Belt Slot Punch?

[Eaglestroker]

I bought one from Texas Custom a few weeks ago to try. My first one was out of spec, and seeing how it was made I tightened my dimensions up for the remake so I could get exactly what I wanted. The second attempt was much better and it sure leaves a more professional look in a fraction of the time.

[Umebo]

I use hole punches and carpenter's chisels of various withs to make slots. I think it really works well as a cheap alternative for us hobbyists, even though it requires four mallet strikes instead of one to make a hole. Even the cheapest chisels are plenty good to cut leather, which makes it affordable to build up a very flexible tool set.

[PappyUSA]

I use a forstner bit backed by a piece wood and a chisel. It takes a bit longer than using a punch but they always come out perfect. I like to make them 3/8” thick and 1/8” - 1/4” longer than the width of the belt because I found that using a too tight of a slot leads to more squeaking.

[Dieselman]

I use hole punches and carpenter's chisels of various withs to make slots. I think it really works well as a cheap alternative for us hobbyists, even though it requires four mallet strikes instead of one to make a hole. Even the cheapest chisels are plenty good to cut leather, which makes it affordable to build up a very flexible tool set.

This is exactly what I do as well.

[malabar]

The black ones are the stuff that tandy sells. I hate to say this, but you should avoid them at all costs. I bought one from a local Tandy and the edge didn't hold up at all. The manager of the place told me that if I was going to do any kind of volume I needed to buy Osborne (which they didn't sell). I ended up buying most of my strap-end cutters and bag punches from Osborne. They're a few bucks more but the quality is much higher.

tk

[MStarmer]

Thanks for all the replies, I've came to the conclusion I just needed more practice and a sharper chisel. Sounds like it's hit or miss with some of the choices out there. I'm cutting them a little undersize and grinding them to where I want them.