will follow up with results when the stuff arrives.

yo guys, first time poster (harlem nyc what up!) i'm working on putting together a product for my sisters birthday- a strap for holding books. the leather i use- vegetable tanned- itself is not sufficient for ensuring the precious cargo does not fall out. Not that it will, but i'd like to protect against those rare circumstances when an extra layer of protection is needed. i've tried cotton webbing and while it looks nice, it cant do the job. I am thinking of petronio's-ing in some thin strips of rubber on the underside of the leather and seeing how it works, but i'm not sure what to be looking for. like leather, rubber has about 50 different parameters to choose from, probably even more so due to its inorganic production. does anyone have any clue what i should be searching for? like, even keywords such as 'sheet of rubber' would be helpful. something along these lines, but honestly i'm a bit overwhelmed. j, nyc