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All great comments and they just keep coming. So I think I'll start off & build the frame & then come back to the forum & decide on the top. Space is not a concern & I do have 4 other work benches in the room (Including my reloading bench which I can't move). I'll just have to work around it. I think I'll go with the 4'x 8' for layout. Thanks for all your suggestions. I'm assuming pine for the frame - right......

Thanks everyone for your input...I'll get started. I bet the 3/4" Granite top cost a pretty penny.

I am starting to build a new work bench for general leather work with a shelf on the bottom to store material. Not making saddles or anything large but I have a couple of questions: #1 Size (L&W) I have the room but don't want to go overboard. Would you make the legs out of 2x4" or 4x6". #2 Height. I have a lower back problem so I don't want to make it too low so I am bending as I work/play. #3 What have you found to be the best material for the top (3/4" plywood) or are there other suggestions? Thanks in advance for your help.

William, Thanks so much for the input. I will continue to stop in at the Tandy stores as I travel around. Have checked with Weavers but not at the point yet of getting a Tax ID or Business Lic so not much help there. "Will check w/ Springfield leather. Have a great day & again thanks,

Where is the best place (value) to buy sides for good quality leather belts used for concealed carry. Weight & type. And when buying this product do you need a splitter to have uniformed thickness? Thanks for your help.

CedarCreek; That's a nice lookin rig...You did good.

Is there a single tool to punch the Chicago screw holes & the Buckle slot in a Belt. Also on the belt tip, is there a machine that rounds the tip?

I've looked at holsters & have 20 or 25 from some of the top mfg's. But they all look complicated & I need to crawl before I walk, so to speak. Thanks for the information.....

I am a newbe to leather craft but have been lurking around this as well as other sites for a while now.Just a world of information & looks like a great forum. I think I have the bug but know absolutely nothing about the craft. I'm so new - I don't even know where leather comes from. I've got enough room for a shop & was interested in starting with belts for those that carry concealed (mainly friends & fellows at my gun club) & if I like it then move into other areas. I am a NRA certified instructor & shoot competitively in some local stuff so I know the guys that would like a belt now & then. This would be just a hobby & not interested in getting into mass productions. Been to several of the Tandy stores & frankly not impressed. (maybe it's just my area). Have a million questions & hopefully many will be answered by a couple of Al Stohlmans books I have on order. I guess the big question or questions I have, that probably will not be in any book is: Is there a list of supplies, suppliers, equipment, hardware for belts, type & weight of hides, things in general to get started. I know that with my shooting, reloading & collecting 1911's I have made every mistake in the book, over the years, which constitutes to dollars lost. Maybe I'm looking for a "shortcut" that doesn't exist. I don't have a Business License or Tax ID# so Weaver & others are out. Without stealing any trade secrets, can someone point me in the right direction? Thanks for any & all help. Hobby Tom

They look good.