Gun Belt - Ordered Blanks

[particle]

Okay - my wife and I put pen-to-paper and determined it would be cheaper to order pre-cut 1.5" blanks from Weaver as opposed to cutting my own. We bought about 40 of them to tide me over for a while on my first few batches of belt orders. I'm thinking two layers of 8-9oz leather is too thick, and would like to thin them down to maybe 6-7oz. Should I try to find a local saddle shop to thin them down for me? Or is there another option that I'm not thinking of? I know some of you order the pre-cut blanks and would like to know how you avoid ended up with a 1/4" thick belt... Do you use the precut blank for the top, then cut your own thinner liner to glue to the back? Or thin them down yourself?

[gregintenn]

For a full size pistol, I like two thicknesses of 8/9 oz leather. For lighter duty, You could back the blank with thinner leather, or else buy a skivver.

[particle]

Was looking at splitters earlier, but they're pretty pricey... Would love to have one though.

[RobDude30]

I make mine thick as well. My everyday carry belt measures 1/4" with the calipers.

[Rick Pen]

I order mine 6 to 7 oz.

Rick

[Big G]

a local belt maker puts a layer of kydex in between the two layers of leather . makes for a sturdy belt

[gregintenn]

a local belt maker puts a layer of kydex in between the two layers of leather . makes for a sturdy belt

LOL! I'll bet you could shoot pool with one of those.

[Haystacker]

Hey Particle,

I make my belts out of two layers of 6/7. The top layer is 1.5 inches wide and the bottom is 2 inches wide. I trim the bottom to fit the top after I sew. How are you going to make yours? I thought about making a jig so that I can cut both top and bottom same width.

Jeff

[Ferg]

Hey Particle,

I make my belts out of two layers of 6/7. The top layer is 1.5 inches wide and the bottom is 2 inches wide. I trim the bottom to fit the top after I sew. How are you going to make yours? I thought about making a jig so that I can cut both top and bottom same width.

Jeff

Jeff,

You do glue your two layers together before you sew don't you? I cut my belt blanks with an inexpensive strap cutter from Tandy. Never have a problem. 8/9 oz. top, 3/4 oz bottom/inside cut exactly the same width, glue them with contact cement, sand the edges, burnish edges, then sew.

I just don't think the belt blanks are an economic solution if you intend to make very many belts.

ferg

[particle]

I just don't think the belt blanks are an economic solution if you intend to make very many belts.

ferg

How many blanks can you get out of a hide? I seem to remember someone here saying you can get about 12-15 blanks out of a hide. If you're paying $150 for the hide, that's well over $10 per blank. I ordered mine from Weaver, and payed $4.61 per blank.