rdb Report post Posted March 13, 2009 I've had a few people ask about these type of belts, so it's time to make up a batch. Here's the first two. I don't have a splitter, which makes it easy to make the simple kind. With the splitter, you just split back 4-5 inches, place the buckle plate, and keeper in, then sew it up. So I have to use a little creativity... The brown one is bullhide strap, with a calfskin top. Skive the strap tip down, place the buckle plate, fold over the calfskin, glue, and stitch. This one is Walnut oil dye, mixed with neatsfoot, covered with Sno Proof. The other is Chestnut Bridle, with Ranger style billet top. Handstitching would probably look better, and be able to sew tighter to the loop. It would also allow you to sew the loop in, in the more traditional style (ala Stohlman). But for production type, these look/work okay. For those who haven't made these, you can get the plate with either one or two tines. They also come in brass, if you can find them. I haven't so far. But a lot of makers have some metal shops make up what they want from brass and SS...that's a route, I may go. In general, I've seen these go for 16-20 dollars on the low end. 30-50 for slightly better quality ones, 70-80 from craftsman, and as high as 120 from nutcakes , I mean "designers"...lol I've dreamed up different versions for Bikers, Musicians, and Hunters. With a little salesmanship, I should be able to promote these outside of the mechanic crowd. Thanx fer lookin....As usual, feel free to show pix of yours, too Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
2MadJacks Report post Posted March 13, 2009 rdb, those both look great, I like the ranger the best. A friend was asking me to make one awhile back. If you dont mind, can you tell us where you got your buckles. like the two prongs, they seem like they would be very solid. thanks James Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
rdb Report post Posted March 13, 2009 Three guesses...lol Zack White's Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
2MadJacks Report post Posted March 13, 2009 (edited) rdb is this the one? its the only one I could find one their site. If so I guess your using two for the double prongs? Thanks I really appreciate your help, James Edited March 13, 2009 by 2MadJacks Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
rdb Report post Posted March 13, 2009 Nope, not it... They might not have them in the catalog. In the second picture, there's one next to the snow proof, on the left. Just call them and ask Tim for them. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
2MadJacks Report post Posted March 13, 2009 Hey thanks again, and did you ever have any better luck adjusting your toro to lighter thread? James Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Ian Report post Posted March 13, 2009 Looking sharp, Dave - I've never done one of those, but wondered how they were made. Thanks for sharing. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
rdb Report post Posted March 13, 2009 Thanks Ian, Also, The plate is only 1/2" wide, so there's room to stitch around with a cylinder arm or post machine. On a table, you'ld have to stitch upside down. James, I'm down to 138 without major adjustments... I'm going to pick up some new thinner stuff, and see if it's better than my old stuff. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
