What the heck is going on here!!!?!?!?Help???

[YinTx]

Ok, so this is a new one on me.  I have a side of Hermann Oak veg tan, and when I cut a strap off of it, the strap immediately bends, and towards the butt section, not the shoulder.  I have included a photo.  The starting line is straight, and I have cut it with a plough gauge.  The strip then curls sideways.   What can I do about this??!?

YinTx

[fredk]

You are releasing the tension in the stretched leather. The hide has been stretched during tanning and drying. The whole hide is in tension, a different amount in different directions. Without the pull of the rest of the hide the cut strip is returning to where it wants be naturally

A belt with a curve in it is actually good. I cut belt straps straight, but after some time of wearing they take on a curve, especially on the bit on the back. You could wet the leather and hang it up to dry with a weight on the end to pull in downwards

[YinTx]

Thanks for the info.  I was kinda worried about that, but hoping maybe it was something I had done and not an issue with the side.  bah.

YinTx

 

[MarkCdub]

Be sure and let us know what you do to straighten it and how it turns out.  Good luck!

[JLSleather]

if the width is consistent, don't worry about it.

[MikeRock]

I like the curve in human belts, it matches the cone shape of the body above the hips.   In harnesses for horses, the strain takes the curve out eventually......so does the sweat help too.

[Handstitched]

Well, this is something new I've just learnt . I wouldn't have thought of that .

Your plough gauge reminds me that I need to invest in a good quality gauge. The old wooden strap cutters are fine for up to 4mm ,  but trying to cut 5 - 5.5mm ,  they do struggle and I have broken ( new) blades, and the adjustments  can move mid-way through a cut if I don't tighten the screw enough ...and my arm is a  little sore afterwards . 

HS 

[wizard of tragacanth]

YinTX, I consider that bend a stroke of luck. I would like to have this on all of my belts. It makes for a more natural fit, right out of the box.

Old belts eventually assume this shape but not as elegantly, because they have to scrunch up on the top edge and stretch on the lower one, in order to accomplish this.

Years ago, I paid extra to have a custom belt cut on a curve, made for me... back before I go into leather work. It was made by Erik Little of Rafter L, leather, Buffalo Wyoming. He is, or was, a member on this forum, I believe. He also introduced me to the idea of seven holes, spaced 3/4" apart, rather than the traditional 5 holes, spaced at 1".  It was a great belt, but I make my own now!

nick

[YinTx]

On 7/18/2019 at 5:06 PM, MarkCdub said:

Be sure and let us know what you do to straighten it and how it turns out.  Good luck!

I used an oil/dye mixture, then lightly pulled it to straighten it out a bit.

On 7/18/2019 at 6:03 PM, JLSleather said:

if the width is consistent, don't worry about it.

It is, my concern is what the customer might think, seeing as how most are accustomed to purchasing not crooked leather belts...

14 hours ago, Handstitched said:

Your plough gauge reminds me that I need to invest in a good quality gauge.

I have an old Blanchard that I haven't used yet and plan to sell if you are interested...

8 hours ago, wizard of tragacanth said:

Old belts eventually assume this shape but not as elegantly, because they have to scrunch up on the top edge and stretch on the lower one, in order to accomplish this.

 

Yep, and if it doesn't come out straight, I may have to convince my customer of that, or buy another side.  Bah.

YinTx

 

[RockyAussie]

I get that a lot with croc. See picture. If you get a table top and hold down firmly with one hand are reef sideways several times working your way along the length it should come good. If needed break the grain some by running through your hands so that the top and bottom are being stretched at the same time.