pete Report post Posted April 11, 2007 Can someone please help me. I need to make a few belts for friends and haven't done so in years. I used to get nice blanks from Tandy(YEARS ago) but the last two that I ordered were terrible(to my likeing.) The leather was 8-9 oz and was consistent but the quality was poor to say the least. I had my doubts but when I cased it and came back the next day they were like mushy, sponges. The grain opened up and wouldn't hold water and the backs soaked it up too. I tried to trace and carve a few inches but ended up throwing it away for scraps. Where can I get quality blanks that will carve well like Seigels or W/C. leather. I REALLY don't want to buy a side and cut my own just for 2 belts. Does anyone make quality "head to tail" strips? Maybe some of you saddlemakers or belt makers would like to sell me 2. I need 2 1-1/2 x 50" blanks. thanks pete ps- what do folks get for tooled/dyed belts these days? Do you charge by the foot/inch? I'm making a Sheridan design with 1/8 borders, no stitching just edged, antiqued, no taper. pea-aire" Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Johanna Report post Posted April 12, 2007 How long does it take you to tool a belt, and what is your shop rate? You have to price belts like anything else. Materials + (time spent X shop rate) X % of profit. I've always been amazed at how you carvers/stamper/toolers can take a crappy looking strap and hide every blemish in it with your tools. However, I can appreciate the difference of cutting into a high quality hide vs. trying to compensate for a non absorbent or spongy leather. Maybe someone can help you out with some straps? Johanna Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Cowboy Crafts Online Report post Posted April 12, 2007 Pete, I have wickett and craig leather on hand I can cut you some blanks. your asking for 8/9oz are you planning on lining these belts, if not I would make it out of something heavier. PM if you want some cut. Ashley Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
pete Report post Posted April 12, 2007 I would love 2 of them 50" long and 1-1/2". How heavy do you make dess/casual belts anyway? Back in college I made a trophy belt for myself 8/9 and it lasted for over 25 years of daily wear. What do you charge and how can I get ahold of you? Thanks pete Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Cowboy Crafts Online Report post Posted April 13, 2007 Pete, I line all my belts. I make them out of 7/8oz and then line with 3/4. I also glue a peice of poster board to the back when stamping so I dont have stretch. I leave this in, which helps give the belt body, but keeps the weight down. On belts I do not line I use 10/12. Ashley Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
