What tools and leather for belts?

[Weaver Leather Supply]

Just starting out I would say buy one of the cheapie wood strap cutters...they actually work great for the money.  Like this http://www.weaverleathersupply.com/catalog/item-detail/5690/001/193

Or you can buy a pre punched belt blank and then you just cut it to size (you can use a utility or other knife for the point if you dont have a punch) and punch the holes.  Here is a 12/13oz english bridle that makes a nice single ply heavy belt.  If you want to tool it you would have to buy a natural veg and then dye it however.  

http://www.weaverleathersupply.com/catalog/item-detail/46739/001/158

 

 

Edited January 5, 2018 by Weaver Leather Supply

[OLDNSLOW]

I was pleasantly surprised with an order I placed with SLC the other day,  a little history, one of the main items that I have been making is lined belts with either Kydex or stainless strap between two layers of leather skirting.  when I have had the leather in house I would cut it out of what I had on hand a side or double shoulder, I price mine in line with what some of the retailers that advertise in NRA mags or some other organization that promotes concealed carry.  when I did not have it in stock I was buying from some Amish that are not far from me, however recently I was in need and they didn't have what I was in need of so I bought 2 75 inch straps from SLC for just about the same price I was paying, as for tools when I started to do this I was using wood punches and cheap hole punches from harbor freight. I was slowly building my tools up to what I have now to be able to use top quality tools and top quality leather and the customers are willing to pay what I ask for the finished product.  look around at what others have done and you can find that there are alternatives to accomplish the end results.  I don't recall who it is here on the board that was getting steal pipe cutting it to 2 halves and sharpen the half to make a punch just as an idea!  

Edited January 8, 2018 by OLDNSLOW
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[Wedgetail]

Ok, so belts and most strap goods usually have a few processes that are all the same. First things first, I'd spend some time watching other leathercrafters make them and you will get an idea of what tools and skills you lack... my own channel on youtube (wedgetail leather) has one up about making dog collars that has a lot of info relevant to belts too, but some videos by ian atkinson (Leodis leather) and others have videos that specifically focus on belts.

Process wise, it depends if I am making lots of small items or one big item from a strap whether I will do bevelling and burnishing before or after trimming the ends... because it is faster and easier to burnish one long strap than many smaller ones (i.e. dog collars).

For a belt though, my process is:

1. Cut the strap  (or buy one), and if this is the first from your leather you'll need to cut a straight edge first.

2. Measure length from buckle to centre hole, and then mark out your belt holes, tongue length, and turnback length to find the cut points (taking measurements from a currently used belt is a good idea, but if the belt is thinner then allowing just a bit more)... you might need to experiment a bit to learn how much turnback you will need for your buckle and keepers.

3. Cut ends and end punch

4. Bevel edges, both sides

5. Punch holes in belt tip, and oblong hole for buckle

6. Dye edges and holes

7. Burnish edges and holes

8. Skive turnback to half thickness

9. Fit buckle

10. Fit keeper(s)

11. Apply makers mark.

12. Take pictures for the forum

.... as you can see, most of the special know how is in step 2... the rest is just regular stuff.

 

Tool wise, i usually use:

A strap cutter (if not buying pre-cut straps)

A knife (i use either round knife or scalpel)

A skiver of some sort,

An edge beveller,

A dye mop / dauber,

Burnishing stuff (canvas, sandpaper, wood slicker, tallow fat, beeswax)

hole punches (usually need one for any rivets and one for the tongue end for the buckle pin), 

Rivet setters OR stitching chisels depending if securing the buckle and keeper with rivets or stitching.

Optional tools would be:

An oblong or crew punch, but you can just punch two holes and join them with a knife to make an oblong hole for buckles.

Strap end punch, or you can just copy the tip of another belt you like and cut it with a knife like you would any rounded corner/curve.

Bench mounted skiver, just speeds things up and makes a more consistent thickness.

.... that's about it... really you don't need many special tools.

 

Now for leather... when I make a jeans belt for men, I tend to use 8-9oz bridle leather.

For a gun belt you are going to want something much thicker. At least 12oz I'd say... that's a thick bit of leather! So unless you have need of a side of leather that thickness, I'd look into buying a strap. It's not the cheapest way to get straps, but it is good to see if making belts is something you want to do before spending up big.

Hope that helps!