imstephenjones

Lamb Boy, Because you posted an image of a simple belt, I would recommend the following materials to make this as simple a project as you can, then you can get fancier as time goes on and you get the basic idea of a belt. Leather: Start by purchasing pre-cut belt strips. The one in the image is a 1.5 inch, more than likely 9-10oz., which is a very common size for belts, especially the trendy ones that Tanner Leather Goods and other companies put out. I'm not saying thicker isn't better, because it is obviously stronger, but for a simple belt that you would wear day to day that is just holding your pants up, 9-10oz. is more than enough. If you cannot find any pre-cut strips, buy a Strip Cutter. These things will save your life. I put off buying one for a long time, and when I finally bought one, my productivity skyrocketed. You can also purchase Belt Blanks, which come with everything cut out for you. It would remove the need for a few of the latter tools. Buckle: The buckle should be solid, as the guys above me mentioned. No one likes a two toned metal after wear and tear. I get mine from Oregon Leather Company, but it seems they do not carry the ones I get online. From my understanding, I use the same ones as Filson does on their belts. Rivets: For starters, stick to copper rivets. They are easier to use and strong as hell. Eventually you can spend the money to get a press, then it makes sense to use a double cap rivet because it's more efficient. For the copper rivets you should start with a size 8, 9 or 10. 12's are a bit small aesthetically, but they will still do more than hold your buckle on. You'll also need a farmer's rivet setter. Cutting Tools: For cutting the ends of the leather you'll want a Strap End Cutter. You can get these in a variety of shapes, so do some browsing to find what you want here. You will also want a Revolving Spring Punch. This will give you a few options for punch sizes. You will use it for your rivet holes and buckle holes at the end of the belt. For the hole that the buckle goes through, you will need an Oblong Punch. I would recommend one inch for the length. That should give you clearance for most buckles. Sizing: Some notes on sizing. For a belt, you will want to measure the distance around your or your clients waist. Take that measurement and add two inches, and that will be the length of the belt from the bottom of the buckle. You can check out this chart to get a better idea (click on the customer service link to view the chart). You will punch five holes at the end of the belt, each being one inch apart. You will do your first hole 4 inches from the tip of the belt, and then punch the remainder towards the buckle. It's a straight forward project, so I wish you luck! Hopefully you can get all the leather and tools you need to make it happen! If you have any questions, let me know. I think I got everything in here, but I could have overlooked something. Cheers, Stephen www.blkancr.co

Thanks for the feedback Chris, I really appreciate it. I picked up a Pfaff 1245 from govliquidation.com, and it seems to be doing the trick. It's sewing through quite a few layers of 14 oz. canvas with no problems, I haven't counted, but it was plenty. As for heavier harness sewing, I am looking at it from a distance. Right now I'm doing some pretty basic bag work. I will say that your video inspired me to start my own bag/accessory business. I really enjoyed the story behind Artifact Bag Co. I was doing a 30 day mission out of Germany with the Air Force and watched that video just about every day to keep the inspiration alive. A week after I got home I owned an industrial machine and a small arsenal of leather working tools. I feel like I owe you one. If you wouldn't mind me picking your brain we can start a conversation through email (stephen [at] blackanchorworkshop.com). Hope to hear from you. Cheers, Stephen Jones

I took these as screen shots from a video I was watching of one of my favorite bag makers, Artifact Bags. He does all the work I want to do on this machine, unfortunately there are no shots of the front in any of the videos. I was hoping we had some expert Consew enthusiasts who could help me narrow it down. From the looks of it, it seems to be a Consew 206RB-3. But I could be mistaken! He uses this machine to sew through leather and duck canvas. The canvas, I know, is 14 oz. waxed canvas, and he uses a Horween leather, the type I am unsure of. I'm just getting into the leather market. Also, I'm curious if this is a stock motor he has running on it or if this is definitely an upgrade. Here is the website of his shop: http://artifactbags.com Maybe someone can lead me in the right direction for the weight and style of the leather used as well? Cheers! And thank you!

Can you link me to the other post?