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Posted

another silly questuon.

Why would you line a belt? gonna make a belt to practice stitching and can find how to line but not why.

Posted

I don't line belts per se, I make double layered belts, two leather pieces glued together back to back and then sewn around the edge. Many people like these for "Carry Belts" when carrying heavy pistols. Sometimes it's done to give the back a "finished" look, but bottom line is that it will be a stronger and more rigid belt with two layers even if the thickness remains the same (ie., 2 4/5 oz layers as opposed to one 8/10 oz layer).

Just my $.02 worth,

Chief

"Life's too short to carry ugly leather"

  • Contributing Member
Posted

Yep, what he said ;) I nearly always 'line' belts. I say nearly because I got a call from a guy who wants 6 belts NOT lined, NOT stitched, and some other stuff.

With tooled belts, it adds to the finished look (and makes it lay flatter longer). If you're looking to sell them, often people will prefer a lined belt.

Now, I'm not one of those 1/4" thick belt supporters. I've done them when someone asked for them, but I've also had those same people back to ask for a belt not quite so heavy. The double layer plus stitching makes a very solid belt, but 1/4" thick is more suited to towing your vehicle than carrying a firearm.

Most of mine are 12 oz (7/8 + 3/4) to 14 oz (double 7).

OH YEAH... I just passed up a request for a double layer belt with kydex sandwiched between the layers. I mention it here just because something like that would be one more reason to line a belt (and consider money belts also). But, I really can't be bothered to do this one, so I've recommended they contact George B. George, if you're not interested in something like this and would prefer not to be referred, just holler :)

JLS  "Observation is 9/10 of the law."

IF what you do is something that ANYBODY can do, then don't be surprised when ANYBODY does.

5 leather patterns

  • Members
Posted

What I learned by just doing it. This supports the advice already given. I made one lined belt and one unlined belt. Both belts are the same completed weight, about 10oz. One is from Herman Oak 9-10 oz belt leather and the other is Herman Oak non belt 5oz doubled up or lined. The lined belt is significantly more rigid and over three months has retained the shape much better than the single layer belt. The layered belt has zero stretch as well. The single layer has stretched a little. I've tested and worn both and I prefer the lined belt for those reasons. These are results based on wearing just the belt, not carrying a weapon or anything else on the belts.

That being said the belts need to fit the person and the holes need to be correctly positioned. One inch is a lot when it comes to fit. I didn't think it mattered based on all the "Genuine Leather" belts I owned in the past. It does and I have some non fitting belts to test patterns on to prove it. Real belts from real cow hide leather not pressed, glued, sanding dust leather don't stretch like Spanx to fit your belly tank. This is out the window if you use the belly of the hide for the belt it will stretch and stretch a lot. Use the correct leather and fitting and you will be happy as will your customer.

  • Members
Posted

Thanks folks. Now I have another question. Oldtoolsniper says the belt is more rigid, Does this affect the way it curves or should the liner be a tad smaller than the outer layer to accommodate the bend around the waist? Or, should I laminate the two pieces as they hang over a barrel?

  • Contributing Member
Posted

Other way around, actually. The outer layer is made a tad longer (NOT the inner layer shorter). I could explain that, and since it comes up so often maybe I'll just write the full version one day for everybody to see and a stack of goofs to debate and try to dismiss. ;)

When I look for "rigidity" in a belt, I mean side to side, not end to end. I'm talking about one that doesn't "roll" beneath the belt loop (usually the very back one first to go).

JLS  "Observation is 9/10 of the law."

IF what you do is something that ANYBODY can do, then don't be surprised when ANYBODY does.

5 leather patterns

  • Members
Posted

SO I cut the liner to the actual finished length and the outer part longer?

  • Members
Posted

Other way around, actually. The outer layer is made a tad longer (NOT the inner layer shorter). I could explain that, and since it comes up so often maybe I'll just write the full version one day for everybody to see and a stack of goofs to debate and try to dismiss. ;)

When I look for "rigidity" in a belt, I mean side to side, not end to end. I'm talking about one that doesn't "roll" beneath the belt loop (usually the very back one first to go).

JLS hit the nail on the head with his explanation of "rigidity" that's a better explanation than mine. I made my lining bigger and then trimmed it to fit after glueing it and before stitching it. Right or wrong, I don't know but it has worked for me.

  • Members
Posted

I don't line belts per se, I make double layered belts, two leather pieces glued together back to back and then sewn around the edge. Many people like these for "Carry Belts" when carrying heavy pistols. Sometimes it's done to give the back a "finished" look, but bottom line is that it will be a stronger and more rigid belt with two layers even if the thickness remains the same (ie., 2 4/5 oz layers as opposed to one 8/10 oz layer).

Just my $.02 worth,

Chief

Man has inflation taken effect over the past years over 100% :thumbsup: the saying use to be a penny for your thoughts.

  • Members
Posted

Other way around, actually. The outer layer is made a tad longer (NOT the inner layer shorter). I could explain that, and since it comes up so often maybe I'll just write the full version one day for everybody to see and a stack of goofs to debate and try to dismiss. ;)

I've been reading searching and scratching my head over this since it was posted. I am just to thick to get it I guess. Can you explain?

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