TVvoodoo's Straplab
- Thread starter TVvoodoo
- Start date
-
- Tags
- guitar straps
Ramo
AmTHRASHador of Chugz
OP
TVvoodoo
Ambassador of The Comfortably Slung
I'm typically way better at getting stuff done and posted here but the past couple weeks have been kind of funky. I got a custom job that I was fighting with over a week or so, and the replacement refurb phone I picked up turned out to be a funky thing so, it's just been kind of a crappy start to the new year.
However, I'm not complaining, still picking up some custom work and I have traffic in the reverb store. This is the custom I've been fighting, it's final form. It went through all kinds of changes before becoming basic black once again, LOL -
But in this form, it's also pretty stunning.
Today I completed "Five Crosses #2" a custom piece for a forum brother.
I made a black and white one for the store a few weeks ago, and it sold off just the other day, so I had to make this one when somebody couldn't grab the first one after it was gone. This one in black and light yellow/tan. But I also did a bit of a metallic tarnished silver "relic" look on the crosses. I love how the flat-smashed rivets really pick up the light like tiny mirrors on these things.
This was the same original leather as the white one prior, but I carefully dyed it to get a more yellow/tan vibe on it, and clearcoated over it again. Black denim interior lining rolls up over the edges just a little bit for neck comfort
Normally this time of year I've already done my annual "Customer appreciation" draw where I give out a bunch of prizes. Well since I finally just got my phone stuff all worked out, I can now get after that. However, I have a bunch of stuff to do for "RiffMasters" this week, so I PROMISE to get after my annual endorsermentor draw this next coming week. Several watchers of this thread are up for fun swag! Keep watching and good luck!
However, I'm not complaining, still picking up some custom work and I have traffic in the reverb store. This is the custom I've been fighting, it's final form. It went through all kinds of changes before becoming basic black once again, LOL -
But in this form, it's also pretty stunning.
Today I completed "Five Crosses #2" a custom piece for a forum brother.
I made a black and white one for the store a few weeks ago, and it sold off just the other day, so I had to make this one when somebody couldn't grab the first one after it was gone. This one in black and light yellow/tan. But I also did a bit of a metallic tarnished silver "relic" look on the crosses. I love how the flat-smashed rivets really pick up the light like tiny mirrors on these things.
This was the same original leather as the white one prior, but I carefully dyed it to get a more yellow/tan vibe on it, and clearcoated over it again. Black denim interior lining rolls up over the edges just a little bit for neck comfort
Normally this time of year I've already done my annual "Customer appreciation" draw where I give out a bunch of prizes. Well since I finally just got my phone stuff all worked out, I can now get after that. However, I have a bunch of stuff to do for "RiffMasters" this week, so I PROMISE to get after my annual endorsermentor draw this next coming week. Several watchers of this thread are up for fun swag! Keep watching and good luck!
Last edited:
OP
TVvoodoo
Ambassador of The Comfortably Slung
Something a little different today. One of the things I've always tried to do as a strapmaker is solve those nagging problems. straps biting on your neck, pressure points, neck dive, strap button doubt... stuff like that.
Martin contacted me with an idea a few weeks ago. He says he has a particularly bad Jackson supershredder that is just a beast of a neck diver.
I told him several times that I build all kinds of straps that beat neck dive down pretty good, and also have particular materials I can build in that make the braking effect even more extreme.
Now Martin suffers from a disease I call "Idea-itis" - seems to be primarily a human male malady, I recognize it well because I've caught the bug myself in the past. The Main sign is: No matter what anybody tells you, your own new idea is way better, and you will continue down your path, hear no logic or even from experienced people, until you see YOUR idea through first. LOL! I've been there!
He had found this tactical helmet counterweight on amazon - it's got five 50g weights build inside it, all held in there by an elasticky sort of affair.
