tritto
WS Benefactor
Posts: 5,872
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Post by tritto on Sept 10, 2017 2:28:30 GMT -8
The 6139 601x is notoriously hard to find a good matching strap or bracelet for, and because I've never been happy with my straps this one has rarely been in favour. I decided to try something different with it. A pull through in double layer Kangaroo hide (sort of like the NATO, but without all the excess strap and hardware). Some buckles are on the way from Cousins that should match my straps a little better.
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bundy
Timekeeper
Posts: 178
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Post by bundy on Sept 10, 2017 23:36:42 GMT -8
Tritto,
Very classy indeed it really sets off the watch.
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Post by Groundhog66 on Sept 11, 2017 11:52:38 GMT -8
I'm diggin' those straps, very nicely done!
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tritto
WS Benefactor
Posts: 5,872
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Post by tritto on Oct 2, 2017 15:26:08 GMT -8
Just to inspire Mr.Jones, here are my latest two straps. The first is a very solid strap made to fit camrok's Airboss. The Airboss has odd 23mm lugs and comes with a 21mm deployant clasp. Not so easy to find replacement straps for and the one he sent me to measure off was thoroughly clapped out. The offcut of belt leather had a silvery tone, which will probably return as the leather conditioner dries out and the strap ages. One new thing I tried here was to anchor the floating keeper to the stitching at the buckle end. I picked up this idea from my Colareb strap. I hope Cam won't mind that I've used his pics of the strap fitted to the watch when he got it back.
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tritto
WS Benefactor
Posts: 5,872
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Post by tritto on Oct 2, 2017 15:34:58 GMT -8
The second strap is a doubled over black Kangaroo leather strap. Even folded, it is only about 1.5mm thick. This is perfect for my Yachting Chronograph, which has a very shallow lug depth. I wanted to try to match the stitching to a dial element for a little more pop, but I'm not sure the orange works - I'd rather a shade that was closer to the second and minute counter. The refinement to technique here is the use of a slicker to smooth the edge painting. $5 well spent as it gives a smoother, rounder and more polished finish to the part of the process I've found to have the least satisfying results. For some very inexpensive tools and materials, strap making can be very satisfying. Give it a go Jonas.
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GuyJ
Needs a Life!
Whitley Bay, UK
Posts: 2,860
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Post by GuyJ on Oct 2, 2017 15:37:23 GMT -8
Bravo, Tristan. They both look excellent!
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Post by aquaman on Oct 2, 2017 21:19:43 GMT -8
These straps just keep getting better and better!
I've followed along since the beginning of this thread and even your first "releases" were great.
Would love to have some of these for some of my collection...
Mike
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camrok
Needs a Life!
Posts: 2,418
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Post by camrok on Oct 3, 2017 2:22:33 GMT -8
Those two new chrono straps look fantastic. They wear som comfortably too might I add.
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Post by blubarb on Nov 21, 2017 21:22:38 GMT -8
Great looking job! I have just started making my own and it's a hell of a lot harder than I thought it would be.
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Post by blubarb on Nov 21, 2017 21:24:42 GMT -8
Did you burnish the edges with a wood burnisher and some kind of gum? Sorry if I missed it but where did you get the leather?
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Post by blubarb on Nov 21, 2017 21:25:45 GMT -8
Found the old belt reference :imok:
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tritto
WS Benefactor
Posts: 5,872
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Post by tritto on Nov 21, 2017 21:33:18 GMT -8
G'day John. I've been using a product called Edgekote on the later straps and a little nylon wheel for hand burnishing of the edges. It would probably work better if I fitted the wheel to an electric drill or dremel type machine, but I usually do this in the living room while the wife and I are watching tv - using power tools might be pushing the boundaries 😃 Leather I buy from a local store in Hobart and they have free belt offcuts for thicker straps (about 2.5-3.0mm). I've got some nice leather coming from Eastern Europe too that I bought off Etsy (seller was LeatherEU) and I'll report back on how suitable it is when it arrives. This is the latest strap: I'd be keen to hear your experiences and any techniques you use.
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Post by blubarb on Nov 21, 2017 22:10:46 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. Tristan can you post a pic of the tools you used? What blade scraper/skiver did you use?
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Post by blubarb on Nov 21, 2017 22:15:00 GMT -8
G'day John. I've been using a product called Edgekote on the later straps and a little nylon wheel for hand burnishing of the edges. It would probably work better if I fitted the wheel to an electric drill or dremel type machine, but I usually do this in the living room while the wife and I are watching tv - using power tools might be pushing the boundaries 😃 Leather I buy from a local store in Hobart and they have free belt offcuts for thicker straps (about 2.5-3.0mm). I've got some nice leather coming from Eastern Europe too that I bought off Etsy (seller was LeatherEU) and I'll report back on how suitable it is when it arrives. This is the latest strap: The red stitching is awesome against the black of the leather! So far I have just been wasting leather - but you have inspired me to move on it in a more concerted manner.
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tritto
WS Benefactor
Posts: 5,872
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Post by tritto on Nov 22, 2017 0:08:57 GMT -8
I'd suggest you visit a local store where they make belts and sell leather working tools. You should be able to pick up some offcuts. I find stiffer leather better than more flexible leather and I'd say no more than 3mm - I'd prefer 2.5 but mostly what they have is >3 (belt leather) or <2.0. The kangaroo leather is really nice, but quite thin so it needs doubling over and glueing.
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tritto
WS Benefactor
Posts: 5,872
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Post by tritto on Nov 22, 2017 0:47:24 GMT -8
Here's my equipment. The 'clamp' on the end is great for compressing a fold when you glue with contact cement and for holding a strip when you're shaving the leather.
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Mr.Jones
Needs a Life!
Hamburg, Germany
Posts: 4,679
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Post by Mr.Jones on Nov 22, 2017 1:13:49 GMT -8
Can't see any pictures in this thread - tapatalk's media server down?
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tritto
WS Benefactor
Posts: 5,872
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Post by tritto on Nov 22, 2017 1:14:55 GMT -8
I can see them through Tapatalk right now Mr.Jones.
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Mr.Jones
Needs a Life!
Hamburg, Germany
Posts: 4,679
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Post by Mr.Jones on Nov 22, 2017 1:16:11 GMT -8
Must be my end then... Anyone with a desktop browser not seeing them?
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Post by rob3rto on Nov 22, 2017 3:20:26 GMT -8
I can see them through Tapatalk right now Mr.Jones. I can't see the tools pic on Tapatalk
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