For all you Belt makers - Gluing edges

[ABC3]

I've started having problems burnishing my belts. I recently started using 2 straps of 7/8 oz leather, gluing & sewing 3/16" in from the edge. I can't seem to get the two layers to marry together as I burnish (I've tried many concoctions). I sand with 120 grit & then with 220. And still the end result is very poor quality.

Could it be my gluing? I have not run the glue all the way to the edges of the belt - stopping somewhere arount 3/16 to a 1/4" from the edges. Then roll with a paper hangers hand roller to force the air out & to smooth out. When I sew could that force the edges to seperate to a degree? Should I glue all the way to the edges & then sand off? Any ideas to correct this problem.

[dbusarow]

Tom,

When making holsters I started out gluing all the way to the edge. Then I decided it might be easier to sew if I didn't have to go through the glue as well as the leather. So I tried leaving the edge unglued like yours and my edge burnishing, which had been decent, went to heck. I'm back to gluing all the way to the edge.

I still need to improve my edges but they do come out better when glued together.

Dan

[Rayban]

Glue all the way to the edge...if glue seeps out over the edge, just sand it off before burnishing....

[ABC3]

That's what I needed to know guys. To the edges it is. But it does sound like it would be difficult to keep your glue bench dry & clean. Oh well.....

[hidepounder]

I've started having problems burnishing my belts. I recently started using 2 straps of 7/8 oz leather, gluing & sewing 3/16" in from the edge. I can't seem to get the two layers to marry together as I burnish (I've tried many concoctions). I sand with 120 grit & then with 220. And still the end result is very poor quality.

Could it be my gluing? I have not run the glue all the way to the edges of the belt - stopping somewhere arount 3/16 to a 1/4" from the edges. Then roll with a paper hangers hand roller to force the air out & to smooth out. When I sew could that force the edges to seperate to a degree? Should I glue all the way to the edges & then sand off? Any ideas to correct this problem.

Tom,

Glue all the way to the edge, do not use excessive glue, and ounce you've married the two together, use a leather hammer all the way around the edges to insure a close tight bond. I didn't use to do this until I started using Masters Cement...who tell you to use a hammer. Now I do it when using Barge also. Hope this helps,

Bob

[badger]

Yep, glue both pieces all the way to the edge, let it touch-dry, join carefully and then hammer down.

I will sometimes hammer a glued seam using a scrap of leather, grain side down, between the work and the hammer to prevent marring.

Badger

[Bree]

Glue all the way to the edge...if glue seeps out over the edge, just sand it off before burnishing....

+1

I go all the way to the edge. I use contact cement so I get no seepage when the blanks are pressed together since my glue is dry. I am careful to paint the glue to the edge but not over it. Nevertheless, I sand it lightly anyways because even with a registration jig that I use to keep the alignment right when I am bonding the blanks there is always a little inconsistency. The sanding levels everything out in preparation for edging.

[ABC3]

Thanks everyone for your input. It's forums like this that make us all better at our hobby/trade. I for one, appreciate it.

[Shorts]

A good way to keep the glue craziness from getting uncontrollable is to make the back layer strap slightly wider than the top. Example, top 1.5" which is the end width and bottom 1.75". This allows for the belt straps to be uneven yet fully glued to the edge. Once you're glued and stitched, then slice the excess off (these scraps make excellent lace ties for random things around the shop). From there even & round your edges.

I still miss a few spots here and there but you stand a better shot at an even burnish.

[tangfenghongying]

A good way to keep the glue craziness from getting uncontrollable is to make the back layer strap slightly wider than the top. Example, top 1.5" which is the end width and bottom 1.75". This allows for the belt straps to be uneven yet fully glued to the edge. Once you're glued and stitched, then slice the excess off (these scraps make excellent lace ties for random things around the shop). From there even & round your edges.

I still miss a few spots here and there but you stand a better shot at an even burnish.

Side of your belt to deal with a very smooth, I would like to ask what things handled?