2 2FiveOhsI do believe the process is known as Skiving and there are tools for it. Me thinks the Skiving tool would produce a uniform and much cleaner reduction over the sandpaper.
If I understand correctly, you have, for example, a 20mm lug-width strap, and need a 19mm one. Sanding with fine sandpaper will do. Put painter’s tape on the surrounding section that you don’t want to accidentally sand, and sand on a level surface with very very light pressure. Just take your time. When you have the fit right, lightly dampen the sanded area, and use some canvas or the inside cuff of your denim pants to very lightly rub the sanded area. You want friction, not pressure, or you can weaken the fibers. This step is called burnishing, and will lay the fibers down after the sanding, and give it a finished look. If the strap is made with vegetable tanned leather, this will work fabulously. If it is chrome tanned, it will work but much much less so. A high quality strap should be vegetable tanned, as chrome tanned can attack metal after a while, and cause skin reactions.
Ah, Got it. A photo would help, and @Duracuir1 can maybe advise. I think sanding with a light hand would work for what you describe, but photos first?
You're right on that score, but a skiver takes off too much at once--they're designed for working with thicker leather, while this strap is already pretty thin. I need to take it from 3mm to about 1.5mm.
Ah, Got it. A photo would help, and @Duracuir1 can maybe advise. I think sanding with a light hand would work for what you describe, but photos first?
Tough. On a day to day basis, and only while making straps (not after they are finished) I use a hand held skiver (looks like a razor). I also use my belt sander with 120 grit, and if all else fails I have a monster machine (see pics). If your leather is oily though it does not always work well. It may be easier to try to pound it with a hammer. This may compress it enough to let you slide it through before it expands again. These fixed lug straps are next on my to do list. (For trial and error)!!!
I have a nice oil-tanned leather strap that is too thick for the fixed spring-bars on my Lemania HS9. The maker suggested I get some sandpaper and thin out the rough side of the leather. Has anyone ever done this before? Is there some technique to it or do you just sand until it's thin enough?
