edgeleatherworks Report post Posted April 25, 2012 Hey guys, Just been thinking what I could do for mothers day and decided I think I want to make dog collars for my mom and of course the in law. I also was thinking of a few other people that I could make them one as gifts for upcoming holidays. I looked at Tandy and their kits are cheap, but I plan on purchasing about 4-5... I know it has to be cheaper by buying just the items in bulk that way I have plenty of practice peices. I was wondering what all I would need? I'm very new to working with leather and I'm tired of buying the kits... I want to start stock piling supplies so I can start experimenting! I was thinking either blank belt strips? Or just a belly hide peice and cut my own strips? I got that part... but specifically I'm not sure on what hardware I need, obviously a buckle, but isn't there a few other things? Thanks and god bless Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Mijo Report post Posted April 25, 2012 I make small dog collars, harness and leads. In terms of hardware you'll need; buckles, d-rings, rivets or screws (if your not going to hand sew and collars) and maybe eyelets (optional). If your going to make matching leads for your collars then you will also need snaps (either bolt, trigger or lever depending on your perference). In terms of tools you'll need; strap cutter (if you don't buy blanks), knife, punch (for the eyelets and buckle), hammer, end punch and a beveler. You don't necessarily need a oblong punch for the buckle, you could use the round punch (for the eyelets) and punch two holes and cut out the middle section between the holes. You could also eliminate the beveler, if your okay with the edges of your collars not being rounded off. If you don't want to purchase an end punch you could just use you knife and taper the end of the collars as well. As far as the actual leather for your collars, I use latigo and bridle. I hope this information helps... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Chavez Report post Posted April 25, 2012 I'm sure that pros will correct me if I'm wrong, but I would not trust belly leather when making a collar... Belly leather is good for wet molding masks and practicing swivel knife cuts and it should not be used anywhere where strength is required as it is likely to stretch and deform. Perhaps butts or shoulders will be a better idea. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
lightingale Report post Posted April 27, 2012 I make a lot of dog collars, and I buy already-cut strips of leather that are usually made into belts. I worked out the cost of buying a side and cutting the strip myself, and I prefer to just buy the strips outright. You get more choice (don't pick the ones with scars/cuts) and you don't have much waste. All the leather stores I've shopped from (be it online or brick-and-mortal) sold leather in strips. Mijo made you a nice list of things you need. Making a dog collar is exactly like making a belt, except on a smaller scale. When I started out, I consulted Belts Galore by Al Stohlman. It tells you everything you need to know, along with many carving patterns that work well for belts/straps/collars. Essentially, you'll need basic leather supplies (carving tools, hole punch, edge beveler, rivets, dyes, finishes, whatever you use for burnishing and cutting leather) and buckles and Dee-rings. A skiver will help you thin the leather on the part you need to fold over the buckle. Dogs are rough on their collars, so you want to condition it to help protect it against water damage. I apply a few generous coats of mink oil, which helps soften it (better fit and more comfortable for the dog). You'll also want to use a FLEXIBLE top coat (I use Zelikovitz professional top coat, and I've had good results with tan kote also). I made the mistake of using acrylic resolene once, which cracked and flaked as the collar flexed. Hope that helps! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
edgeleatherworks Report post Posted May 18, 2012 Crap gale, you have me worried now! What kind of finishes should i be concerned about? Would the mink oil be the better bet? The first collar im making is actually a paid one so i want it to be as flawless as possible! Thanks Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Cyberthrasher Report post Posted May 18, 2012 (edited) Montana Pitch Blend is a nice finish that does good waterproofing and isn't anything that will crackle. It's more of a lotion that helps bead water off. I use it on EVERYTHING I do because you never know when something will be exposed to a little water. It also gives a nice little satin sheen that I really like. The leather dressing is what I use and the little tub will go a LONG way. http://www.montanapitchblend.com/ I'd also highly recommend staying away from the bellies. They stretch and sag and go all kinds of bad things. Edited May 18, 2012 by Cyberthrasher Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
