First Broken Belt Returning

[mlapaglia]

I made a belt for a dear friend. He would not let me line it. Im not sure what his reasons were. Anyway, the belt is H.O. 8-9 oz About 40 inches overall finished length. 5 holes Vinagroon color and Resolene finish. Hand stitch. (You know this is a true friend when I hand stitch a belt since I own a machine).

He just called and told me the leather between hole 3 and 4 just tore through. I have never had this happen. The holes were spaced 1" apart and the leather didnt look like there was any problems with it.

I have not seen it yet but its on the way. Hard to say what went wrong but He says he sat down at the table and it tore. He is not at all heavy and in good shape. Could he have just had it too tight? Could it be a bad section of the leather? Any ideas?

Im off to start the replacement.

Michael

Edited February 10, 2014 by mlapaglia

[Troy Burch]

I replace alot of sturrip straps because the quick couplers have worn sharp and cut through the holes. Wondering if he wears an old buckle thats worn down the post?

[mlapaglia]

Troy, its a new buckle but it doesnt mean that the post does not have a sharp edge on it. Ill check.

[camano ridge]

I know you are familiar with using vinagroon. However when you get the belt back take a close look at the leather with a magnifying glass and feel the leather to see if it is brittle or crumbly. It is possible that that area either did not get neutralized well enough or got to much baking soda in that area (maybe not getting rinsed enough).

Edited February 11, 2014 by northmount

[Red Cent]

You didn't mention anything about oiling the leather after the VG. I use VG a good bit but it will definitely dry out the leather. After mine dries from the VG, I lay it flat and really smear on the NeatsFoot Oil. On raw veg tanned, I usually wipe off excess and buff a little. With the VG I let it be and let it soak in the leather. I don't put the oil on the backside.

And I do this on any leather that I dye.

[Fowlingpiece]

I would guess a problem with the vinegroon.

[mlapaglia]

I know you are familiar with using vinagroon. However when you get the belt back take a close look at the leather with a magnifying glass and feel the leather tosee if it is brittle or crumbly. It is possible that that area either did not get neutralized well enough or got to much baking soda in that area (maybe not getting rinsed enough).

Good idea thanks.

[mlapaglia]

You didn't mention anything about oiling the leather after the VG. I use VG a good bit but it will definitely dry out the leather. After mine dries from the VG, I lay it flat and really smear on the NeatsFoot Oil. On raw veg tanned, I usually wipe off excess and buff a little. With the VG I let it be and let it soak in the leather. I don't put the oil on the backside.

And I do this on any leather that I dye.

I didn't mention it because i didn't think to. I did oil it with pure Neetsfoot oil. Nothing goes out the door without getting oiled up. Since there is always a 6 back or 3 in the fridge even a few customers have gotten oiled up.

The only other thing I can think of is the owner of the belt lives in Seattle and wore it in NY to the to the superbowl. It might have broken in shame. (For those that don't know I live in Denver )

[camano ridge]

I think you got it wrong. It probably broke because he was bursting with pride. Go Seahawks.

I live just north of Seattle

[mlapaglia]

I think you got it wrong. It probably broke because he was bursting with pride. Go Seahawks.

I live just north of Seattle

You may be right. The Seahawks did a great job this year.