I am new, first project "camera strap"

[gerbilthemistake]

Ok so i've been really interested in making my own camera strap, i am still deciding on whether or not it be just a hand strap or a neck strap. Either way i have zero experience and no tools, the type of strap i have in mind would be something similar to what is on http://www.electricedge.com/gordy_s_straps/ . Instead of that threading he uses to hold the strap together i would rather use a steel post (i believe thats that it is) and then a key ring. If this small project goes well i'd be interested in making camera cases, wallets, waist belts.

So the question is could someone perhaps link me or advise what kind of kit i should start out with (tools i will need for this and future projects)? How much it should cost me to get started? Perhaps a template or instructions on how to make a sturdy camera strap that wont fall apart and break my camera ?

Thanks,

Tim

[abn]

Tim, first of all, welcome to Leatherworker.net.

I've never built a camera strap, so please take my advice with a grain of salt. But if I were asked to do one, here's how I'd proceed. I'd call my nearest Tandy Leather Factory to order the supplies.

I'd probably start with a pre-cut 1/2" strap. I'd dye and finish it. Then, I'd thin (skive) the places I plan to fold the leather using a safety beveler. I'd use glue and a Chicago screw to keep everything together.

You're probably looking at the following supplies:

• Strap - $7
  
• Eco-Flo dye - $6
  
• Satin Shene finish -$6
  
• Safety beveler - $4
  
• Leather Weld glue - $8
  
• Chicago screws - $4
  
• Mallet - $20
  
• Mini-punch kit - $12
  
• Key rings - $2
  

I may have missed something, but the long and short of it is that you can invest about $70 and have the supplies and tools to crank out six or seven camera straps. Some of these tools and supplies will also help you make the wallets and other accessories you mention.

I hope this information helps point you in the right direction.

Regards, -Alex

[TwinOaks]

Hi Gerbil, to Leatherworker.net. You have found perhaps the best site on the entire internet!

Alex (abn) gave you a good list to start with. One change I would make, since this is your first project, is to replace the dye and finish (as separate items) with a bottle of the Eco-flo 'all in one'. This presumes that you want a solid color. Both methods will work well, but have slightly different techniques.

Here's something else you can try too: In the link you gave us, the strap is wrapped near the end. Once you get the hang of working with solid pieces, try your hand at lace, and 'whip' the ends of the strap together. I recommend using the glue, and possibly a rivet in place of the screw (but the screws don't require setting punches and anvils), but wrapping with lace to hide the connections. Once you get that down, check out Myriam's tutorial on the four strand round braid (search Dog Leash Tutorial). That would make an attractive camera strap.

Definitely order a Tandy catalog from tandyleatherfactory(dot)com. One, you'll see that they have a nice selection of toys tools and materials, even some starter kits. Two, you'll have a reference when someone talks about the tools they used for a particular something. Otherwise, you might get a little confused when folks talk about their F871. The catalog is handy to grab and check what they're talking about.

Mike