Embossed Belts

[ABC3]

I just purchased a used (looks like new) Embossing Machine Dist by Tandy Leather at a garage sale, of all places. (it has a hand crank). I know how to make a belt but know nothing about Embossing. Can anyone give me any pointers, I want to try this machine out.

I was thinking about Embossing the belt & then glueing & sewing the belt & liner together.

Do you wet the leather & just run it through the Embosser or is there other things I need to know.

Thanks in advance. By the way, I don't know what one of these machines cost but I picked this one up in a cardboard box with 4 design wheels, I'll call them, for $75. No papers or manual. So I'm kind of in the dark.

[kevinhopkins]

I just purchased a used (looks like new) Embossing Machine Dist by Tandy Leather at a garage sale, of all places. (it has a hand crank). I know how to make a belt but know nothing about Embossing. Can anyone give me any pointers, I want to try this machine out.

I was thinking about Embossing the belt & then glueing & sewing the belt & liner together.

Do you wet the leather & just run it through the Embosser or is there other things I need to know.

Thanks in advance. By the way, I don't know what one of these machines cost but I picked this one up in a cardboard box with 4 design wheels, I'll call them, for $75. No papers or manual. So I'm kind of in the dark.

Hi ABC3,

Embossing is just like tooling, in that water content is critical. And so is the leather that you use! But as long as you've got the proper moisture content, you'll do fine. I wish you the best.... especially your right arm..... Happy cranking!

Kevin

[Penden]

Just center the design, wet the belt and run it through. Be careful that it is centered and that you have nice and even and straight cut blank or else it will twist.

Sounds like you might be missing the keys, though. They are plain shiny metal disks about the size of the design wheels. I think you can pick up a set at Tandy? And then you will see the major $ you saved!

[wvcraftsman]

I just purchased a used (looks like new) Embossing Machine Dist by Tandy Leather at a garage sale, of all places. (it has a hand crank).

How come I can't ever seem to find deals like this?

Make sure you post some pics of your belts!

[ABC3]

I think it was a pretty good find. I don't know what they are worth. I just need to learn afew things about the proper way to use it.

Do you run the blanks thru before dyeing ? And what about sewing the belt after it has been glued. Do you just figure out where you want your stitch line & adjust the groover?

Thanks for any help. This part of it is all new to me.