It's for balancing military headgear with night vision stuff up front, and I guess some of the helmets have build in attachment points
Martin wanted one of my straps for his treasured gigging Jackson. After going back and forth about padding and grippyiness and all that,
I finally relented, promising I'd build him a counterweight apparatus that could go easily onto the strap, but also move around on different straps.
He had purchased one of those helmet getups, but didn't like how it was nylon and not leather. I think maybe he was also having trouble
coming up with an ideal strap attachment method. He offered ideas on how to attach a new version, so we worked on that together.
So for the first time in history, (maybe the last LOL) here's the Well-Hung "Strap Anchor V.1" in black leather to match.
Five counterweight slots, in an elastic bandolier affair, and barn doors with velcro closes it all up hidden and secure.
I made a fake counterweight of of vegtan leather glued in layers to get the size and shape proper
Attaches at the top with a simple Chicago screw. He felt the bottom would work fine with a button, but I have my doubts.
I'll send him a Well-Hung strap button, they have twice the shaft room for my thicker strap ends.
Don't get I'm trying to make fun of Martin here, I just think it's hilarious how a lot of us dudes think alike. I've got a strong feeling my strap lining alone will solve his neck dive problem, and I hardly charged him anything for the counterweight holder. It was a fun little challenge anyway and I had all the materials here, so it was only a bit of time involved.
Martin contacted me with an idea a few weeks ago. He says he has a particularly bad Jackson supershredder that is just a beast of a neck diver.
I told him several times that I build all kinds of straps that beat neck dive down pretty good, and also have particular materials I can build in that make the braking effect even more extreme.
Now Martin suffers from a disease I call "Idea-itis" - seems to be primarily a human male malady, I recognize it well because I've caught the bug myself in the past. The Main sign is: No matter what anybody tells you, your own new idea is way better, and you will continue down your path, hear no logic or even from experienced people, until you see YOUR idea through first. LOL! I've been there!
He had found this tactical helmet counterweight on amazon - it's got five 50g weights build inside it, all held in there by an elasticky sort of affair.
It's for balancing military headgear with night vision stuff up front, and I guess some of the helmets have build in attachment points
Martin wanted one of my straps for his treasured gigging Jackson. After going back and forth about padding and grippyiness and all that,
I finally relented, promising I'd build him a counterweight apparatus that could go easily onto the strap, but also move around on different straps.
He had purchased one of those helmet getups, but didn't like how it was nylon and not leather. I think maybe he was also having trouble
coming up with an ideal strap attachment method. He offered ideas on how to attach a new version, so we worked on that together.
So for the first time in history, (maybe the last LOL) here's the Well-Hung "Strap Anchor V.1" in black leather to match.
Five counterweight slots, in an elastic bandolier affair, and barn doors with velcro closes it all up hidden and secure.
I made a fake counterweight of of vegtan leather glued in layers to get the size and shape proper
Attaches at the top with a simple Chicago screw. He felt the bottom would work fine with a button, but I have my doubts.
I'll send him a Well-Hung strap button, they have twice the shaft room for my thicker strap ends.
Don't get I'm trying to make fun of Martin here, I just think it's hilarious how a lot of us dudes think alike. I've got a strong feeling my strap lining alone will solve his neck dive problem, and I hardly charged him anything for the counterweight holder. It was a fun little challenge anyway and I had all the materials here, so it was only a bit of time involved.
OP
TVvoodoo
Ambassador of The Comfortably Slung
I've been pre-occupied a little bit here lately getting my annual Endorserment thing together.
it's nearly a month late due to phone/recording issues and Riffmasters duties, failing freezer etc!
Eight prizes, a TTR brother has won TWO of the draws, that bugger!
Once again my deep appreciation to all who says good things about Well-Hung stuffs
online and puts effort into me recruiting new warriors into the fold - I wish you all could win!
it's nearly a month late due to phone/recording issues and Riffmasters duties, failing freezer etc!
Eight prizes, a TTR brother has won TWO of the draws, that bugger!
