Hi All,
I've recently started making belts and have done a couple so far. Overall they are pretty simple, with some 'distressed' looking dying in various colours but I want to try and improve the quality. I've read tutorials and topics from all over the place but there are a few things which I'm still unsure about.
1) Edge bevelling - I've got a beveller and used it a few times, but the effect always comes off a little uneven. I'm sure this is down to my lack of skill with the tool, but I've found my self asking why the edges need bevelling? I've seen it recommended all over the place, but can't quite see the reason for it, I quite like the look of sharp edges, does bevelling serve any purpose apart from aesthetic?
2) The first belt I made used an acrylic resoline, after a bit of use its got quite a lot of small cracks over it from all the flexing about a belt does (although still smooth, nothings chipping off etc). I heard one way to avoid this was diluting the resoline 50% then applying multiple coats. Does anyone else do this/have other ways of avoiding the cracks in the finish?
3) Belt Keepers - I haven't made any yet, but think i need to. One method I've read about involves using thick 'string' to hold the loop together. How do you stop the keeper rotating and showing the join on top of the belt?
4) The leather shoulder I'm working my way through it quite good, but some of the flesh side is a bit rough. I don't really want to line it with another layer of leather, so am i right in thinking trying to burnish the entire flesh side is the next best approach? If so is it just the same was as for edges?
Thanks for any advice you can offer!
