Quote Originally Posted by frank_a View Post
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!

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