Belt Backs

[snowgoose]

I'm having problems finishing off the backs of my belts.

( as I'm only just starting out, I'm using Tandy's belt blanks )

I can't seem to get my belt backs nice and smooth like on some pictures on here. Every time I try, it either ends up blotchy, rough or just generally not as I'd like them to be.

So, are there any tips and tricks for nicely finishing belt backs off so they come out nice and smooth?

Regards

Jake

[leatherjunkie]

I'm having problems finishing off the backs of my belts.

( as I'm only just starting out, I'm using Tandy's belt blanks )

I can't seem to get my belt backs nice and smooth like on some pictures on here. Every time I try, it either ends up blotchy, rough or just generally not as I'd like them to be.

So, are there any tips and tricks for nicely finishing belt backs off so they come out nice and smooth?

Regards

Jake

best tip is to get better quality leather and leave the tandy leather for others to use.

on belts i usually spray on the dye or dip dye them. this helps me get a even coat of dye.

i have just started using herman oak tanned leather and realized that this leather is way better than tandys leather.

the herman oak is tanned in the united states(which is great for me). the flesh side is way smoother than tandys and takes dye better than tandys leather.

after finding out that herman oak is way better to work with than tandys leather i will nolonger buy tandys leather.

[electrathon]

Yup, Tandy belt blanks are pretty bad. If you care about the backs, call Springfield or someone else. Much of the Herman Oaks flesh side leather looks almost as good as the Tandy grain side.

Also, a lot of the belts you see on here are two layers thick, so there is no flesh side to see.

Aaron

[King's X]

I have used Tandy blanks in the past. You can use a fine grit sand paper and sand the back side carefully. I have had good luck after sanding. There is no comparison with Hermann Oak, Wickett & Craig, etc. But the price reflects the difference. I guess it is like my wife likes to remind me constantly............you get what you pay for!

Good luck

[snowgoose]

Thanks for the replies everyone.

I had a feeling it may be down to the actual leather, as I've read a few things about Tandy's leather on here.

I'm in the UK so will have to source some over here. Will try Le Provo, they seem to have a nice rep over here for their leather

[ramrod]

i usually line my belts with pigskin or a lighter leather. i don't have to worry about the flesh side of the leather.

[Nick69]

You wont be dissapointed with LePrevo, all of my leather comes from them. Strange ordering system but ive never had a problem with them.

[gringobill]

You might try Feibings saddle soap on the the back followed by a glass slicker, that will smooth it up some. Be careful not to get the saddle soap on the grain side/front of the belt.

[azrider]

I will sometimes finish the top and edges of the belt, and then flip it over on a cloth of some sort (once it is completely dry) and use a little water on the back, and rub saddle soap in with a piece of canvas. This will help clean up the back of the belt. Once thats dry, I sometimes will add a finish on the backside of the belt as well.

[Art]

You can get leather with pasted backs from a lot of Tanneries, but if you are in GB, try Baker or Sedgwick leathers.

Art