Once again my deep appreciation to all who says good things about Well-Hung stuffs
online and puts effort into me recruiting new warriors into the fold - I wish you all could win!
LiveeviL2000
Ambassador of Pentagonal Pentatonics
Congrats!
OP
TVvoodoo
Ambassador of The Comfortably Slung
Fellas on another forum were askin' if I was dead or something geez... not, not dead. LOL!! I've been away, Reverb store closed for a bit, wife celebrating our 30th wedding anniversary, and she even took me along with her LOL! Cancun... our stay just a bit too close to the Coco Bongo party/disco, if you know, you know. Anyway, overall a nice break... Honestly, I'm not much a traveler, but it was nice to get some sand up my crack, and I really enjoyed checking the wares of the craftspeople pretty much anywhere you go in Mexico, as touristy/junky as a fair bit of it is. But some great woodcarving, and the pottery/ceramic items were what caught my eyes. Some interesting leatherwork too, but not as much as I was hoping to see. Took in the Chichen Itza pyramid/city complex, navigated the Isla Majures pre-ferry rush hour madness in probably the slowest golf cart in the world, drank too many super fizzy Mexibeers. But now, it's time to pay the piper! Back to work!
Yesterday, first day back, I had some custom stuff backed up a bit, so I had to get crackin'. First off, was for a cool guy I met named Brad... Never met another B-rad I didn't like! He wanted something Randy-ish, but a bit different and I steered him towards my "Dirty Honey" python... it's a bit darker than a Randy python, got a little more... uh... rizz to it, as the kids say these days...
Used to keep these stocked in the store, but I'm running a bit short of this particular embossed cowhide, so Dirty Honey is more a custom thing nowadays, I still have a few more pieces reserved in my exclusive "Leather Library" for when folks ask. This one now on the way to Houston, Texas
Also banged out a couple of Matrikas over yesterday and today for a fella in Georgia... he found some pics of these online from years ago, and immediately fell in love - and got in touch.... Says he's really into boho/hippie stuff... this strap also kind of a blast in the Well-Hung past, I first offered these back about 9 years ago. I still have a bit of ribbon also reserved back for this style in a few colours. It's kind of rare to find a nice ribbon style strap that's a full 3" wide. That makes these super comfy and showy. I also wrap the velvety interior over the sides a little bit, so the edge of the ribbon won't cut into your neck. Again, a custom order... This crazy ribbon... when I was buying it ten years ago, reasonable direct from Pakistan... suddenly it's went up about 10 times in price, by the yard, to buy any of it new.
Anyway, pleased to announce I am NOT dead. When when we were sittin' on the tarmac in Cancun waiting for the luggage truck to find us after we had our gate changed three times before boarding... sitting there, jammed into a super tight budget plane seat in a highly overheated cabin, three babies crying from three different directions, almost wished I was!
Yesterday, first day back, I had some custom stuff backed up a bit, so I had to get crackin'. First off, was for a cool guy I met named Brad... Never met another B-rad I didn't like! He wanted something Randy-ish, but a bit different and I steered him towards my "Dirty Honey" python... it's a bit darker than a Randy python, got a little more... uh... rizz to it, as the kids say these days...
Used to keep these stocked in the store, but I'm running a bit short of this particular embossed cowhide, so Dirty Honey is more a custom thing nowadays, I still have a few more pieces reserved in my exclusive "Leather Library" for when folks ask. This one now on the way to Houston, Texas
Also banged out a couple of Matrikas over yesterday and today for a fella in Georgia... he found some pics of these online from years ago, and immediately fell in love - and got in touch.... Says he's really into boho/hippie stuff... this strap also kind of a blast in the Well-Hung past, I first offered these back about 9 years ago. I still have a bit of ribbon also reserved back for this style in a few colours. It's kind of rare to find a nice ribbon style strap that's a full 3" wide. That makes these super comfy and showy. I also wrap the velvety interior over the sides a little bit, so the edge of the ribbon won't cut into your neck. Again, a custom order... This crazy ribbon... when I was buying it ten years ago, reasonable direct from Pakistan... suddenly it's went up about 10 times in price, by the yard, to buy any of it new.
