What Is Belly Leather Good For?

[natenaaron]

I've been looking and not finding the answer. Is it just scrap from a side that you folks toss in the bin?

[Tugadude]

in my experience belly leather is good for small pieces for the most part. Some problems with it include irregular thickness and strange grain patterns that cause the leather to wrinkle and worse. But if you own a splitter you can get a consistent thickness at least. I made several dice cups out of veg tan belly from Tandy. Turned out nice. Straps and bands are also doable. Coasters, key fobs and the like are all small and can be cut from belly.

[natenaaron]

Thanks for the answer I appreciate it.

[DoubleC]

I make my belts and dog collars, etc out of the belly which they put a straight edge on. Makes using a strap cutter easier. I use the ones from Springfield Leather Company and haven't had a problem with stretching etc. using the firm parts. Cheryl

[JLSleather]

I generally buy backs... sides with the belly already removed. Sure it has a purpose though. Hmmm....

Put it inside the shop door, place to wipe yer feet when you come in out the rain.

Use it to cover the bench, in case you spill some dye.

Makes small but good smelling curtains.

Wickett / Craig will sell you the bellies for about $15 if I remember rightly. Even at that price, I dont buy 'em. http://www.wickett-craig.com/

[thunter9]

there was a time when i couldn't get enough of this . i was building custom wrist and leg and ankle gauntletts . if you want to mold extreme amounts this is what you'll find you need. your able to work it into the tight areas . and not show any wrinkles.

[OLDNSLOW]

now I am a noob to all of this, but after reading a lot here I thought I could use some for mock ups before jumping in and doing the real thing to make sure my pattern was ok, glued it up threw a few stitches in it adjusted where need be then used it as the actual pattern, save a tree and use the belly.

[cgleathercraft]

I woulnd't use them for anything that would stretch and cause problems with the product. I'd limit it to small projects. Knife sheaths, Coasters, bracelets/cuffs, practice pieces (for swivel knife practice). I try to get the most out of every piece.

[jroberts3001]

I've used bellies for some decorative pieces before. I usually don't fool with them

[Troy Burch]

I use them for backing on alot of my belts. The cowboys around here think it's cool to have the tick bites, scars and brand marks on them, of course I use grade B HO backs for the tooling side.

Edited December 19, 2015 by Troy Burch