Want to do a belt

[ps0303]

I want to make a belt for myself. If I were to buy belt blanks from somewhere, what would I be looking for in terms of weight? Also, if I were to buy two blanks to make a thick gun belt, can I just glue them together, sew, and finish?

I see some folks use a liner on the inside. What is that usually made of and is it necessary?

Thanks for your time.

[Ludite]

Most mens belt I`ve made are 9/10oz butt veg tan. For a lined gun belt I try to keep the combined leather weight to 12/13oz any heavier and physical weight and comfort start to become a problem.. couple of pic`s shotgun cartridge belt, this is 9oz front and 4oz lining and this is a heavy belt at 13oz leather weightOh! I only glue the edges about 1/2"

Hope this helps

Paul

[ps0303]

So I would get two belt blanks of say 6/7 each and then glue the two unfinished sides together. For the buckle end I would cut the inner piece short so the leather would be a single layer and wrap around the buckle per say and then it would attach to the point where it is the two pieces thick.

Does that sound about right??

[Ludite]

You can do that no problem! Usually the front is about two thirds of the total leather weight ,because this is the piece that is carved and you need a bit of meat . Normally if not tooled people stick to this convention . Having said that there is no reason way you can`t use two 6/7 oz `s

By the sound of you question your more of a Newbie than me! so if you have not got,get these books please for some bed time reading from Tandy .

Belts Galore by AL Stolman

The Art of Hand Sewing Leather

Leather Craft Tools :How to Use Them , How to Sharpen Them

They will show what tools you need and designs patterns and finishes

I make up an Idiot List for all my projects detailing the important steps in order ,So you can avoid shouting YOU IDIOT!"££$%^&&&^^% because you forgot something simple or little but the hole project is buggered!!

TIP : When you have sewn the two 6/7`s together try to avoid bending the belt until metal work etc is fitted then wet in inside and form over large cardboard tude, saucepan works well ! this will reduce the wrinkles that will appear in some form or other

Glue use a good contact glue barge tanner bond light thin coats ,two or three times are better than one thick glob!

and let it dry !! When lining up to stick I place wax paper between the two pieces and pull away as I move along the belt sticking, then scrap leather between work and hammer, hammer the glue joints I now sand edges 80 grit and then use an edging tool back and front..now then hard work burnishing and finishing...

Regards

Paul

[Ludite]

Check out the how to do`s section excellent tutorial "How I Make a Belt " is pinned there!!

[ps0303]

Check out the how to do`s section excellent tutorial "How I Make a Belt " is pinned there!!

Will do. I think I know what I need to do now. I just need to get the supplies and get going on it.

Thanks!