Anyway, pleased to announce I am NOT dead. When when we were sittin' on the tarmac in Cancun waiting for the luggage truck to find us after we had our gate changed three times before boarding... sitting there, jammed into a super tight budget plane seat in a highly overheated cabin, three babies crying from three different directions, almost wished I was!
OP
TVvoodoo
Ambassador of The Comfortably Slung
Guitar forum brother asked me a little while ago, (while I was lazing in the Mexican Sun), if I could take on a custom project for him... had to put him off until I returned and got him in the queue. He's runnin' with a band called The Porch Pirates and he was looking for something a little high seas rogueish that would feature his stage persona Cap'n "Jack Dupp" - Clever name.. he sent over a vid too! I love to see my strap guys in action!
I believe now they are taking the pirate thing a bit further since the video was uploaded, so no costumes there, but yeah, they rockin' out!
Now, a pirate theme is something I can totally get behind. We got a design figured out... He was saying Pirate-meets-motorcycle... so that's not too far out of my wheelhouse. it's going to feature a lot of rivetwork, some grommet work and a bunch of tooling underneath. And of course the name prominent on the front. I suggest changing it to Jack Doff, but he didn't even acknowledge my adolescent level attempt at humor, being the piratey/gentleman he is LOL!
I only have cowboy western letter stamps, 1" wide x 1" tall right now, but I figured I'd ornate them up a bit and in the end really will totally pass for most people as not too far out of theme.
Got those stamped in then made a little batwing sort of gothic design down the middle of the strap and proceeded to bevel it out, to raise it up, and then started backgrounding the lower bits.
My stamping chops are awful! I haven't stamped much for at least a month. four hours of that this morning, and my hands cramped up pretty good, LOL! hopefully I can still play a little guitar myself later on - I got some reggae to take care of!
On the high back I'm adding a little crossed sabres and skull sort of Jolly Roger type element so I carved that in too... here it is yet to be beveled. But you can see how the backgrounding tool makes a nice texture.
I like to get at the edges while the leather is still a bit damp, the edge tool cuts it nicer that way, and makes for a nicer burnished edge in the end product.
A little more stamping and some decorative cuts to juice up the letters, then I did a double dye in black.
I figure this is getting to be nearing the halfway point, as far as the hardest stuff... I hope to pick away at it a bit more on the weekend. Cap'n Duff tells me he has a gig coming up!
I believe now they are taking the pirate thing a bit further since the video was uploaded, so no costumes there, but yeah, they rockin' out!
Now, a pirate theme is something I can totally get behind. We got a design figured out... He was saying Pirate-meets-motorcycle... so that's not too far out of my wheelhouse. it's going to feature a lot of rivetwork, some grommet work and a bunch of tooling underneath. And of course the name prominent on the front. I suggest changing it to Jack Doff, but he didn't even acknowledge my adolescent level attempt at humor, being the piratey/gentleman he is LOL!
I only have cowboy western letter stamps, 1" wide x 1" tall right now, but I figured I'd ornate them up a bit and in the end really will totally pass for most people as not too far out of theme.
Got those stamped in then made a little batwing sort of gothic design down the middle of the strap and proceeded to bevel it out, to raise it up, and then started backgrounding the lower bits.
My stamping chops are awful! I haven't stamped much for at least a month. four hours of that this morning, and my hands cramped up pretty good, LOL! hopefully I can still play a little guitar myself later on - I got some reggae to take care of!
On the high back I'm adding a little crossed sabres and skull sort of Jolly Roger type element so I carved that in too... here it is yet to be beveled. But you can see how the backgrounding tool makes a nice texture.
