Kilt belts?

[frank_a]

I have 1/2 a mind to buy a double shoulder of leather (veg tan so it can be died any color) and make my own kilt belts, and maybe make other belts and kilt belts for other folks too. I'm getting prices for leather, hardware and tools to do such and will keep the rabble posted.

Cheers!

Frank

[Chas]

Frank, have you considered Tandy Leather Factory -

Tandy Leather #128 - SYRACUSE-128
Manager: Donald Sell
Syracuse128@tandyleather.com

4726 S. Salina St.
Syracuse, NY 13205
USA

Phone: 315-492-2225
Fax: 315-492-6312
Toll Free: 800-446-2999

Store Hours:
Monday-Friday: 9am - 6pm
Saturday: 9am - 4pm
Sunday: Closed

I have dealt with our store here in the UK a few times and have no complaints. It does have the benefit of having most things 'under one roof' as it were.

Just a thought.

Good luck with your endeavour.

Regards

Chas

[frank_a]

Tandy does not on their web site offer belt blanks longer than 42" Chas, and I find that about everywhere you look for belt blanks. As my waist is a bit larger, it seems easier to 1) just buy a strip the right length, or 2), just by a double shoulder of leather, and the necessary tools and go at it. The place I am discussing this endeavor with is M. Steffan's Sons Inc. in Buffalo NY (http://www.steffanleather.com/). They have been in business since 1851, and one of my sons lives close to their store and speaks highly of them. This does not mean I have a closed mind as to where I might buy materials and tools, just that I have found the owner (current owner is Linda Steffan) to be very helpful.

cheers!

Frank

[Tobus]

Good luck with your project. One of the difficult items to find for making kilt belts is the metal loop on the end that hooks to the waistplate buckle. The only source I'm aware of for these is here (all the way at the bottom). This assumes you're planning to make traditional kilt belts.

A double shoulder may not be the best choice for cutting belts from, though. There can be quite a bit of variation in thickness, as well as the rigidity of the leather. You may also see wrinkling in the hide, because this is the portion of the hide that naturally curves, and won't really give an even appearance when flattened. And plus, you just won't get very many belts cut from a double shoulder, and you may not be able to get the length you need. If you're planning on doing several belts, especially for longer belts (for wider waists), it may be better to buy a whole hide, or just a side, so you can cut them from the length of the piece where the skin is fairly uniform. There will still be some waste on any piece of leather when you're cutting belts, but you can get more bang for the buck from a whole hide or side than from a double shoulder.

What weight leather are you planning on using? Are you going to build them with the internal strap/buckle for adjustment? Are you going to line the belt?

[Chas]

Tandy does not on their web site offer belt blanks longer than 42" Chas, and I find that about everywhere you look for belt blanks. As my waist is a bit larger, it seems easier to 1) just buy a strip the right length, or 2), just by a double shoulder of leather, and the necessary tools and go at it. The place I am discussing this endeavor with is M. Steffan's Sons Inc. in Buffalo NY (http://www.steffanleather.com/). They have been in business since 1851, and one of my sons lives close to their store and speaks highly of them. This does not mean I have a closed mind as to where I might buy materials and tools, just that I have found the owner (current owner is Linda Steffan) to be very helpful.
cheers!
Frank

Looks like some good products there. No good for me, of course - the shipping would be a crippler!

Regards

Chas

[frank_a]

Tobus, I just want to make plain belts, just "D" buckles, nothing fancy, at least to begin with. Plain 2 or 2.5" kilt belts I have found on line range from $50 to $60 for my size, and for that much I can buy all the tools and hardware I need for a couple belts, and for another 100 bucks buy a double shoulder of either ready-to-make black leather, or veg tan that could be sculpted and died. I want some casual belts for my kilts, and it looks like I could make them myself, as well as less wide belts for day wear at work. I'm interested in other leather work as well, so I guess I need to start somewhere, even at my tender age...

Frank

[Nighthawk]

Frank, do you have a FaceBook account? If you do, look up RsLeather. That's my FaceBook page for my living history persona- I just happen to be a professional leather artisan, and I have some tutorials on my FB account. I plan on posting a belt making tutorial in the next couple weeks as a matter of fact. I'd be more than happy to offer whatever help and advice I can.

[frank_a]

Yes I do Nighthawk, thanks! I will check it out. So far, I have determined that other than a double shoulder of something, I will need at least:

1. Strap cutter
2. Rotating punch
3. Rivet setting tool
4. What other tools would I need to make belts?

For materials, I need:

1. Leather, some piece of relatively easy to work double shoulder stuff. It would be good if it was consistent in thickness.
   
2. Rivets - 10mm?
3. Big buckles for 2", 2.5" and 3" belts?

I can find everything I need online but buckles. I'm sure I'm just not looking in the right places.

We used in live in Rawlins WY and our house was at 5385' elevation!

Off to check out your Facebook page! Thanks again.

Frank

[Downunder Kilt]

Frank, I am no kind of leather worker but, have alsways replace rivets on belts I have purchased with "chicago screws". Makes it a whole lot easier if you want change out buckles for a new look to the belt. Just something to think about.

[frank_a]

That's a great idea DK, thanks! I was looking at those and thinking the same thing. They don't come unscrewed on ya huh?

Frank