Bonding Double Layer Belts ?

[Shooter McGavin]

Just curious if anyone has an easy way for bonding the double layer belts. Typically I just use the contact cement, wait until dry, then bang the pieces together with a 5 pound deadblow but as order volume builds, my elbow and should are starting to hate that method.

I was thinking of something like a pasta roller or maybe an old clothes wringer but figure there has to be an alternative? Tandy has an embosser that I am considering modifying but I hate to gamble with 500 bucks.

What do you guys do?

[J Hayes]

Cuddle bug paper embosser might do it. I've used it to emboss some bracelets with the wife's paper dies, worked well and the unit is about $50. Also the roller unit from an old wringer washing machine might do. I'll check the thickness on the embosser.

The rollers are about 1" apart and 5-6 in wide, you would have to make a spacer the length of your belts and sandwich the leather between those or just let the roller press directly on the leather. The rollers are spring loaded so you may have to play with the thickness of your spacers. JoAnn has some 50% off coupons. Might take a bit of goofing but I bet it can be done.

I have also seen towel wringers like on a wringer washer but I imagine with all thr pinched fingers those are not made anymore

Edited November 30, 2013 by J Hayes

[JeffGC]

Use an artists rubber brayer.

Jeff C.

[Dwight]

Hey, Shooter, . . . you're spending far too much time thinking about this my friend.

Use a pie dough roller, . . . just don't let your wife catch you using hers.

Seriously, . . . whoever told you that you have to whack it and beat it after you put it together just seriously does not know the product. I've been using Weldwood since the late 60's on furniture, cabinets, leather, cloth, and probably stuff I don't even remember.

I just . . . NEVER, . . . EVER did anything more than push the two together with a rolling pin or something similar and have again NEVER had a customer complain.

The word contact means touching, . . . not beating, . . .

May God bless,

Dwight

[Geneva]

Curious, why would you make a belt that is double layered? I would think a single ply would work better.

[BondoBobCustomSaddles]

I use weldwood or 3M spray adhesive for belts. once bonded and stitched it will be good to go. If I feel the need to stick it together with pressure, like the old cook in lonesome dove said " I can whack it if I want to!" LOL. If you making more than one at a time, line them up next to each other and spray them all at once. Makes things go a lot faster with out sacrificing quality.

Bob

[katsass]

FWIW from the grumpy guy: I use an old wallpaper roller. The thing is to get the two pieces together evenly. then allow a bit of time for the chemical action to take place. Glue them up, stick 'em together, and give it overnight to 'cure' Just my 2cent's worth. Mike

[Red Cent]

A lined belt that will equal about 14-16 ounces is the thing for concealed carry. If not, alined belt totaling 10-12 ounces is sturdy and looks very good stitched properly. Single layer dress/casual belt are good.

I have used Welwood for months and the other day it came to me - heat gun. And I read it here somewhere later that day. You use a heat gun on Wledwood to accelerate drying and you better be lined up when you put 'em together. And a rolling pin.

[Matt Alsaker]

I use a lace roller that I picked up from Springfield. I use it to bond a lot of things that I glue.

http://springfieldleather.com/24810/Lace-Roller/

[Shooter McGavin]

Matt I'm going to give that a try.

I've tried the rolling pin but it's awkward and the pin is ~12" wide whereas the belt is only 1-1/2" or so.

Geneva, I use two pieces of 7-8oz leather to make a 14-16oz double layer belt. They are way stiffer than any 16oz single layer belt I can build which helps keep the holsters nice and tight to the body.

Thanks all for the advice, lots of good ideas, dont stop now! Very much appreciated!