Leather Side - How Much Of The Leather Is The Back Portion

[DavidL]

I have a choice to buy 20 square feet side or 16 square feet in 18 inch by 18 sheets. I understand that a full side includes the neck and belly that thins out and stretches more than the back portion. A leather side that is 20 square feet will be how many square feet for the back side?

[dirtclod]

I sure wouldn't buy the pieces !! Depending on what you making it could be to small or you could have a lot waste. With a side you have room to rearange things. As as how much is back depends on how they trim the belly and the neck. But i would say on a 20 square foot side 15 to 16 foot is good and on a good belly you can make some small things like coasters and such. Your going to have scrap no matter what you buy.

Edited December 17, 2013 by dirtclod

[bruce johnson]

The quick and dirty way to check a side is the fold it up from the belly. Slightly above where it breaks over is gong to be the better leather for straps. Some sides are going to be deeper than others.

[Cyberthrasher]

Most of the sides I get can be checked like Bruce mentions. Since most of my work is 3" straps, I can get away with a little more give than someone working a 1 1/2" belt. I also find that I get pretty close by looking at the flesh side instead since it will usually show those weak spots a lot more than the grain will.