I like to get at the edges while the leather is still a bit damp, the edge tool cuts it nicer that way, and makes for a nicer burnished edge in the end product.
A little more stamping and some decorative cuts to juice up the letters, then I did a double dye in black.
I figure this is getting to be nearing the halfway point, as far as the hardest stuff... I hope to pick away at it a bit more on the weekend. Cap'n Duff tells me he has a gig coming up!
Last edited:
OP
TVvoodoo
Ambassador of The Comfortably Slung
Happy Friday crew! I got a pair of cold ones in the fridge waiting for me... just wrapping up my day in the StrapLab.
First thing this morning, I punched some holes. The customer and I were humming and hawing over bright nickel or gunmetal for the hardware on his "Cap'n Jack Dupp" strap... so I punched some holes and showed him before committing.
My intention was to flat-smash these, as I like the look... to me it looks more "old world," gives off nice glitter, is more secure, less catchy, and much less guitar-dingey. The photos don't really show much a difference but he deferred to my advice... gunmetal. The silvery letters will stand out more, and it will look less judas priesty in the end.
So, we moved forward with the tin-bashing. One design element I wanted to incorporate was lacing with grommets... that seems piratey to me, and fits with the moto theme not bad as well - Here you can see the flatted out rivets, and grommets too.
We made the right decison I think
Check out this big ol' relic'd buckle I found - it's solid and heh-heh-veee!
This custom is in my back buckling "Class Act" design, as Mo already has one of my straps from way back called "Problem Child" which I believe may have been the first or second Class Act strap I ever made. It's going to be a kind of a biatch clearcoating this with all the lacing, but I figured I'd put it together first, them work around that. I have to build all these top design features before painting on the lettering, clearcoating then assembling it with the padding lining, then stitching.
One of the most fun things about what i do is meeting super cool people. Remember I mentioned a few days ago about "Brad" who ordered up a Well-Hung Dirty Honey strap. Well,l I've been messaging back and forth with dude a bit and I found out he's one of them bonafide blues dentists IN THE WILD LOL!
OK, not a Dentist, but an Orthodontist. Jennings Orthodontists in Houston actually has a slogan "Rockin' Your Smile!"
Brad laughs it off - of course... because doing what he does, allows him to do this... prepare to have your mind blown...
First thing this morning, I punched some holes. The customer and I were humming and hawing over bright nickel or gunmetal for the hardware on his "Cap'n Jack Dupp" strap... so I punched some holes and showed him before committing.
My intention was to flat-smash these, as I like the look... to me it looks more "old world," gives off nice glitter, is more secure, less catchy, and much less guitar-dingey. The photos don't really show much a difference but he deferred to my advice... gunmetal. The silvery letters will stand out more, and it will look less judas priesty in the end.
So, we moved forward with the tin-bashing. One design element I wanted to incorporate was lacing with grommets... that seems piratey to me, and fits with the moto theme not bad as well - Here you can see the flatted out rivets, and grommets too.
We made the right decison I think
Check out this big ol' relic'd buckle I found - it's solid and heh-heh-veee!
This custom is in my back buckling "Class Act" design, as Mo already has one of my straps from way back called "Problem Child" which I believe may have been the first or second Class Act strap I ever made. It's going to be a kind of a biatch clearcoating this with all the lacing, but I figured I'd put it together first, them work around that. I have to build all these top design features before painting on the lettering, clearcoating then assembling it with the padding lining, then stitching.
One of the most fun things about what i do is meeting super cool people. Remember I mentioned a few days ago about "Brad" who ordered up a Well-Hung Dirty Honey strap. Well,l I've been messaging back and forth with dude a bit and I found out he's one of them bonafide blues dentists IN THE WILD LOL!
OK, not a Dentist, but an Orthodontist. Jennings Orthodontists in Houston actually has a slogan "Rockin' Your Smile!"
Brad laughs it off - of course... because doing what he does, allows him to do this... prepare to have your mind blown...
