Amount Of 1 1/2 Inch Straps On Average

[jakeisme30]

Just wondering on average how many 1 1/2 Straps I can expect out of the different cuts of leather (ie. sides, shoulder, backs, etc.) Also, I have been getting 7/8 ounce leather for belts, but have been thinking that maybe 9/10 ounce might be a little better, just wondering people opinions. Thanks for any input.

Just realized, that i posted this in the wrong section, I apologize, and will try and move it.

[Itch]

A lot of the hides that we buy for making belts are 20-23 square feet and pretty clean.Usually figure 15-18 pieces per hide..Good luck

[JLSleather]

I don't think you can give a solid anwer to that. If you're cutting belts, you'll want the straightest section you can get. Point is, depending on the shape, and the length of the belt, you can vary that quite a bit.

What I can say is:

Iif your belts are just one layer, I like 8/9 for most 1 1/4" to 1 3/4" belts. On a strap 1" wide or less, I think that weight detracts from the appearance.

9/10 is fine for wider belts, or belts that carry some weight (holsters/puches/heavy use). If you are stitching two layers, the 7/8 oz with a 2/3 oz liner would put you in the same ball park aestetically (and is stronger than one layer of 9/10).

Shoulders are popular because the cutting is economical, but shoulders tend to be a bit spongey on the ends and thus not the best belt leather. With sides, a belt maker might just scrap the belly portion, which is the same as getting a back.

Generally, if you're interested in solid quality belts, use the back portion and cut lengthwise. Then it's a simple matter of dividing the width of the hide by the width of the straps you're cutting.