Johanna Report post Posted April 17, 2008 By now everyone has noticed that you don't cut a 1 1/2 inch strap for a 1 1/2 inch buckle. It won't fit. Straps have to be cut an RCH smaller than the buckle. If you have used a strap cutter before, you have also noticed that the measurements on the arm don't mean much compared to the actual size strap you are about to cut. Here's what to do: Get a few pieces of scrap and some buckles, and make a short strap to fit each size buckle. Write the magic number on the backs with a Sharpie, punch a hole through them and tie them together. The next time you need to cut a 1 1/4 inch strap for a belt, simply slide your 1 1/4 template scrap strap into the strap cutter, and tighten the screw. No guesswork or measuring involved, just cut your strap. If you make a lot of belts, the few minutes invested making this cheat pays off. Johanna Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
JohnD Report post Posted April 18, 2008 Nice, Thanks for the tip Johanna. The things people ask me for the most are belts, to the point where I was debating whether or not to just start buying blanks. This tip will come in handy. Thanks again. John Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Justis Cases Report post Posted April 20, 2008 By now everyone has noticed that you don't cut a 1 1/2 inch strap for a 1 1/2 inch buckle. It won't fit. Straps have to be cut an RCH smaller than the buckle. If you have used a strap cutter before, you have also noticed that the measurements on the arm don't mean much compared to the actual size strap you are about to cut. Here's what to do: Get a few pieces of scrap and some buckles, and make a short strap to fit each size buckle. Write the magic number on the backs with a Sharpie, punch a hole through them and tie them together. The next time you need to cut a 1 1/4 inch strap for a belt, simply slide your 1 1/4 template scrap strap into the strap cutter, and tighten the screw. No guesswork or measuring involved, just cut your strap. If you make a lot of belts, the few minutes invested making this cheat pays off. Johanna I agree with everything you said except I cut mine a BCH smaller than the buckle....The RCH makes it too loose..... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
howardb Report post Posted May 3, 2008 Just saw this. Friggin' brilliant! Gonna do it for sure. I've got some scraps of heavy vinyl that I've been wondering what to use for and this would be perfect. Brent Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
yaklady Report post Posted May 4, 2008 Hey Johanna, that's great advice! Mind if I use that in my newsletter? I'll give you the credit. Kathy Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Leerwerker Report post Posted May 4, 2008 Help out a bit please: I dont get RCH and BCH! Haven't seen that yet in my ten years in the States.... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Hilly Report post Posted May 4, 2008 Help out a bit please: I dont get RCH and BCH! Haven't seen that yet in my ten years in the States.... LOL! I had the same question yesterday. A PM to Johanna gave me the answers I was seeking! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Johanna Report post Posted May 4, 2008 An "RCH" is an amount that is very small, but not inconsequential. Kathy- what newsletter? How can I get a newsletter? Of course you can share the strap cutter cheat. In the shop, time is money. Anyone who has ever shaved a 1/8 inch of a belt blank to fit the buckle on properly might find this one handy. Johanna Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
yaklady Report post Posted May 5, 2008 An "RCH" is an amount that is very small, but not inconsequential. Kathy- what newsletter? How can I get a newsletter? Of course you can share the strap cutter cheat. In the shop, time is money. Anyone who has ever shaved a 1/8 inch of a belt blank to fit the buckle on properly might find this one handy. Johanna Johanna, I'm the Circulation Manager for Columbine Leather Guild, and I write all the newsletters for them. My newsletters are not quite like traditional newsletters. I like to make them a bit more interesting and use my past pet pig Pinky to write some of the columns in it. If you want a sample one, just send me your address and I'll mail you one. This last one was kinda boring, as I didn't have anything to write about and I was trying to complete my competition item for Sheridan, but next month's will have my exciting report on the Sheridan show. I leave that one up to Pinky (Ghost Writer in the Sty) and it can be amuzing. I should have freak write columns for me, that would be very amuzing. If you like the newsletters, and want one every month, all you have to do it become an Associate member of Columbine! Thanks for the great tip! Kathy Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Johanna Report post Posted May 5, 2008 Johanna Schroer PO Box 103 New Knoxville, OH 45871 (Now, no one else be silly enough to post your snail mail addy in public!) Why don't you post a "how to be an associate member of Columbine" thread in resources? You'll probably get quite a few takers...who can resist ghost writers in the sty? Johanna Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
yaklady Report post Posted May 5, 2008 (edited) Okay, Jo, I'll do that. Does that mean I'll have to do a better job than I did on this last newsletter? In the meantime, I'll get a newsletter sent off to you. Kathy Edited May 5, 2008 by yaklady Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ClayB Report post Posted May 5, 2008 I joined the Columbine Guild just for the newslettlers. They are usually pretty entertaining. That reminds me, I better get my dues paid or I'll probably quit getting them. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
yaklady Report post Posted May 6, 2008 Pinky haunts people who don't pay thier dues!!! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
indypbear Report post Posted May 13, 2008 By now everyone has noticed that you don't cut a 1 1/2 inch strap for a 1 1/2 inch buckle. It won't fit. Straps have to be cut an RCH smaller than the buckle. If you have used a strap cutter before, you have also noticed that the measurements on the arm don't mean much compared to the actual size strap you are about to cut. Here's what to do: Get a few pieces of scrap and some buckles, and make a short strap to fit each size buckle. Write the magic number on the backs with a Sharpie, punch a hole through them and tie them together. The next time you need to cut a 1 1/4 inch strap for a belt, simply slide your 1 1/4 template scrap strap into the strap cutter, and tighten the screw. No guesswork or measuring involved, just cut your strap. If you make a lot of belts, the few minutes invested making this cheat pays off. Johanna Johanna, That's a great tip. Collect them and make a book like Tips & Hints by Joe McGuire. OK back to the RCH and BCH. What do the letters mean? I know when you give me the answer I'll slap my forehead. I'm already shrugging my shoulders. Tha'ts why us pollocks have slumped shoulders and flat foreheads-uck-uck-uck. Just go ahead and make my day-duh. John Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
wolvenstien Report post Posted May 13, 2008 RCH = Red CH? BCH = Black CH? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