Sapient
Ambassador of Vocal Inspiration
Interesting take on the pirate theme. There’s probably some $ in it…volleyball team uniforms and such…
Interesting ...your pic didn't show up until it went into my response. Hmmm.
I like your idea, but I was thinking more of an inner sleeve protection/buffer mask for hockey goalies.
Sapient
Ambassador of Vocal Inspiration
I've had that happen, just recently. It still popped up as I said when I replied - it appeared in the destination (my) textbox. Amusement fulfilled. Lol.
ibmorjamn
Ambassador of Moar Jammin
Dodge ball !Interesting take on the pirate theme. There’s probably some $ in it…volleyball team uniforms and such…
OP
TVvoodoo
Ambassador of The Comfortably Slung
Picking away at Jack Dupp in between loads of laundry! Yeah, I'm a good helper! Letters and sabre painted yesterday
He wanted a cross between "Moto Biker" and "Pirate," aesthetics, so what better than a jolly roger with a winged skull?
You saw it here first LOL
Last night I got a clearcoat on the silver painted bits, one more early this morning. I do this to protect the silver coating from my homegrown burnishing vice. It's important to not get
any clearcoat on the edges, before edge burnishing, as this inhibits the ability to do it proper.
Here I have it inside my jig... nice long clampin' jaws (padded so to not damage the work) hold it steady and secure so I can go to work.
Some leatherworkers get outright obsessive about fine edgework - I do like a nice edge but I think it's a bit more important for things like watchbands or wallets and such. I do ok pretty with mine. Each leather smith seems to have their own process. There are also various edgework helper products out there, like gums, tokonole etc... I find distilled water with a secret powdered ingredient works best for me.
First I run down the edges with a wetted sponge a couple of times, and wait for a minute or two for it to get absorbed into the leather fibers. Then one more wipe with a damp sponge and I go to work with the leather side of my burnishing block. I don't know exactly why, but a similar leather always burnishes leather really well.
There are various rotating devices that go into dremels, whatnot... I've tried it mechanically, but didn't seem to have much luck. What works best for me is good old fashioned elbow grease! Heat and friction and the right angle long enough, hard enough, and those fibers will sit down tight. The edges slowly smooth out and begin get a bit of a gloss to them. Then, I turn over my tool and continue with this cotton web canvas groove to polish, which has seen plenty of feet of leather edge!
Keep at it, maybe add a tad more moisture if needed, and it will eventually develop a nice shine.
It's definitely something you get a feel for after doing it for a while. It's important to have the moisture right, and to make sure your edges don't flop, and are steady while you are rubbing.
There is some real work involved here! Burnishing an average approx 11.5 feet of the edges of a vegtan strap edge can take me about an hour
Here's a shot of the underside of the back end of the strap. The lacing is not only decorative but also functional to hold the extra unused strap end tight to the strap, but inside I want to make sure the buckle remains very secure with two rivets and a pair of Chicago barrel screws. The lacing is glued inside as well, plus clamped tight with a couple of staples. Before I sew the lining on, I'll cover this all up some protection, so it won't be annoying to the wearer, or wear through the lining.
Most sub $100 category straps will be rough, cut off leather. A burnished edge looks far more elegant and won't be abrade your neck. Here's an unfinished edge vs one burnished lovingly to a shine.
Once I get the edges to where I am happy, I immediately put a coat of clear coat on them to hold 'em, and at this point I can also do a final buff, and begin putting protective finish on the rest of the strap. Here she is coming along after two coats this morning. I'll probably get three more on before noon tomorrow, then I'll be able to add a few extra studs where needed, pad the inside, line it and sew it all together.
He wanted a cross between "Moto Biker" and "Pirate," aesthetics, so what better than a jolly roger with a winged skull?
