gregintenn Report post Posted February 8, 2022 I didn't think it turned out too bad. It sure takes a lot of hand stitching! I'm still thinking about making a pair of saddlebags, but haven't committed to tackling that yet. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Dwight Report post Posted February 8, 2022 If you first glue about a 3/8 bar of glue up the edge of each piece with Weldwood Contact cement . . . you can then come back every 3/4 of an inch with a bright shiny rivet . . . whole bunch easier and faster than hand sewing . . . and they look pretty darned good too. May God bless, Dwight Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
gregintenn Report post Posted February 8, 2022 (edited) Thank you, sir. That would be much easier. I'll probably go with some pre dyed leather next time as well. Edited February 8, 2022 by gregintenn Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
AzShooter Report post Posted February 9, 2022 Fantastic job. Very professional looking bag. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Samalan Report post Posted February 9, 2022 That's a very nice job for first try my friend . Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Blackjack21 Report post Posted February 9, 2022 Rivets will never replace a great hand sewn product. You have made a really nice bag and am sure you will make fine saddlebags when you get to it. I myself have built hundreds of motorcycle tool bags and saddlebags and all have been hand sewn or laced. I usually use harness weight leather for the large bags. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
gregintenn Report post Posted February 10, 2022 2 hours ago, Blackjack21 said: Rivets will never replace a great hand sewn product. You have made a really nice bag and am sure you will make fine saddlebags when you get to it. I myself have built hundreds of motorcycle tool bags and saddlebags and all have been hand sewn or laced. I usually use harness weight leather for the large bags. Thanks for the kind words, everyone! I’ve made belts, holsters, wallets and such for several years now, but getting back into motorcycles, this is new to me. Blackjack21, I have a specific question for you. If I use a stiff, thick harness leather, can I use saddlebags without the wire guards you need to buy for commercial bags that protect the bags from getting onto the brake rotor/belt pulley? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Tugadude Report post Posted February 10, 2022 Very nice indeed. Personally, I'd stay with the stitching, but that's just me, the rivets make a lot of sense. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jrdunn Report post Posted February 10, 2022 4 hours ago, Blackjack21 said: Rivets will never replace a great hand sewn product. You have made a really nice bag and am sure you will make fine saddlebags when you get to it. I myself have built hundreds of motorcycle tool bags and saddlebags and all have been hand sewn or laced. I usually use harness weight leather for the large bags. Yeah, that. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Frodo Report post Posted February 14, 2022 I also Think hand stitching is a better product on leather goods than rivets. BUT, When it comes to motorcycles EVERYONE knows that Chrome makes a bike go faster. The Leather color Black with Chrome is a tradition on Harley Davidson. It just IS. So In this instance, Mr Dwight has hit the nail on the head Nice bag by the way. VERY nice job Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
coma44 Report post Posted August 18, 2023 In my thought process the rivets add to the look, and strength, but from my mind I want is sewn and glued as well as the rivets. make it as good as you can. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
GatoGordo Report post Posted August 18, 2023 I did a Google image search to see similar bags with rivets. In my opinion the rivets cheapen the look. They may be appropriate for Harley Davidson but the OP's bag without rivets looks far classier and more refined. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Earlg Report post Posted August 31, 2023 That is sweet! I sure wouldn't let it set anywhere out of sight. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Zonker1972 Report post Posted August 31, 2023 On 2/8/2022 at 12:32 PM, gregintenn said: Thank you, sir. That would be much easier. I'll probably go with some pre dyed leather next time as well. was this veg tan that you dyed? I have had very bad luck keeping the dye color, green and black, in my motorcycle seats. i've tried several different top coats with no luck. what did you use as a top coat? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
TonyV Report post Posted August 31, 2023 On 2/8/2022 at 12:27 PM, Dwight said: If you first glue about a 3/8 bar of glue up the edge of each piece with Weldwood Contact cement . . . you can then come back every 3/4 of an inch with a bright shiny rivet . . . whole bunch easier and faster than hand sewing . . . and they look pretty darned good too. May God bless, Dwight Yes, great option, but handsewn looks so much cleaner and professional. Definitely bespoke. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
gregintenn Report post Posted November 28, 2023 On 8/31/2023 at 2:51 PM, Zonker1972 said: was this veg tan that you dyed? I have had very bad luck keeping the dye color, green and black, in my motorcycle seats. i've tried several different top coats with no luck. what did you use as a top coat? Sorry for the delay. I haven't been here in a while. I'm pretty sure I put Resolene on it. You are correct. The weather is beginning to take it's toll on the dye. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Zonker1972 Report post Posted November 28, 2023 i have recently tried to use a couple of different top coats with UV blockers. the experiment is on going but the results looks promising. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
