Cheez

Hi folks, I am trying to make the perfect gun belt. My struggles: gluing 2 pieces of 7 to 8 oz leather together on a flat surface. The problem with this is I am getting wrinkles on the inside of belt, also the inside belt holes look funky over time (bulged out slightly). This problem I have seen on a few of my belts, not all of them. I understand that the inside layer of a belt travels a shorter distance than the outside layer which makes since that something is going to give. To fix this problem. I have started gluing my belts around a 50" bucket. This seems to work out great! This makes the inside layer at least an 1" shorter than the outside layer. I just tell my customers to look at this as a top shelf belt and keep on your top shelf not a hanger.. My question is, will I encounter any bad side effects from gluing belts this way? The last thing I want is for the outside of my belts to show wrinkles. Struggles # 2 I am using a cowboy 3200 with #277 top and bottom thread. When I hammer the top stitches down they sit down nice,( acceptable to me) however after hammering down the stitches on inside of belt they are raised up more than my liking. (not acceptable to me). I don't think it is a setting on my machine as the knot is sitting in the middle like its supposed to and I don't see any loose stitches. To fix this problem I have been using a stitch groover on bottom of belt. I don't like using the stitch groover on the bottom. If I could decrease my bobbin thread size I think this will alleviate my raised stitches. My question: with me using #277 on the top what is the smallest thread I can use in my bobbin that will work on 2 pcs of 7 to 8 oz leather? My second question: Will this help or am I better off just using a stitch groover? Thanks for your help.

Thanks Bruce, I have an email in to you showing my interest in an #86 or equivalent. Hope to hear from you in a couple weeks. Thanks, Shane

Thanks,

I'm in need of a Splitter, (skiver). My purpose for this is Belts. I want to thin down hole straps and to skive the buckle ends. My options are an osborne #86 new for $450. A Weaver for $279. A cowboy for about the same as the Weaver. Last I got an inquiry in with Bruce when he has something available. I'd like to get your thoughts on whether the osborne is that much better than the others worthy of the price difference. I also realize that all blades need to be really sharp in order to work right. Thanks

I'm in need of a Splitter, (skiver). My purpose for this is Belts. I want to thin down hole straps and to skive the buckle ends. My options are an osborne #86 new for $450. A Weaver for $279. A cowboy for about the same as the Weaver. Last I got an inquiry in with Bruce when he has something available. I'd like to get your thoughts on whether the osborne is that much better than the others worthy of the price difference. I also realize that all blades need to be really sharp in order to work right. Thanks

I ordered mine on order from (not sure if I can say) . The price was right at $38, hopefully I'll find out soon of the quality.

Thanks, The stamp I ordered instructed me to use a C - clamp. However I was planning on using your exact method. I'll just have to play on some scrap to get the right moisture intake before bench vise. Thanks again

Thanks fellows,

Hello, I am to this sight and a new leather worker. I have been through many pages throughout this forum trying to suck in as much info as possible. My leatherwork is coming along really well and I just ordered a makers mark. I am finally proud enough of my work to put my name on it. Question: Can I apply my makers mark after dying belt? I know this would be better to do before dying, however I am running close on time for a birthday gift and I haven't received makers mark as of yet. Should be here in a week or so. This is my plan: cut 2 belt blanks and laminate them together. cut ends, punch holes and cut tongue slot. stitch groove and use pricking iron. dye belt, buff and then stitch . apply makers mark then 2 coats of resolene. Finally install buckle, keeper and rivets. I appreciate any input. Thanks