xlr8tn

Excellent...thanks for the information...learned something new today - gussets.

Hey all, I haven't yet installed a zipper on any project I have made. I would like to make a gun case and have a multi-direction zipper that can be locked. Does anyone have an article or link on how to go about sewing a zipper like this: http://www.santassleighbells.com/ruger1b.jpg Thanks, Brent

Roger, That second video was awesome. Thanks for the info. -Brent

Can someone who owns one of these fine tools give me a couple of measurements? Looking for 1) width at widest point when clam is closed and 2) length from top to hinge. Looking to fabricate my own for personal use only. When actually sewing, which side goes on top...hinged or long side? Thanks, Brent

What size thread should I be using for 8 stitches per inch? Also, when my thread size goes smaller, is there an awl that I should be using other than the Osborne one I have? Is there anything smaller than this? http://www.amazon.com/Tandy-Leather-Osborne-Stitching-31218-01/dp/B0036L6H7K/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1381071839&sr=8-2&keywords=osborne+stitching+awl

Does anyone have a hand full of copper rivets that I could perhaps buy from them? I am looking for about 10 that is close to the xsmall cap ones that tandy sells. I need them to be close to 6mm or so but not bigger. I will need to buy the setter, but I really don't need 500 copper rivets. Any help would be appreaciated. -Brent

Is there anyone out there that would be willing to split a couple of pieces of leather for me? I am working on a watch strap for a friend and using some vintage ammo pouch leather that is a bit too thick. I don't make many of these so can't justify the purchase of a splitter yet. I need this leather split down to 4oz (~2mm). Any help would be much appreciated, Brent

Just got a new can of Renia Colle de Cologne and man is this stuff goopy. I could barely get it out of the can, but it did work really well for gluing up watch straps. How are you all using this stuff to protect from the fumes and harmful ingredients? I have a workshop indoors, but should I be gluing this stuff in the garage to keep the fumes out of my house and away from the children? Do you all thin this stuff with another product or just leave in a glue pot?

I came across a show that depicted construction of a watch strap. They mentioned that the core was made of "synthetic material reinforced with fiberglass". Can someone translate this into something that I can purchase and perhaps route me to places you have dealt with before. It appears to be closed cell but I am not sure if it is rubber, neoprene, or foam. I will need to be able to contour / shape this product to add a taper as well as have contact cement stick to it. Thanks, Brent

Recently I saw a show called How It's Made and they had a series about leather bands. They mentioned using polyethylene thread. Can someone help me determine the best size thread to use with alligator straps? Is this thread just polyester thread? I have include a pic to help guestimate the size. Thanks, Brent

thanks for all the replies...many options to choose from.

Where do I find a thick slab of glass that I can use for skiving? Looking for one about a 1/2" thick. Also, what is the name of the tool in photo 00B.jpg? Thanks, Brent

Anyone know where I can find a bunch of these? -Brent

Does anyone have a messenger bag pattern that they could share? Thanks

I just purchased a few edge creasers. I have an Osborne Edge Creaser #1 and just picked up #2 and a double edge creaser #2. Trial and error...#1 is just too thin and tends to cut the leather. I am making watch straps and often see this decorative crease on the edges and the stitching either on the inside crease or in between the creases. Although this tool seems simple enough to use, can someone give me any tips on the usage of this tool? Am I supposed to heat the tool to sort of burn in the crease? Am I supposed to wet the leather (mostly gator and cowhide)? Any help would be appreciated. -Brent

Thanks for the link to Proletic...I found exactly what I was looking for. -Brent

Can someone point me to a vendor that sells double edge creasers. I saw a few old tools on ebay, but they went fast. -brent

NewYorkerInSydney, I start off by creating a template out of card stock paper in the correct dimensions. I leave the ends and sides a little wider than the actual straps. Since I mostly work on alligator, I align the template over the hide and find a nice pattern and secure using the blue painters tape (tends to not mark the leather or leave a residue). Once this is done, I line up a ruler (corked backed like Monticore stated) and use a sharp new blade to cut one side. I then measure and mark again on the other side, making sure to leave about 1/2 mm or less to account for edge paint buildup. I tend to make the lug side closer to the exact size for a perfect fit and a little less towards the tip of the strap. This is to reduce the friction through the buckle and to prevent edge paint from getting messed up. Hope this helps, Brent Cajun Straps

Thanks Bobby, Now are these shows mostly for saddle makers and carving leather or do actual Leather suppliers show up as well? -Brent

Hello All, I was wondering if there is a leather expo or market where you can meet vendors and find the ones that have the products you need. As a watch strap maker, it is pretty difficult to determine which products to buy over the internet. If you all have heard of something, let me know. I'd like to attend one soon. -Brent

I am right there with you. I enjoy looking through that magazine and there has been many times where I have stated to myself..."I could make that". I would like to get a sewing machine so I can make things look much more professional. Not that my hand stitching isn't nice, but it would make the whole process much easier.

I just ordered some leather point needles from Campbell Bosworth. Those guys are so helpful...thanks Charlie. Now, either my wife's machine can not handle the type of needle I ordered, or I ordered the wrong needle shaft size. I have never sewed anything in my life...so this is all an experiment for me. I got two different point (LP and S) in two different sizes (25 and 26). Here is the needle information and sewing machine info: Schmetz NM: 200 size: 26 NM: 230 size: 25 other markings: 328S 428S 214X2 N R SP DDX2 S Organ Needles 214X2RTW size 25 and 26 I assume these are the Leather Point needles I ordered, but don't see LP anywhere. My wife's machine is pretty basic and it is a Husky by Viking model # 170. Is there something I can do to get these to fit? The shaft size on a needle my wife has is tiny. Help me make sense of this! -Brent

I have never sewn anything by machine in my life and have been hand stitching all of my watch straps for the past few years. I would like to now purchase an inexpensive (~$300) used sewing machine that will let me sew a more professional stitch. All this machine needs to do is sew straps, nothing else at the moment. Can you recommend an electric machine that would let me get the sort of stitching seen in the photograph. Once I acquire the machine, what sort of needles will I need? I have hand stitched with up to 277 and even 346 size thread. How do I get the angled effect on the machine? Is the needle awl like in that it lays down a slanted cut so the knot will offset the stitch or does the machine need a specific setting? Thanks, -Brent

What sort of tool did you use to burn in the images?

I found the video...part I am looking for is at 1:49.