Belt Length

[mojave]

 Hi. all

How long of belt can I get from a double shoulder?  I looked for measurements for different hide cuts.  Is there a chart for average hide cuts sizes?  I have a request for a 56" gun belt.

Howard

 

 

[JLSleather]

To make a belt, you need a strap 8-10" LONGER than the "size" of the belt.  And a double shoulder CAN be had in the 66" long range, but I would let the supplier know that you  need it that long (wide).

And that WOULD work.  But personally, I would instead look to buy a back, or a bend.  These WILL be long enough, and will be firmer leather (a fella that size, FIRM is GOOD  )

 

[Dwight]

Ain't gonna happen, . . . y'all need a side.  Cut that gunbelt along the spine.

Remember, if you are making a gunbelt for a 56 inch waist, . . . you gotta add 4 inches to that just for starters, . . . then the extra for the overlap, . . . i don't have my gizmo in here that lays that out for me, . . . but I'm thinking that your blank will be in the 66 inch neighborhood anyway.

Good luck on that, too.  Last time I made one that long, . . . it was for a 53, . . . when he came to pick it up, . . . he had gained 3 inches, . . . think that wasn't fun, I was blessed that there was enough extra up front that I could re-config a bit and it worked out.

May God bless,

Dwight

[NVLeatherWorx]

Best bet is to get a side and cut it from the spine/back area of the leather; the sides I use can yield me enough for an 82" raw strap on average.  Regarding the math on what overall length you need, just make sure that you have NO LESS than 10" more total length that the length of the finished belt is supposed to be; you will use it all up faster than you think.  Another thing to do is make sure that you charge the client for all of the leather that you set aside for this project, not just what the finished length is; this way you capture the cost of waste as well so you can be more profitable on the final project.

[OLDNSLOW]

this is a few weeks old now but glad it is here but, it does not really answer the question that popped into my head.  and I did go to my trusty Stohlman book to look for the answer, but was wondering who follows that guide line which is from the middle hole on the one side to the end of the belt he calls for five inches.  who follows that guideline or how much do you deviate from that and how much extra do you give? 

thanks in advance

Ron 

[JLSleather]

Middle hole to tip.. 6".

 

[OLDNSLOW]

ok cool I've cheatin myself and giving a little extra but gotta stop that sheet so it don't cut in to my profits.

Thanks

[Dwight]

Mine is 7 inches..........

May God bless,

Dwight

[OLDNSLOW]

I got to be figueren then that sumthin between 5 to 7 then is about right I don't  want to give the farm away every inch counts.

[utah leather]

I've only been doing this for a couple of years now ( and still have a lot to learn ) but I always add a foot to the waist size so I have enough length and I usually leave 4 1/2 - 5 inches from the last hole to the tip of the belt .

[NVLeatherWorx]

I learned how to make belts from the teachings of Al Stohlman and have followed that my entire life with no issues yet.  I figure that after 40 plus years of doing it that way and there having been no problems with this method couldn't see any reason to try and do anything different.  Guess that is what they mean by, "if it ain't broke, don't fix it" and I don't see any fixin' needed.  I also go with his instruction on the spacing of holes: 7/8" apart and not 1"; we don't grow or shrink in full inch increments. 

[Dwight]

To each his own, . . . but then again, . . . I've never heard of anyone who grew or shrunk in 7/8 of an inch increments.

Just a different way of skinning the same cat.  One gives the customer a closer range of choices, . . . the other allows the belt to be more versatile.

I like mine better, . . . and it ain't broke.

May God bless,

Dwight