kk1992 Report post Posted February 7, 2010 are bellies good to practice tooling and cutting on? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
JLSleather Report post Posted February 7, 2010 No, they aren't. Belly leather is too "stretchy", doesn't carve or hold the design well. It generally dyes just fine, so it CAN be used, but not for tooled items. Be fine for small cases that don't take much/any stress (NOT for belts/billet straps). Often enough, the belly is the part I use to test how a particular color is going to look on THAT hide ... The best carving leather you want a "back" or a "bend". I usually buy the side just for the reason above. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
kk1992 Report post Posted February 7, 2010 i have 10oz belly leather, would it not even be good for practice coasters? im just looking for a practice substance and i got a 6 sq. ft. belly for dirt ceap. is there any way i can make this better for practice? maybe temporary glue it to cardboard? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
kfiretwo Report post Posted February 8, 2010 i have 10oz belly leather, would it not even be good for practice coasters? im just looking for a practice substance and i got a 6 sq. ft. belly for dirt ceap. is there any way i can make this better for practice? maybe temporary glue it to cardboard? belly leather has many uses, just play with it n see what works for u, its not a high stress leather because of the amount of stretch, and dont hold tooling well because it is a softer leather, its great for coasters, key fabs, untooled wallets, because of its softness, also great for adding as a backer to make ur project thicker, Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
