Strap Making 101.5

[xlr8tn]

Strapmakers,

Can you tell me the name of the stuff used on the sides of the strap to make it appear as one piece? Also, What type of thread and size is typically used in the stitching?

[FxrAndy]

i think the stuff on the sides is called edgecote, and i use 15 and 20 threads. I dont know what the numbers corespond to but 20 is the thicker of the two, 10 is a bit too thin.

[xlr8tn]

Much appreciated! Is the thread called waxed linen, sinew, or just nylon thread?

Here is a example of the waxed linen:

http://cgi.ebay.com/TANDY-LEATHER-WAXED-LI...oQQcmdZViewItem

Edited November 10, 2007 by xlr8tn

[FxrAndy]

That one is a nylon thread, thanks for the link by the way

[xlr8tn]

I'd like to attempt making my own straps and have the necessary tools. Problem is ... there are a gazillion types of leather. I sort of like the look of bison, but not sure of what type of leather hide to purchase. I really just need a small piece to give it a go. Are you using 6-7 oz leather? Is it this veg tan stuff? I like the feel of the stock one (last photo), just not the color or thin nature of it. See attached...what type of leather are we looking at?

Thanks,

Brent

Edited November 13, 2007 by xlr8tn

[FxrAndy]

I just go to my local leathwer shop and see what he has no idea about the weight, i fold it over and see how it bends, see if the colour changes as the grain bends, is it supple, how thick it would be doubled, i spent a long time in the offcuts bin looking that is where the leather came for the first 4 after that i found a few good nice pieces and bought small pieces at a time.

Buy a couple of cheep straps and take them apart see how they are made.

[xlr8tn]

On these factory straps that use a lining on the underside, do you know what this stuff is? It looks super thin. It sort of feels like suede.

[FxrAndy]

I have used thin chamois before,

[xlr8tn]

My Prototype is done! Thank you FxrAndy for all your help. Overall, I am happy with what I produced and the next one can only be an improvement. I first sought out a quality hide. It's tough to find just a small piece, so I ended up getting a side of Black Buffalo/Bison at a weight of about 6-7 ozs. I was after a total thickness of 5mm and this turned out to be spot on once doubled, glued, and pressed. I mostly used one of my stock straps to get baseline measurements.

I fabricated something like a stitching horse out of two pieces of oak about a foot in length (see pic). I sandwiched them together and drilled 5 holes, one at each corner, and one in the middle. Then I used bolts and wing nuts to secure. I used this to position the piece and do the actual stitching. I plan to use it in the future as my press instead of having to go out in the "cold" garage.

Things I learned from the process:

• Strap making takes time, patience, and dedication
  
• I really appreciate the craftsmanship of fellow strapmakers
  
• You need to have the correct tools to do a professional job (I plan to add a few additional tools for the next one)
  

The next strap, I would like to use something a little bit lighter in weight (~4.6 oz). I have enough Bison to make another 50 straps, so if anyone wants to do a leather exchange, let me know. I would like to try out a few different types of leather. Also, I will probably use a thicker thread next time but need to figure out the right ply.

Recap

Hide ... $87

Tools ... $50

Wearing a rep PAM with my own custom strap ... PRICELESS

Edited November 20, 2007 by xlr8tn

[Nebakanezzar]

wow, looks sharp man! good work!