RunningRoan Report post Posted October 27, 2009 I make mostly strap goods (tack) and am currently buying whole sides. Can't beat the price per square foot, right? Well I find myself left with bellies that I really have no use for. I've utilized some of them to test out dyes, run through the sewing machine to check tension, etc...but I realistically only need so much scrap hide laying around! So I am toying with the idea of buying backs instead. Any input on cost/savings? I know they're more expensive, but I'd have less waste. Is the added cost worth it? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
UKRay Report post Posted October 27, 2009 I make mostly strap goods (tack) and am currently buying whole sides. Can't beat the price per square foot, right? Well I find myself left with bellies that I really have no use for. I've utilized some of them to test out dyes, run through the sewing machine to check tension, etc...but I realistically only need so much scrap hide laying around! So I am toying with the idea of buying backs instead. Any input on cost/savings? I know they're more expensive, but I'd have less waste. Is the added cost worth it? IMHO, unless you have a good use for bellies there is little point in buying them. I would be inclined to work out your waste bill and see how the real life figures stack up. I did this many years back and now tend to buy backs or double butts for all my strap goods. I only use belly leather for moulded work and I don't get too much of that right now although it is in the great master plan to invest some time in wooden moulds so I can use up more scrap - so maybe that is your answer, you need to work out profitable ways to use up the scrap (tool holsters, lighter cases, etc etc) and then buy cheap sides! My other deciding factor would be the quality of the leather you need. Any side deteriorates in quality the nearer the belly you go. The expression 'how low can you get' really applies here. For good consistent quality, IMHO there is no question other than whether to use backs or double butts. Ray Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Art Report post Posted October 27, 2009 Hi Heather, Bellies should go to the Boy Scouts. For an answer, look to commercial operations. Take Jeffries for instance. I don't remember seeing a belly in the place, mostly Sedgwick backs. So now you have enough bellies, start buying backs till you run out of bellies, which may be never. I would venture that the producers use better leather (cosmetically) then their sides so they can get higher prices. But the difference is only .95/foot, it's almost a no brainer. Art I make mostly strap goods (tack) and am currently buying whole sides. Can't beat the price per square foot, right? Well I find myself left with bellies that I really have no use for. I've utilized some of them to test out dyes, run through the sewing machine to check tension, etc...but I realistically only need so much scrap hide laying around! So I am toying with the idea of buying backs instead. Any input on cost/savings? I know they're more expensive, but I'd have less waste. Is the added cost worth it? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
RunningRoan Report post Posted October 28, 2009 You guys are right, it is a no brainer...backs it is! No more sides and no more wasted bellies! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
mulefool Report post Posted November 2, 2009 I build alot of pack saddles which are pretty much alot of straps. I always buy harness backs, I just don't have a use for the bellies. I do buy sides for the britchen seats and breast collars so I do have some belly if I ever need it. I'm not sure if it works out to much, but you may save some shipping charges in the long run since they weigh less. Chris Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
