Going To Try A Round, Laminated, Kydex Reinforced, Gun Belt... Came Up With A Jig

[msdeluca]

I want to make three ply, kevlar reinforced, curved gun belts. There is about an inch difference in length between the inner and outer plies on a 40" belt. Can't find any info on doing it so I designed a jig that I think will work.

I know a lot of folks don't think that curving is necessary, but I'd like to give it a try and see for myself. I've glued up wood panels over the years and it just makes sense to me.

Here is the jig:

I've got a write up on the process at: www.conceptleather@blogspot.com if anyone is interested in building one.

This week I'm going to test it and post the results.

If anyone has any input, I'd sure be interested.

Worst case; I spent some time making sawdust in the shop and hanging out with the dog...

[Dwight]

From my perspective, . . . and historical data, . . . you had fun with your dog.

I've made em from about 30 inches long to somewhere north of 55 inches long, . . . but I cut both pieces (only a 2 ply belt, . . . with bullet loops sandwiched between) EXACTLY the same.

Then glue em all together, . . . sew em up, . . . and they work like a champ.

I'm thinking that you are very much over thinking this project, . . .

May God bless,

Dwight

[silverbullet]

The only thing I see is most people aren't round , oblong like a race course might work. I ve seen some cowboy setups where they flair at the hips also ck the old b/w movies with Tim Macoy his tapers and fits like its formed on him. Gary and they are beautiful too.

[msdeluca]

From my perspective, . . . and historical data, . . . you had fun with your dog.

I've made em from about 30 inches long to somewhere north of 55 inches long, . . . but I cut both pieces (only a 2 ply belt, . . . with bullet loops sandwiched between) EXACTLY the same.

Then glue em all together, . . . sew em up, . . . and they work like a champ.

I'm thinking that you are very much over thinking this project, . . .

May God bless,

Dwight

Dwight,

My wife would agree with you. I did have fun with the dog.

I respect your experience... but now that I've made the darned thing, I've got to give it whirl.

Thanks for your insight.

Mike

[msdeluca]

The only thing I see is most people aren't round , oblong like a race course might work. I ve seen some cowboy setups where they flair at the hips also ck the old b/w movies with Tim Macoy his tapers and fits like its formed on him. Gary and they are beautiful too.

More round that straight though...

[chiefjason]

If I had the time, materials, and initiative to get crazy with belts I would probably work on cutting them something other than straight. The thing with curving them is it's still a straight line. Old belts are not straight. I've seen a couple pre formed and it's a neat idea. And one I don't have time to deal with. lol

Good luck with it, from just west of you.

[msdeluca]

If I had the time, materials, and initiative to get crazy with belts I would probably work on cutting them something other than straight. The thing with curving them is it's still a straight line. Old belts are not straight. I've seen a couple pre formed and it's a neat idea. And one I don't have time to deal with. lol

Good luck with it, from just west of you.

Can't believe someone else on this forum is in Hickory. We should talk...

[Treed]

Keep us informed I am interested in how this will work. The concept that you have just doesn't comprehend in this old mind and I am lousy at math. I just don't come up with and inch difference in my mind. I have made a lot of 2 ply belts both straight and curved through the years. My use of the belts I like the curved belts better but no one wants to pay for them. The curved belts have more leather wastage and take more time to cut and people don't want to spend the extra....... The fact is that they want a high quality 2 ply curved belt for the cost of low quality straight cut belt of single ply. The cost of the materials that you are building the belt out of would make the finished belt with labor extremely high. Good luck and keep us informed love to see new ways and thinking.

[chiefjason]

Longview, technically. Mail says Hickory though. Shoot me a PM.

[msdeluca]

Did a small prototype from scrap on the curved form.

Used a web clamp to hold in place.

Did not use the kydex center ply on this piece.

The belt definitely holds the curve shape... flattens while working wet, but then returns to curved shape.

I wouldn't say that this took much longer to glue up than doing flat.

Color: Feibings Pro Oil Saddle Tan (full strength)

Finish: Resolene 1:1 with filtered water

Edge: 50/50 beeswax/parafin on cocobolo burnisher

I'm getting a little edge cracking... is there a remedy for this?

Also, I see some folks oil the leather prior to dying. What is the purpose for this and what type of oil?

I'm going to do a full size belt this week... showed it around at work today and sold one... !!!

Edited October 15, 2014 by msdeluca

[tossik]

How did you do the texture of the exterior of the belt? Looks really unique and nice.

[msdeluca]

How did you do the texture of the exterior of the belt? Looks really unique and nice.

Thanks... ballpeen hammer.

[Red Cent]

Some are thinking curved and not round. A wide belt like on a buscadero rig will stand out at the top of the belt away from the body if it is not made curved. The correct way to make the buscadero belt is to cut a slow curve for the length of the belt. A belt that is 1 1/2-2" wide would not need the curved cut. And either belt will eventually conform to the curve of the belly, hips, and waist.

I am not sure why you would need to make a "round" belt. Unless you want to .

[msdeluca]

Red, thanks for that. I didn't know. I guess I'm on a mission... Its kydex, not kevlar that will be used... got that wrong as well.

[chiefjason]

FWIW, kydex reacts very poorly to flexing. I'd find something else. If it cracks it will eventually cut through the belt. You want something more flexible. I'm sure someone out there sells a stiffener. And if that is 2 layers of 8-9 oz, you don't need it anyway.

The cracking might be from the small model being flexed too much. Or are you using an edge coat?

I use Weaver's U-82 Top Grade Saddlers oil on everything. Light coats on holsters, heavier on belts.

[Treed]

I was totally on the wrong page..... I was thinking of a curved cut gun belt and that was what confused me