Kilt belts?

[frank_a]

Nighthawk, how does one get to your tutorials on your Facebook page? I can't figure it out.

Frank

[artificer]

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

Here's what I'd consider a bare minimum for making a decent belt (working off your list)

1) you don't need a strap cutter. If you have a GOOD razor (even a utility knife) and a 48" metal straight-edge you're fine. - Save yourself some money unless you're going to be making dozens of belts.
If you are planning on making LOTS of belts, this Tandy Strap Cutter is great for the money.
2) I'd skip these. Unless you get the BEST one around (with changeable punch points) they're almost always crap. It's way faster to use a punch set and a mallet.
http://www.tandyleatherfactory.com/e...s/3004-00.aspx
3) I'm 100% onboard with Downunder Kilt on this. Chicago screws (and a bit of thread tite) are WAY better than nearly any rivet.
4) a good edge beveler and a slicker. One of the instant give-aways to less than stellar leather work is a square-cut, unfinished edge. An unfinished edge will cause tremendous wear on your kilt over time, especially on a sporran strap.

Good luck, Post pix!

ith:

[frank_a]

I have lots of good razors (always keep backup blades, both straight and utility), and a good metal 6' straightedge. I was wondering if that would work, so thanks!

"a good edge beveler and a slicker" get that stuff from Tandy too?

I'm off to Jo Ann Fabrics today to see what they might have.

Veg tan double shoulder, or where would I find strips of 2, 2.5 and 3" 55 or more inches long? Are these double shoulders pretty consistent in thickness?

Thanks for the help, this is great! Pics as soon as I get a few tools, some Chicago screws and leather. Already have loctite...

Frank

Here's what I'd consider a bare minimum for making a decent belt (working off your list)

1) you don't need a strap cutter. If you have a GOOD razor (even a utility knife) and a 48" metal straight-edge you're fine. - Save yourself some money unless you're going to be making dozens of belts.
If you are planning on making LOTS of belts, this Tandy Strap Cutter is great for the money.
2) I'd skip these. Unless you get the BEST one around (with changeable punch points) they're almost always crap. It's way faster to use a punch set and a mallet.
http://www.tandyleatherfactory.com/e...s/3004-00.aspx
3) I'm 100% onboard with Downunder Kilt on this. Chicago screws (and a bit of thread tite) are WAY better than nearly any rivet.
4) a good edge beveler and a slicker. One of the instant give-aways to less than stellar leather work is a square-cut, unfinished edge. An unfinished edge will cause tremendous wear on your kilt over time, especially on a sporran strap.

Good luck, Post pix!

ith:

[artificer]

I have lots of good razors (always keep backup blades, both straight and utility), and a good metal 6' straightedge. I was wondering if that would work, so thanks!

"a good edge beveler and a slicker" get that stuff from Tandy too?

I'm off to Jo Ann Fabrics today to see what they might have.

Veg tan double shoulder, or where would I find strips of 2, 2.5 and 3" 55 or more inches long? Are these double shoulders pretty consistent in thickness?

Thanks for the help, this is great! Pics as soon as I get a few tools, some Chicago screws and leather. Already have loctite...

Frank

Edge beveler

Slicker

Also handy is the adjustable groover- not so much for the spoon, but for the cutter.

I'm fairly certain Tandy has straps in 60" and 72" lengths. You'll find that if you are buying veg-tan from Tandy that you'll have to do a fair bit of searching to find really good quality.
A lot of what they have is pretty... iffy in terms of quality.

ith:

[frank_a]

Artificer, thanks again, very helpful stuff. #2 edge beveler for 3mm-1/8 stuff? Where would be a better place to get quality straps? Or just get a double shoulder?

Frank

[frank_a]

Punch set I picked up at Jo Ann Fabrics tonight. That was all they had there I could use. I'll order the other stuff Articer suggested tonight or tomorrow, then try and figure out what to do for leather. I found a good link for buckles: http://www.ejoyce.com/pmain?cmd=e_su...e=000100250028

leatherpunches1.jpg

[frank_a]

This morning I ordered a #3 beveler, a plastic burnisher, and a pack of ten 1/4" brass Chicago screws. All I need now is some leather, buckles, and I can go at it.

Found buckles, still trying to figure out what to do for leather straps.

Frank

[truckie561]

Check out these guys on 'da 'Bay for belt blanks. Looks like the sides need burnishing/finishing, but the prices seem fair.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/300311988146...84.m1423.l2649
Andhttp://www.ebay.com/itm/8-9-oz-Black...item19cbbff305

[truckie561]

Oh yeah, if your kicking around buckles, this guy has two or three nice looking ones for casual wear. They might be a little 'Pirates of the Caribean-esque' but still pretty sweet. They're not that cheap, but they're pretty sturdy. I have this one.http://www.ebay.com/itm/120362082757...84.m1423.l2649

[frank_a]

First ones won't do, I need at least 55" to start. So the 2nd one would do, but they're $26.25 for one blank, 3" wide. I figure for maybe 100 bucks I could buy enough leather to make 4 kilt belts, two in 2.5", two in 3", one black, one brown both sizes plus have a bunch left over for other normal width belts. I'm studying as I go, but I think all I need now is leather, buckles and some dye. I'm having fun!

Thanks for thinking of me! More later.

Frank