Members GregS Posted February 2, 2019 Members Report Posted February 2, 2019 Hi guys. Really new to leather craft. One of my near future projects is going to be a belt. I've watched many YouTube videos. It looks like the way to go is oval punches. I have round hole punches and not really sure that I'll make use of oval punches in the near future. I know that part of the fun of a new hobby is getting all the tools. But being new, I'd rather not spend the money on tools that I may not use any time soon. Instead of an oval punch, how much of an overlap can I have for round punches in place of an oval? The various pics sort of look like it is a tear drop shape. Quote
bikermutt07 Posted February 2, 2019 Report Posted February 2, 2019 Welcome aboard. I'm not sure what you mean by overlap? I have only made one leather belt for work. I used round punches. It works fine. I would invest in ovals if I were going to sell them. And, there are tear drop shaped punches out there. Quote I'm not paying 80 bucks for a belt!!! It's a strip of leather. How hard could it be? 4 years and 3 grand later.... I have a belt I can finally live with. Stitching is like gravy, it's only great if you make it every day. From Texas but in Bossier City, Louisiana.
Contributing Member fredk Posted February 2, 2019 Contributing Member Report Posted February 2, 2019 11 hours ago, GregS said: Instead of an oval punch, how much of an overlap can I have for round punches in place of an oval? The various pics sort of look like it is a tear drop shape. About 25% to 50% should do as overlap - just depends on how long you want your oval. Use a smaller size hole punch [individual bar type] as a bar to burnish and smooth the hole sides. Even with a single oval hole punch you should do this. Oval hole punches are not very expensive. Heres a link to one of 6 x 4mm. just about right for belt holes; https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/4mm-Leather-Craft-Oval-Rectangle-Punch-Hole-Hollow-Tools-Strap-Belt-Square-Hole/253632650535?hash=item3b0daf1d27:m:mOKIZkFkSuQ00-e1dRVDpxA:rk:4:pf:0&var=552864877734 Quote Al speling misteaks aer all mi own werk..
NVLeatherWorx Posted February 2, 2019 Report Posted February 2, 2019 16 hours ago, GregS said: Hi guys. Really new to leather craft. One of my near future projects is going to be a belt. I've watched many YouTube videos. It looks like the way to go is oval punches. I have round hole punches and not really sure that I'll make use of oval punches in the near future. I know that part of the fun of a new hobby is getting all the tools. But being new, I'd rather not spend the money on tools that I may not use any time soon. Instead of an oval punch, how much of an overlap can I have for round punches in place of an oval? The various pics sort of look like it is a tear drop shape. Reality is that the round hole punches are just fine, the oval thing is just a visual thing and does not lend itself to any better performance over the life of the belt. Besides, who really looks at the hole style on a belt? The flash of a belt is in the overall style and design. Quote Richard Hardie R. P. Hardie Leather Co. R. P. Hardie Leather Co. - OnlineR. P. Hardie Leather Co on Facebook
bikermutt07 Posted February 2, 2019 Report Posted February 2, 2019 Oh, now I know what you mean about over lap. Quote I'm not paying 80 bucks for a belt!!! It's a strip of leather. How hard could it be? 4 years and 3 grand later.... I have a belt I can finally live with. Stitching is like gravy, it's only great if you make it every day. From Texas but in Bossier City, Louisiana.
Contributing Member fredk Posted February 2, 2019 Contributing Member Report Posted February 2, 2019 (edited) 24 minutes ago, NVLeatherWorx said: Reality is that the round hole punches are just fine, the oval thing is just a visual thing and does not lend itself to any better performance over the life of the belt. I'm contrary. I did new bonnet and boot belts for my vintage cars. On the old belts the round holes had ripped the leather into an oval hole and distressed the strap. On the new ones I punched oval holes and after many, many months of use the holes are/were the same shape with no distress to the leather belt strap Edited February 2, 2019 by fredk Quote Al speling misteaks aer all mi own werk..
Members GregS Posted February 2, 2019 Author Members Report Posted February 2, 2019 I like that with the oval holes, the belt doesn't seem to get pulled out of shape like the round holes do. Of course the only belt I had with oval holes was a higher end belt than I usually buy. Bikermutt, love your signature block. Isn't that the way most hobbies start? And a belt is obviously on my list of things to make. Quote
Members Transporter Posted March 16, 2020 Members Report Posted March 16, 2020 Definitely a new contrib me, answer to NV leather specifically to the question of just who looks at the oval holes in a belt answer: leather crafters, the trained eye. Quote
Members OLESKIVER Posted August 9, 2020 Members Report Posted August 9, 2020 you might try going to osbornleathertools.com they can send you a catalog. they offer all the different punches and more for leather working. am fixing to buy some of their oval punches but personally can't see going over a size 10 ( they go to size 16 ) as they say " the right tool for the right job" but it does speed up your work. hope this helps. Quote
Members mike02130 Posted August 9, 2020 Members Report Posted August 9, 2020 Oval is the way to go. Good luck overlapping. On the second punch (the overlap) the punch is going to want to slide towards the previous hole. Weaver leather craft sells excellent ovals. Not cheap: around 40 bucks. I use a 1/4" Quote @mike02130 Instagram
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