Putting A Straight Edge On A Side

[BigGriff]

Just got a side from Zach White. I am making a guitar strap for my brother. This is my first time doing something like this. So my question is, how do you guys straighten the edges? I have a strap cutter, scissors and a utility knife. Does anybody have a quick, easy way to do this. I guess I could just use a ruler and hope it comes out straight, but I am hoping someone has a better method. Thanks in advance.

[chancey77]

Get a good cheap piece of flat bar about 3" wide by 1/4 or 3/32. about 3-4 feet long.

I have been known to use a carpenters level as well but sometimes they have rounded the corners, so that will not be so straight 100% of the time, but it is worth a shot!

Good Luck!

BTW! Get aluminum flat bar!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Ken Cook]

I asked the same question when I bought a hide.

I was told to find the widest / longest part of the hide and use a streight edge to make the 1st cut.

I have a 4' metal ruler and I bought the strap cutter with the hide. However I haven't had the guts to try making that big of a cut.

Good Luck,

Ken

[TwinOaks]

Get a string longer than the longest cut you'll need. Make a loop on one end and push a thumbtack into the leather, with the loop around the tack. Stretch the string out along the side as close to the edges as you can, getting the most useable leather out of the side that you can. When you find the right line, insert a second tack and wrap the string around it. Moderate tension is all that's needed. Once the string is in place, you can mark the hide with whatever you like...just be sure that you don't bend the string. I like very soft pencil or 'woodless' pencils on the flesh side. Then, go back and cut along your line.

[longtooth]

I use the long ruler suggestion. The only thing I do is clamp the ends of the ruler. A sharp utility knife and take your time.

[ABC3]

Go to Home Depot and buy a straight edge (about $10) then put you shoulder on a work bench (we use a couple of large work tables) and clamp the straight edge to the bench. Straight line and you can cut it with a box cutter.

[GrampaJoel]

You first have to make a straight cut along thee top edge of the side of hide. (That would be the top of the back, I use a 6' straight edge I bought from Lowes I think it cost around $15.00)

After you get that cut

You make a second cut parallel to your first cut the width you want the strap to be at it's widest point.( I use a draw gauge for this. But I have used an utility knife on occasion)

There you have the basic guitar strap cut out.

Now you didn't say what thicknes your hide is so, if the hide is to thick on the strap you just cut, you will need to split the first cut strap, or cut again at a thinner spot .

Now figure the other decorative cuts and your on your way.

Joel

[McJeep]

I use a long straight edge as well, but I add one thing - once I have it set where I want it I lightly mark the line with a stylus (this is so you can tell if the edge is starting to wander migrate off you line for any reason and remedy before it's a problem) - I really like a rotary cutter that my wife picked up for me as the downward pressure that the leading edge of the cutter exerts seems to hold the leather down well and lessen chances of the leather being shifted under the straight edge - hope that makes sense :0/

[BigGriff]

Thanks for all the suggestions everyone. I will be heading to Home Depot tomorrow to find a straight edge. I also like the idea of using a stylus before cutting. I will be using that technique.

[Ken Cook]

McJeep, Can you elaborate on the rotary cutter? What kind of tool is it? Electric? What kind of blade?

Ken