tritto
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Post by tritto on Aug 28, 2017 3:46:22 GMT -8
I'm not sure where to post this, but Mods seems like a good fit. Given the cost of good quality straps, I've long played with the idea of trying my hand at marking some of my own. With a birthday last week, and I wife asking what it'd like for my birthday, I decided on a few basic leather tools. A blade scraper (for tapering down the end for folds), awl (spike for making holes), needle, wax and waxed nylon thread were added to my metal ruler, craft knife, sandpaper and contact cement. I grabbed some free leather belt offcuts from the store and last night I set to work making my pilot project. A couple of hours work in front of the TV and materials and new tools that cost less than a half decent strap. I bought some nice Kangaroo leather today and next one will be a bit less chunky, and tapered rather than straight. If you're not ready to step up to movement servicing, then this requires a lot less outlay and you're not going to break a perfectly good watch. I only stabbed myself once, I swear.
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Mr.Jones
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Hamburg, Germany
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Post by Mr.Jones on Aug 28, 2017 3:48:32 GMT -8
Nice, Tristan! That looks like a perfectly serviceable strap! I like the look of it. You already listed all the points I would propose: Make it a bit thinner and taper it
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tritto
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Post by tritto on Aug 28, 2017 4:09:42 GMT -8
Nice, Tristan! That looks like a perfectly serviceable strap! I like the look of it. You already listed all the points I would propose: Make it a bit thinner and taper it Also, make it at least 1mm wider than you want it - you lose a little width on the sanding the edges and waxing/burnishing process.
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small
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Post by small on Aug 28, 2017 8:35:52 GMT -8
where are you sourcing the buckles from?
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tritto
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Post by tritto on Aug 28, 2017 12:35:47 GMT -8
where are you sourcing the buckles from? In this case I just stole the buckle off another strap. I'll have a look on Cousins to see if they have any for the next project.
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Mr.Jones
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Post by Mr.Jones on Aug 28, 2017 12:56:55 GMT -8
They have a variety of styles in all sizes.
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GuyJ
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Whitley Bay, UK
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Post by GuyJ on Aug 28, 2017 13:00:08 GMT -8
Well done, Tristan I think that looks pretty damn good.
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Aug 28, 2017 15:39:50 GMT -8
I love it when folks go outside the mechanical box and try doing something organic. I've been there and the satisfaction of actually creating something from scratch is very rewarding. Well done Sir
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camrok
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Post by camrok on Aug 29, 2017 3:04:05 GMT -8
Kangaroo!!! Looking forward to seeing that one. Well done.
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tritto
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Post by tritto on Aug 31, 2017 15:40:49 GMT -8
Kangaroo!!! Looking forward to seeing that one. Well done. Your wish is my command. 😃
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tritto
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Post by tritto on Aug 31, 2017 15:48:04 GMT -8
Although I was pleased with my first effort, I decided to step up my game a bit. I bought a section of nice chocolate brown Kangaroo hide and set about making a strap for my Grand Seiko. Enhancements include: Tapered from 18-16mm. Fixed and floating keepers. Painted/sealed edges. It's a perfect soft and slim strap for a dressy watch. I'm much more satisfied with this one than the crude first effort. Next I may scale it up to 20mm and add rally strap holes.
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HiBeat
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Post by HiBeat on Aug 31, 2017 15:50:45 GMT -8
Wow Tritto you amaze me - that is awesome ! Really makes me wonder what other hidden talents you might have ?
I like the thickness to it myself on a diver like this. To me the thin leather is for dress watches. But that's just me.
And Kangaroo leather is so soft I once had a pair of kangaroo leather track spikes and they were amazing. Plus I jumped extra high.
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tritto
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Post by tritto on Aug 31, 2017 15:55:02 GMT -8
Thank you Jon. Patience and precision - and no little springs to go ping and get lost 😃 I'm thinking I can pad out the Kangaroo hide by making it three strips thick, rather than two (an extra strip between the folded outer layers). Watch out for my upcoming 'what have you got in the mail' post for a hint at what I might like a rally strap on. 😃
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GuyJ
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Post by GuyJ on Aug 31, 2017 16:04:29 GMT -8
Great stuff Tristan. So "Tritto Watch Straps" as a business soon? TWS as a small logo maybe? Hmm... "Wearing this grand Seiko on a Tritto strap" maybe has a ring to it.. I want shares if so.
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tritto
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Post by tritto on Aug 31, 2017 16:09:44 GMT -8
I'd want to speed up my process substantially to make a business out if it GuyJ. I like working with my hands though and it stops me scouring eBay/gumtree/yahoo.jp while I'm watching tv. Maybe once I've refined my technique I can offer one up in next years anniversary contest.
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cd_god
Is a Permanent Fixture
Finna set up a HOOD next door to your richie phuk suburban mansion
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Post by cd_god on Aug 31, 2017 16:53:05 GMT -8
Looking good I'm sure one of those would make a great prize for next years anniversary contest
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stevo
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Post by stevo on Sept 1, 2017 17:03:41 GMT -8
I'd want to speed up my process substantially to make a business out if it GuyJ. I like working with my hands though and it stops me scouring eBay/gumtree/yahoo.jp while I'm watching tv. Maybe once I've refined my technique I can offer one up in next years anniversary contest.
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stevo
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Post by stevo on Sept 1, 2017 17:09:11 GMT -8
Hi Tritto,
That is some lovely work indeed! And it is a 100% Australian product. I think they will sell very well for that point alone. Are you taking orders anytime soon?
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tritto
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Post by tritto on Sept 1, 2017 18:04:03 GMT -8
Hi Tritto, That is some lovely work indeed! And it is a 100% Australian product. I think they will sell very well for that point alone. Are you taking orders anytime soon? Ha ha. I don't think so Stevo. It's only the second strap I've made and who knows how durable it is.
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stevo
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Post by stevo on Sept 1, 2017 18:28:53 GMT -8
Hi Tritto, That is some lovely work indeed! And it is a 100% Australian product. I think they will sell very well for that point alone. Are you taking orders anytime soon? Ha ha. I don't think so Stevo. It's only the second strap I've made and who knows how durable it is. I would happily test a prototype for you! :-)
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