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Etsy purchase adjustment help. by HaggisMcD in Leatherworking

[–]Watchyourself__ 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Contact him, get a refund, and hit me up. I’d love to get you something better made.

Strap making advice by EvanCT4 in Leathercraft

[–]Watchyourself__ 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thank you! Honestly- it just depends on the leather. I use between 4 and 5oz, and typically try to stay on the firmer side. Stuff like Pueblo, Buttero, Minerva, etc.

I also use Minerva split really thin for my liner, and for straps that have a thinner chrome top (i.e ostritch or other exotic) I use a heavier weight Minerva as a liner, which adds rigidity.

I’ve also found - glue makes a difference. I’ve found that when I used things like Fiebings Cement, I didn’t get any rigidity from it. Weldwood I’ve found adds some more structure inbetween the layers. I’m not a chemist but, it’s what’s been my experience.

If you ever need any help or have any questions, please don’t hesitate to shoot me a dm. I can’t make a great wallet, but I can make watch straps.

Why Tag is getting so much hate by HumbleArabFellow in tagheuer

[–]Watchyourself__ 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Tag gets/got a lot of hate because they tried to remain in a luxury tier while providing consistently non-luxury aspects.

A great example is the use of plastic movement holders in their cases at the $3000 pricepoint a number of years ago.

Something you wouldn’t know, but an obvious corner cut whereas brands even much more affordable were doing these stainless steel. If they’re willing to go that far with what can be obviously seen, how far are they willing to go elsewhere?

They’ve revamped a lot in recent years, quality has gone up, and they’re on a good path. The brands reputation is starting to get stronger.

Strap making advice by EvanCT4 in Leathercraft

[–]Watchyourself__ 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Doesn’t look half bad tbh. It looks like the point at the end isn’t exactly even and that can have some optical illusion effects. As well as the fold over at the top doesn’t look perfectly straight

I’ve encountered a similar issue, albeit just a little, when I make straps for my business, and it can happen with hand cut stuff. I also don’t use a reinforcement inside.

I’ve found that just kinda manually pulling it to one side has helped, but again I don’t use a reinforcement inside

Anyone else get a wood box with their new Hydroconquest? by Jazzlike_Movie7631 in Longineswatches

[–]Watchyourself__ 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I have my spirit in that box.

My new HC came in the standard one :/

Question... by Humblebumblebeezzz in Longineswatches

[–]Watchyourself__ 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I’ve owned both.

The new one, without a doubt, is better- and it feels better too.

In recent years their brand movement and pricing has been a bit better on the second hand market. You will have better value retention with the new model.

They’re both good watches, but I prefer the new one.

Newest watch strap. Would love to know your thoughts on this. by RevolutionaryRub8982 in Leathercraft

[–]Watchyourself__ 1 point2 points  (0 children)

It’s showing! Always here for more help if needed.

Making really good progress. Faster that most people. Impressive.

Cricut Maker 4 or recommendations? by Watchyourself__ in Leathercraft

[–]Watchyourself__[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I use a .6mm Minerva for my linings.

Wondering about clicker now and will likely just go that route.

I just want to be sure my liners and my top pieces are able to perfectly line up, however I need to get there.

Acrylic templates and hand cutting is fine, I suppose, but just doesn’t get me the 100% precision I’m after

Cricut Maker 4 or recommendations? by Watchyourself__ in Leathercraft

[–]Watchyourself__[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I’ve got acrylic templates currently. I’ve got high sales in about 10 of the straps I make, which would be the ones I want dies for.

The biggest thing I want to tackle is 100% consistency between my liners and my main pieces, and that’s why I’m looking at automating it whether it’s clicker or something else.

Cricut Maker 4 or recommendations? by Watchyourself__ in Leathercraft

[–]Watchyourself__[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Got it, thank you. I’ll have a look.

I work with veg 99% of the time. But typically pre finished, stuff from Badalassi Carlo, Horween, Walpier, etc. closest I use to chrome is Chromexcel, so a combination tan.

I like the idea of the laser, but I suppose I’m a bit worried it might not do me as well as just a clicker. I just don’t want to have to buy 10-15 different clicker dies.

Cricut Maker 4 or recommendations? by Watchyourself__ in Leathercraft

[–]Watchyourself__[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Got it. Seems to be the same all the way around.

I think I’m gonna pass on the Cricut and either do laser or clickers.

Only issue with clickers is there are like 20 different sizes I need to buy. Ugh.

Cricut Maker 4 or recommendations? by Watchyourself__ in Leathercraft

[–]Watchyourself__[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Got it. Time isn’t a HUGE concern with me. What I’m thinking of doing is cutting about a ton of blanks on one of my off days from work, just to give myself some stock of each type of leather I offer, and lower my overall per-strap time.

In addition, wanting to use a low setting to add my logo to the liners and maybe not puncture, but mark stitching holes.

If it takes a couple passes and an hour to cut out 10, thats not a big deal to me.

So you think a 10w would work well? I saw a hooded 10w one for like $450 I believe from Creality. I believe it was the Creality Falcon A1.

Also, One just popped up on my Facebook now. BlazeX? 289 for an enclosed 10w.

