Leather Thickness?

[Chris B]

Ive been wondering here, how do you guys determine the thickness of leather you use for different stuff? Because Im pretty sure you dont use the same ounce for belts, wallets, spur straps and lining. Im gearing up because I have been using tandys kits, but Im about tired of the pre punched kits and plus I want to actually learn on how to assemble stuff. Any way is there any general rule of thumb for ounce sizes for different projects?

Thanks,

Chris

Edited March 31, 2010 by welder5724

[bentley]

If I am using a pattern that I have purchased or found in a magazine/book they usually specify their recommended thickness. If you are creating your own patterns for a holster or belt and liked what you have used in kits from the past just use same thickness raw material or adjust if you want something stiffer or softer. Sometimes it just happens to be what I have on hand and maybe skive or split it down to what I think feels right. That is how I do it but maybe someone out there has a chart they use for differant types of projects. If it is an original piece it is your choice what works best and that adds to the originality, another leather craftsman may look at it and say "I would have done that differantly" but I bet someone who has never done leather work would not even think about the differance between an ounce or two in thickness.

[Chris B]

Thanks for the reply bentley. Ive been courious about this for a while now. So its just a guessing game then until I get it feeling right.

Thanks,

Chris

[pete]

I hope this helps

pete

leather copy.pdf

leather copy.pdf

[Chris B]

Thanks Pete. Thats about what I was looking for!!!!

[JLSleather]

Here's some stuff, which may give you some insight as to the "why"...

I use 3/4 oz leather for carved bilfolds AND checkbooks. Lined with 1 1/2-2 oz ... goat when I can get it but calf will work. For these small projects (or smaller, like key cases) that I'm going to paint only, I'll step down to a 2/3 oz back and use the same lining. I don't want a wallet that's more than an inch or so thick before I put anything in it. ALSO 3/4 for clutch purses, though I have been known to use a 4/5, since it's not going in somebody's pocket.

I like a belt to be 8-10 oz TOTAL, so if it's lined I'm likely to use a 6/7 with a 2/3 lining. Carving still good and deep, and lining has some substance. There's only a couple of times I could think of for a belt heavier than that ...

ONCE made a belt was about 12 oz total for a guy with a 52" waist. Not that it needed to be that heavy to hold his britches, but a thinner belt wouldn't have looked "natural" on a fella that size (consider the opposite - 9/10 oz leather doesn't make a great looking 3/4" strap).

Weightlifting belts are generally 18 oz total, give or take. I made a double-holster western rig for this big fella with a set of matching .44's that was about 12 oz, with the holsters 9oz with a 2 oz lining and 9/10 oz ranger style billets. Carrying a good bit of weight, but then it's 2 1/2" wide (closer to 4" where the holsters sit).

If you have a truck that needs pulled out of the mud or snow. But then, I have a chain and tow strap, so this is not an issue.

And handbags, I really don't think you can say ONE weight. Smaller bags - say up to about 10-12", I want them to be about 6-8 oz total, including the lining. Very large bags, which you don't see too much any more, MIGHT go 8-9 oz (total) if they're spanning some distance (nothing in between supporting it). Beyond that, might as well make it out of wood, cuz you kin knock on it the same way.

[superchute]

Here Welder this is not guite what your looking for but should help. This is the site where I found this http://www.brettunsvillage.com/leather/conversions.html .

As a general rule, each ounce of thickness is roughly equal to 1/64 of an inch in thickness.

As an example, 8 oz leather is 8/64" thick, which is the same as 1/8".

Some simple examples of thickness based on US coins:

A dime = 3 oz

A penny = 3.5 oz

A quarter = 4 oz

A nickel = 4.25 oz So, dig this: 6 oz leather is like two dimes stacked one atop the other.

8 oz is two quarters stacked together.

12 oz is three quarters stacked together.

i know this is not what size to use on what but shere helps you thinks of how thick the leather is.

Russ

ps all so look around the site thay nice pirce on some punces if you need them

[Chris B]

Thanks for the info Russ. And the info on the site!!!!!

[paprhangr]

What is the best leather to use to make 1 ply heavy Duty gun belt?

[Red Cent]

Watch the John Bianchi tapes and you will hear him say to use 8/9 for the outer and a 6/7 for the lining for a holster. He uses the same items for the construction of a buscadero belt.

The period correct holsters are usually unlined and they use 8/9 to 10/12. I have used 8/9 and 4/5 and this makes a rugged holster. Once glued, sewn, and moulded, you have one strong holster.

I would buy half shoulders until you get the construction you need.