few guitar straps and belts

[rdb]

I've been just making a few guitar straps and belts. Simple, no sewing, etc. I kinda like they way they look, and because there just isn't enough pictures on this site, I figured to throw some on here.

The "meander" strap I did in a nice walnut color, but it just won't photograph right for me, so Ill just post the lighter color.

I got this lighter color by mixing pure neatsfoot oil with part light brown feibings dye...then after drying, a light brown antique over it.

The other strap was just a basket weave, but I added the "starburst" effect to match the guy's guitar. He only wanted a solid one size strap. It really matched well.

[skip]

those look great! Just curious as I have not done a guitar strap before, how long is the strap itself?

[rdb]

Thanx ! The owner wanted a 53" from hole to hole.

[pete]

I love the first picture! Did you line it and if so what weight leather? Did you trim it and then edge and burnish, or edge, burnish, glue and then trim?

pete

[rdb]

The BW was a "half-quicky". I use Zack Whites Belt Hides. They are more like what I used to buy in the 70's in Boston. The backs are pretty smooth, and they take stamps well. I think they are 7/8 oz.

I used a wood edge-bevel tool to make the line. Usually I will swivel cut and with a stamp bevel down the line, then BW in between.

I always make my lines first, before I edge bevel. The square edge is easier to line things.

On commission stuff, I spend a loooong time doing the edge.

I use a common TLC wood edge beveler, both sides. Then I wet the edge, then slick once. Then I edge dye, and slick once more. Then I rub beeswax down the edge, and a final slick. I can feel the wax melting into the edge while I slick. That's when I stop, unless I'm going for perfect. Perfection requires a second Samuel Adams!....

Some edges come out better than others, I think it depends on my mood...lol.

[MikeG]

Very nice work! I really like "simple" and "clean." You meet both with these. BTW, "simple" does not mean "easy!"

Post some more!

[rdb]

Thanx Mike. I will post more, as I make stuff. I can't afford other kinds of leather yet, so I have to keep making straps and belts that sell until then.

[Billsotx]

Here's to Sam Adams! Walnuts toasting in the fire ... lol! Good job on them straps.