rdb Report post Posted March 22, 2008 So, just getting used to my new 3000 sewing machine. Pretty damn terrific, is all I can say. Anywho, I made up this cc/od belt just to try it out. Like going through butter. This is made from two layers of 9/10 Bridle Side Leather I got from Zack White. Real purdy stuff. What takes time is the edge. I got it pretty good, but could have done a little better. working these edges by hand will sure enough strengthen you up!. First I dye it. Them apply some gum Trag...a lot of hand burnishing...then I rub beeswax over all that to fill in any small gaps.A final burnish then a coat of Wax Balm. It was five minutes of sewing with 277 nylon thread top and bottom. I split the billet and buckle ends back about 10 inches to get a little less bulk in front, but it's still about 1/4 in thick doubled over there. I might thin it down a little more on the next one. The rest of the belt comes out at about 3/8 in thick. I ran a stitching groove both back and front to sew into. That makes for less wear and tear on the stitches from the holster. Tooling around the internet for these shows mine to be pretty up there in quality. I didn't see any of them with the stitching in a channel. Most are made from veg tan, with the inside layer being left natural. With the drum dyed bridle layer, you shouldn't have any problem with bleeding. I finished off with just conditioner, and a buff. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
paris3200 Report post Posted March 22, 2008 Looks good. I just finished one myself. Like you said all the ones I've seen have been made from Veg tanned leather. Whats the difference in that and the Bridle leather? Jason Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
rdb Report post Posted March 22, 2008 Bridle is a veg tan too, but it's "stuffed" up with tallows, and oils and such til it's almost bursting with the stuff. It's drum dyed so the color is deep into the leather. IMHO it's about the best belt leather you can buy. Just picking it up and feeling it will tell you, this is what leather should be. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
abn Report post Posted March 22, 2008 Tooling around the internet for these shows mine to be pretty up there in quality. I'd have to agree. I've seen plenty of heavy belts, but I doubt any of them beat yours for quality and longevity. Fantastic job there. Alex Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Hedge Report post Posted March 22, 2008 Excellent work! That belt looks like it has the heft and stability a carry belt should have. I've never tried burnishing the edges of drum stuffed leather so, I don't know if this will work. I use my dye as a softener and burnish while the dye is still wet. Works well on plain veg tanned. Gary Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
rdb Report post Posted March 22, 2008 Thanx for the comps guys. Hedge...that's what I do too.... Sometimes I'll just saddle soap the edge after I dye it...that works too Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Don101 Report post Posted March 22, 2008 Nicely made belt and nice stitching, Don Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
CollinsMS Report post Posted March 22, 2008 (edited) One of the best belts I have seen on the net. I would like to feature it on my web site. Please take a look. Thanks https://www.theleathercraftsman.com Edited March 22, 2008 by CollinsMS Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Warren Report post Posted March 23, 2008 Very nice! I have one going now that I'll post when it's finished. Warren Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
rdb Report post Posted March 23, 2008 Geez, thanx again everyone. Just remember...it's just a belt....lol Collin...sure, just attribute it to Rocky River Leather Co. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Warren Report post Posted March 23, 2008 RBD, it is just a belt but it's a damn good belt that should last someone a lifetime. When you say that, in my opinion it says something about the person who made it. It says they are a craftsman or artisan at the very least and a master of their chosen medium at their best. So you should be proud of your work, because the other members of this forum (your peers) sees something there to compliment you on. So don't downplay what it is, a simple utilitarian item, but be proud of what you made it which is more than the sum of it's parts and your work! Warren Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Spider Report post Posted March 23, 2008 It's so pretty. I so want a 3000. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
TwinOaks Report post Posted March 23, 2008 Very nice work, I'm sure it will literally be able to hand down a few generations. Although I haven't used the same leather as you, I think the results (long lived leather) are obtainable with regular veg tan. Christmas for Dad was a triple triweave stamped belt. We put nearly 2/3 bottle of carnuba on the belt and worked it in by hand (after dying) then finished with neat-lac. My dad did the same thing to a belt he made for his dad 35 years ago, and that belt is still strong yet pliable. It's even held its floral/sheridan carving, without significant 'fading'. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