You saw it here first LOL
Last night I got a clearcoat on the silver painted bits, one more early this morning. I do this to protect the silver coating from my homegrown burnishing vice. It's important to not get
any clearcoat on the edges, before edge burnishing, as this inhibits the ability to do it proper.
Here I have it inside my jig... nice long clampin' jaws (padded so to not damage the work) hold it steady and secure so I can go to work.
Some leatherworkers get outright obsessive about fine edgework - I do like a nice edge but I think it's a bit more important for things like watchbands or wallets and such. I do ok pretty with mine. Each leather smith seems to have their own process. There are also various edgework helper products out there, like gums, tokonole etc... I find distilled water with a secret powdered ingredient works best for me.
First I run down the edges with a wetted sponge a couple of times, and wait for a minute or two for it to get absorbed into the leather fibers. Then one more wipe with a damp sponge and I go to work with the leather side of my burnishing block. I don't know exactly why, but a similar leather always burnishes leather really well.
There are various rotating devices that go into dremels, whatnot... I've tried it mechanically, but didn't seem to have much luck. What works best for me is good old fashioned elbow grease! Heat and friction and the right angle long enough, hard enough, and those fibers will sit down tight. The edges slowly smooth out and begin get a bit of a gloss to them. Then, I turn over my tool and continue with this cotton web canvas groove to polish, which has seen plenty of feet of leather edge!
Keep at it, maybe add a tad more moisture if needed, and it will eventually develop a nice shine.
It's definitely something you get a feel for after doing it for a while. It's important to have the moisture right, and to make sure your edges don't flop, and are steady while you are rubbing.
There is some real work involved here! Burnishing an average approx 11.5 feet of the edges of a vegtan strap edge can take me about an hour
Here's a shot of the underside of the back end of the strap. The lacing is not only decorative but also functional to hold the extra unused strap end tight to the strap, but inside I want to make sure the buckle remains very secure with two rivets and a pair of Chicago barrel screws. The lacing is glued inside as well, plus clamped tight with a couple of staples. Before I sew the lining on, I'll cover this all up some protection, so it won't be annoying to the wearer, or wear through the lining.
Most sub $100 category straps will be rough, cut off leather. A burnished edge looks far more elegant and won't be abrade your neck. Here's an unfinished edge vs one burnished lovingly to a shine.
Once I get the edges to where I am happy, I immediately put a coat of clear coat on them to hold 'em, and at this point I can also do a final buff, and begin putting protective finish on the rest of the strap. Here she is coming along after two coats this morning. I'll probably get three more on before noon tomorrow, then I'll be able to add a few extra studs where needed, pad the inside, line it and sew it all together.
Wow! Fantastic work, as always! Thanks for sharing this, and great call on the gunmetal!Picking away at Jack Dupp in between loads of laundry! Yeah, I'm a good helper! Letters and sabre painted yesterday
He wanted a cross between "Moto Biker" and "Pirate," aesthetics, so what better than a jolly roger with a winged skull?
You saw it here first LOL
Last night I got a clearcoat on the silver painted bits, one more early this morning. I do this to protect the silver coating from my homegrown burnishing vice. It's important to not get
any clearcoat on the edges, before edge burnishing, as this inhibits the ability to do it proper.
Here I have it inside my jig... nice long clampin' jaws (padded so to not damage the work) hold it steady and secure so I can go to work.
Some leatherworkers get outright obsessive about fine edgework - I do like a nice edge but I think it's a bit more important for things like watchbands or wallets and such. I do ok pretty with mine. Each leather smith seems to have their own process. There are also various edgework helper products out there, like gums, tokonole etc... I find distilled water with a secret powdered ingredient works best for me.
First I run down the edges with a wetted sponge a couple of times, and wait for a minute or two for it to get absorbed into the leather fibers. Then one more wipe with a damp sponge and I go to work with the leather side of my burnishing block. I don't know exactly why, but a similar leather always burnishes leather really well.
