Boriqua Report post Posted June 3, 2016 Hey Everyone .. so I made the western belt for the gentleman according to the measurement he gave me and I even undersized it by 1/2 inch but ... it landed up being a touch big as it doesnt work in the center hole but in the tightest one. So that leaves him a fair sized tail hanging out there. He asked if I could make him a keeper and of course I can but the belt tapers from 2.5 inches to 1.5. Where the keeper would go would be the 2.5 portion and he would slide in the 1.5 tail. So ... its my stuff and I want it to look good. Sure he paid for it but I made it. So I am looking for suggestions on the best way to handle this. I figure first thing I can do is trim the tip. I left 5.5 inches between the last hole and the tip so I can trim that some but what about the keeper. I thought maybe I could punch two parallel slots that run parallel to the belt that are about 1.75 inches apart and run a leather keeper through that. It would be back in the 2.5 portion. I think that would look cleaner than just stuffing the 1.5 tail under a 2.5 keeper but ... anyone with even the most remote idea I would love to hear it. Sometimes it just takes yanking on a thread to come up with something cool and I am all about group ideas. Bunch of pix here http://www.boriqualeather.com/Gallery/index.php/Leather-Holsters/Western-Belt-and-mag-pouch-for-Colt-1911 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
JLSleather Report post Posted June 3, 2016 (edited) wait... so you made a belt, and the guy fits it in the TIGHTEST hole? lemme do a quic sketch... in 3...2 ... 1... Okay, so if you got this, question is how much is between the holes (light blue) and how long is the tapered end (dark blue on left)? Is there enough distance that you can take it off the BACK end of the belt? Edited June 3, 2016 by JLSleather Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Boriqua Report post Posted June 3, 2016 (edited) This is all I got so far?? but I think I hate it Edited June 3, 2016 by Boriqua Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
JLSleather Report post Posted June 3, 2016 (edited) How far is this? Edited June 3, 2016 by JLSleather Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Boriqua Report post Posted June 3, 2016 (edited) I want to say about 3 inches because if memory serves it was 4 to the curve. Yes because center buckle to end was 3.5 Edited June 3, 2016 by Boriqua Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
JLSleather Report post Posted June 3, 2016 Well that should work, then. Take the buckle off, take teh thread out on both top n bottom a couple inches past teh taper (back it out, don't cut it) and punch a new buckle slot between the screw holes (where the metal keeper is). INCORPORATE both screw holes in teh slot. The leather would then fold where the metal keeper now is, which should leave you about right. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
JLSleather Report post Posted June 3, 2016 Punch new slot Measure distance end to new slot center. mark SAME distance back on taper. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Boriqua Report post Posted June 3, 2016 You sir are a genius and I feel foolish for not having come to it. Once again I owe a big debt Friend! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
JLSleather Report post Posted June 3, 2016 remove 4 spots Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Boriqua Report post Posted June 3, 2016 I just just just might get away with removing just the 2. Thanks man!!!!!! Alex Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
bob21804 Report post Posted June 3, 2016 Cool. I never would have thought of that solution. Good thing it was too long rather than too short. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
JLSleather Report post Posted June 3, 2016 Yeah, maybe get by taking out 2... just long as you dont end up with a button right where you need to burnish .... take back the taper.... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
JLSleather Report post Posted June 3, 2016 Move buckle and keeper to suit new location.. Again, if you BACK OUT the thread top n bottom, then when you cut it back, put back the same thread and your stitch line will not be broken or spliced. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
bikermutt07 Report post Posted June 3, 2016 You, Mr JLS, are a genius. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Boriqua Report post Posted June 3, 2016 well I am going to wait until morning to tell him I have an elegant solution... I have to digest taking that really nice belt I busted my "A" on and cutting it up and unthreading stitching. I am sure with this solution and me taking my time and making it right it will look like I was never there but ... grumble grumble, piss moan. But .. good karma out good karma in right? Just now, bikermutt07 said: You, Mr JLS, are a genius. Certainly is wonderful to have people like him willing to share!!!!!! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Boriqua Report post Posted June 3, 2016 Well it was long overdue anyway but I just went and kicked in my $25 donation to the forum. Worth much more than that. Thanks again Jeff and Thank you to leatherworkers forum. Now if I can offer up what little knowledge and help I have to others its all good Alex Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
bob21804 Report post Posted June 3, 2016 11 minutes ago, Boriqua said: well I am going to wait until morning to tell him I have an elegant solution... I have to digest taking that really nice belt I busted my "A" on and cutting it up and unthreading stitching. I am sure with this solution and me taking my time and making it right it will look like I was never there but ... grumble grumble, piss moan. But .. good karma out good karma in right? Certainly is wonderful to have people like him willing to share!!!!!! Absolutely! Jeff helped me out IMMENSELY when I was working on my holster. Incredible. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
RockyAussie Report post Posted June 3, 2016 Dam it I would like to have seen the keeper going through. I think that could be an interesting look. As far as I can judge the buttons will be in the way when trimmed back or at least the holes. It is a lot of work as against the keeper through method and it would sure give him room to grow. At the end he wants a keeper and therefor thinks it will work is that not so?Ask Him. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
JLSleather Report post Posted June 3, 2016 18 minutes ago, bikermutt07 said: You, Mr JLS, are a genius. You guys is funny Nothing new going on here.. that was suggested by Al Stohlman about 60-ish years ago.... from teh book Belts Galore (recommended). Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
bob21804 Report post Posted June 3, 2016 1 minute ago, JLSleather said: You guys is funny Nothing new going on here.. that was suggested by Al Stohlman about 60-ish years ago.... from teh book Belts Galore (recommended). That's one book I've been wanting to pick up - to add to my growing leatherworking library. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
JLSleather Report post Posted June 3, 2016 Think maybe that book was ©1950-something. I STILL get asked to do belts with those designs Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Red Cent Report post Posted June 4, 2016 Excellent. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