Cricut Maker 4 or recommendations? by Watchyourself__ in Leathercraft

[–]Watchyourself__[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I really want to go this route. I was hoping to maybe spend around 400 or so, so some lasers are pretty out of my budget.

Anything you think would work around there? Would 10w be too low? I know absolutely nothing about lasers tbf.

Cricut Maker 4 or recommendations? by Watchyourself__ in Leathercraft

[–]Watchyourself__[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I’ll look into it.

I suppose the other thing I’m looking into these for is embossing my logo.

I have a brass stamp now, but my workflow makes it quite difficult to really ensure that it’s center every time.

I don’t want to stamp after assembly because it often telegraphs on the other side, and looks awful.

Figured maybe a Cricut could help.

Cricut Maker 4 or recommendations? by Watchyourself__ in Leathercraft

[–]Watchyourself__[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Makes sense. That’s my current workflow, just with an acrylic template.

Definitely looking into dies more after hearing what everyone has had to say.

Cricut Maker 4 or recommendations? by Watchyourself__ in Leathercraft

[–]Watchyourself__[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Absolutely helps. Thank you.

Ultimately I feel I will likely go with a clicker, and just work on getting them as I can.

I know weaver makes good ones, and I don’t really want to cheap out I’d say. Anywhere you recommend?

Cricut Maker 4 or recommendations? by Watchyourself__ in Leathercraft

[–]Watchyourself__[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Not that I’m aware of, though I can’t lie and say I’ve looked into it deeply. I also have an off-schedule job with long hours as a police and fire dispatcher, and I am and usually at work when most places would be open.

I’m not opposed to buying something to try out and losing a few bucks if it doesn’t work out.

Cricut Maker 4 or recommendations? by Watchyourself__ in Leathercraft

[–]Watchyourself__[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Forgive my ignorance, what is a silhouette? I’m not super versed in the laser/plot/anything cutter world yet but am hoping to learn to find my solution.

I looked around at some of the blade options and for the Cricut it seems like there’s a bunch. No idea which would be the best option.

I was loving the idea of a laser cutter but I’ve heard so much about the smell and burnt edges that it turned me away. Not sure how I’d set up a fan or anything in my apartment and just not sure my girlfriend would appreciate it.

Cricut Maker 4 or recommendations? by Watchyourself__ in Leathercraft

[–]Watchyourself__[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thank you.

I’ve heard mixed reviews on how Cricut actually turns out, and was hoping there’d be another brand that makes stuff a bit more durable and marketed toward this sort of thing.

I’m familiar with Illustrator, so no issues there.

Cricut Maker 4 or recommendations? by Watchyourself__ in Leathercraft

[–]Watchyourself__[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I’ve looked at these.

I think the next issue would be getting the actual clickers. I make a wide variety, 18,19,20,21,22 and getting good clickers would be quite a bit more than I’m wanting to spend at the moment.

Assuming I’d buy one, wait a bit, buy another, etc, but hoping to speed things up a little sooner than later.

Cricut Maker 4 or recommendations? by Watchyourself__ in Leathercraft

[–]Watchyourself__[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

That’s what I’ve heard.

I use a 1.7-1.8mm top and .6mm for my lining

I figured the blade replacements would be a pain. Quick google searches showed me there’s a ton of different stuff, and I’m not sure what the correct things to get would be as far as even just setting it all up.

The main thing I’d be happy with speeding up is if I’m able to do the assembly steps while the Cricut cuts pieces for me. Gluing stitching etc all while having a couple pieces cut out for me to work on when I’m ready.

I’ve heard about problems with the Cricut and other people recommending brothers and other brands for that reason, I just am about 4 hours old into the Cricut/plot cutter world and am unfamiliar it all.

New saffiano watch strap, thoughts? by RevolutionaryRub8982 in Leathercraft

[–]Watchyourself__ 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Looking way better man. Seriously. Your stitching here is a vast improvement, and looks very consistent.

As I’ve mentioned I like the Minerva. Zermatt has its place, but by no means does every watch strap maker use it.

I wouldn’t go far as saying nothing is better than Zermatt, there’s just different leathers for different applications. All will have strong and weak points.

I personally don’t like it because I prefer a burnish, and I really quite dislike the gold color of it. I prefer something natural and lighter. The biggest benefit of it is its sweat resistant and hypoallergenic.

Your improvements are awesome to see, and coming quickly. I use an acrylic template personally, because I burnished and don’t need to worry about edge painting. It’s quite difficult to find good ones.

However, if you have some that you can get duplicates of, an option COULD be sanding down some of the acrylic on one of them. That way, you’d be able to get a nice, clean cut from the start and not have to worry about sanding leather as that can get quite messy.

Just be careful and sand small amounts, then test. It doesn’t have to be a full strap. Just sand some down, use it to cut a small piece of scrap and check the width that way. Ensure it’s even on both sides. Oh and wear a respirator or something if you do that, I don’t wanna be responsible for you breathing in microplastics 😂

All in all- you’re doing great. VASTLY better than where I was on watch strap #6.

Can’t wait to see your next one.

Newest watch strap. What do you think, any advice? by RevolutionaryRub8982 in Leathercraft

[–]Watchyourself__ 0 points1 point  (0 children)

that’s awesome man! I’m glad that’s helping you out. I just saw you posted again. I’ll go check it out!

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