There are various rotating devices that go into dremels, whatnot... I've tried it mechanically, but didn't seem to have much luck. What works best for me is good old fashioned elbow grease! Heat and friction and the right angle long enough, hard enough, and those fibers will sit down tight. The edges slowly smooth out and begin get a bit of a gloss to them. Then, I turn over my tool and continue with this cotton web canvas groove to polish, which has seen plenty of feet of leather edge!
Keep at it, maybe add a tad more moisture if needed, and it will eventually develop a nice shine.
It's definitely something you get a feel for after doing it for a while. It's important to have the moisture right, and to make sure your edges don't flop, and are steady while you are rubbing.
There is some real work involved here! Burnishing an average approx 11.5 feet of the edges of a vegtan strap edge can take me about an hour
Here's a shot of the underside of the back end of the strap. The lacing is not only decorative but also functional to hold the extra unused strap end tight to the strap, but inside I want to make sure the buckle remains very secure with two rivets and a pair of Chicago barrel screws. The lacing is glued inside as well, plus clamped tight with a couple of staples. Before I sew the lining on, I'll cover this all up some protection, so it won't be annoying to the wearer, or wear through the lining.
Most sub $100 category straps will be rough, cut off leather. A burnished edge looks far more elegant and won't be abrade your neck. Here's an unfinished edge vs one burnished lovingly to a shine.
Once I get the edges to where I am happy, I immediately put a coat of clear coat on them to hold 'em, and at this point I can also do a final buff, and begin putting protective finish on the rest of the strap. Here she is coming along after two coats this morning. I'll probably get three more on before noon tomorrow, then I'll be able to add a few extra studs where needed, pad the inside, line it and sew it all together.
OP
TVvoodoo
Ambassador of The Comfortably Slung
Hello again all my strap-interested friendlies!
A couple new things on my inventory wall, and in the Reverb store. Fresh new memory-foam padded Genocide series strap called "Tarnished Reputation"
And something that would probably look pretty fine on Brad Gillis's shoulder with his red/black strat affair, if he were still with us... have a gander at all the flash that is "Scarlet Fever!"
Y'know, I was thinking the other day about how I am creeping up real close on 1,000 feedbacks over on Reverb. This exciting for me, kind of like watching the old odometer roll over LOL!
Gonna happen sometime in the couple of weeks probably. This is something I am ready to celebrate! I know I have ONE single 4-star review in there somewhere, but when I hit 1001, meaning 1,000
FIVE STAR feedbacks then I'm probably gonna totally flip out!
In fact, let me offer this: if the 1,000th five star Well-Hung feedbacker (#1001) happens to be a member of this forum, let me know.
'Cause I'M gonna do something real special for you, and that's a promise! Maybe you can have a shot at me treatin' you extra right, if you a gamblin' man if it all lines up for ya!
A couple new things on my inventory wall, and in the Reverb store. Fresh new memory-foam padded Genocide series strap called "Tarnished Reputation"
And something that would probably look pretty fine on Brad Gillis's shoulder with his red/black strat affair, if he were still with us... have a gander at all the flash that is "Scarlet Fever!"
Y'know, I was thinking the other day about how I am creeping up real close on 1,000 feedbacks over on Reverb. This exciting for me, kind of like watching the old odometer roll over LOL!
Gonna happen sometime in the couple of weeks probably. This is something I am ready to celebrate! I know I have ONE single 4-star review in there somewhere, but when I hit 1001, meaning 1,000
FIVE STAR feedbacks then I'm probably gonna totally flip out!
In fact, let me offer this: if the 1,000th five star Well-Hung feedbacker (#1001) happens to be a member of this forum, let me know.
'Cause I'M gonna do something real special for you, and that's a promise! Maybe you can have a shot at me treatin' you extra right, if you a gamblin' man if it all lines up for ya!
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Session 5
Ambassador of Strings & Wings
Fantastic work as usual Brad! I wouldn't buy my straps from anyone else..