Weight Guide

[Cozee]

I guess I must not be using the right words to search with. I am trying to find a weight guide for a newbie like myself. Not sure which weights would be the one's I need to use for the projects I have in mind like biker's mask, tank and windshield bags, and small pouches. I know one has to exist, anyone know of such a guide?

[Jason Austin]

Here's one:

http://www.tandyleatherfactory.com/en-usd/home/infoandservices/leatherguide/leatherguide.aspx

[Toolingaround]

Hi Cozee

For some reason I get better search results for this web site when I use regular old google. I go to google and type in leatherworker.net and what ever I am looking for. In your case try "leatherworker.net weight" for example. A bunch of hits will come up from this site, then click "more results from leatherworker.net" and you will get pages to look at. I had this same question and searched it that way myself and got loads of good advice. This is how I always search for stuff here. It works well for me. Hope that helps.

Cheers, Toolingaround

[Northmount]

If you type the search items you are looking for (in google) followed by site:leatherworker.net, the search will be restricted to leatherworker.net. Helpful for eliminating all the other stuff that often crops up.

Tom

[Cyberthrasher]

As I'm typing this, I realize it's really hard not to sound condescending or mean, so please take it as strictly advice for the betterment of everyone

I see a lot of questions about "what weight is best", but a lot of times those questions are easily answered by simply thinking about what the product is. Now, this is 100% void if you don't what what the thickness of the weights are. If the end product should be fairly flimsy/giving, then use a lighter leather. If the end product should be rigid, use a heavier leather. Do you want a tool bag that sags and flops around or do you want one that's solid and holds your stuff on the highway? Do you want a mask that's really rigid and restricts your facial movement, or do you want something light and flexible? Should your belt be thick enough to carry the weight of anything strapped to it and last through years of "stretching" to fit that extra pound, or do you want one that will have some give and stretch out over time (and possibly break)?

Some basic guidelines, that can always be adjusted as needed:

Belts/guitar straps/etc....: between 7 and 10 oz. For belts, 8/9 is a good starting point for something 1.5" in width and up. Narrower belts should drop in weight so that they don't look HUGE. Guitar straps can be made lighter as well. A lot of people use 5/6 oz, or even lighter by doubling it up. Right now I have some that are 7/8, some that are 8/9, and I'm even working on some that will be made with soft 2/3 doubled up.

Motorcycle bags: Let's stick to the 8/9 oz range and up here. A tool bag/saddle bag should be rigid to hold its form. Look at all those saggy factory bags out there that have lost their shape.

Masks: I'd say use the lightest weight you can while still being able to tool. If you're good at tooling, a 2/3 oz "Soft Veg Tan" would do well here. If not, I'd say no more than 4 oz in standard rigid veg tan. Remember, the safety of the rider is hugely important on this one.

Wallets, other small pocket items that fold: usually a good 5/6 oz, many people even use 3/4 or lighter.

Hopefully this shows how the USE of the product should dictate it's weight. If you're not sure about weight to thickness, there is a good diagram on Tandy's site, which i believe was linked above. And remember, these are all guidelines and not rules. Tweak away and don't worry about breaking some ancient leather code