@Terry-n1i They do have great customer service. They once sent me a buckle which was bent all up. I sent them a message and a couple of days later I had a brand new one. Thank you for the comment.
I forgot to ask, in above questions... or comment-- how do you like your hammer you are using?? Im needing one, and have about decided to get one, after seeing you use it... Thanks again for vid!
@Terry-n1i Thank you for asking. I love this Harbor Freight hammer. I even talked about it in my Harbor Freight Leather Working Tool Kit video. ruclips.net/video/FcaEyW1fkm4/видео.htmlsi=Il3QKAMrT7m1XsHV
@kcarl8982 You would be best buying veg tan leather belt straps if you want want to tool your own belt. They are less expensive and the tooling will come out much cleaner on them. You can always dye them any color your would like after you are finished tooling.
@Devin292 One time someone asked me to make them some bondage cuffs. I'd show everyone how to make those, but not sure it would fit with my current family friendly videos. Thank you for asking.
@milom.2057 It it's not necessary to line the belt, that comes down to personal preference. I think some manufacturers and artisans do this so they can use a little bit thinner leather when making the belt. A lot of people also probably do it for a nice finished look. The belt blanks I use are finished on the inside as well, so it really isn't critical to have this done. I honestly have never lined a belt blank, and as long as I use this Weaver belt blanks, I don't see a need to. Thank you for your question.
@jenkins1979 These are some amazing questions. I unfortunately do not have concrete answers for you. Every leather I've used has seemed to stretch over time. My best guess would be to use a durable part of the hide, such as the shoulders, to prevent stretching. But it may be hard to find leather without any stretch. I'd like to know if anyone in the Big Stacks Family of makers had a good answer to this question. What say you, fam?
I am just starting into leather. Is there a chart of what kind of projects someone can do along with a chart of what thicknesses of leather to use? And can you use economy leather on most all projects? Thank you for your channel!
@ronniesmith6071 Those are two great questioms, thank you for asking. There is a chart Tandy Leather put together that I saw a few y years ago. It's the most interestimg to look at and it has good information on it. I'll post it on my channel as a community post so everyone can see it. You can use economy leather on most projects, but don't expect the best results. But, if you are starting out, economy leather is great because if you screw something up you won't be out as much money as if you had a quality piece of leather. The surface might look like it has some cracking or slight imperfections on it, but it should still be a very usable piece.
Made my first belt a few days a go for my son and it would have been alot easier of i would have seen you video on measuring it first but i think your template would have made it a little easier l will be looking for them .thanks your videos are a lot of help. What the best way to make a belt holder at the end ?
@wendellbeatty1144 That's awesome you made your first belt, congratulations. If you decide to make the belt keeper, I usually take a piece of the strap I cut off and make it from that. Usually 1/2" wide is good. Skive each end of the this piece where they overlap and fasten them together. You can sew them together, but I usually use a double capped rivet. You can also sometimes buy then, and they are fairly inexpensive when you figure how much time they are to make. In my upcoming video, I am shooting for $100/hr, so it was a no brainer to go ahead and buy them. Don't forget to subscribe if you want to check out the video. Thank you for your question.
Great video. You make it look easy. My question is when getting the length of the belt for someone else should I ask for their existing belt size, pants size or should I ask for them to measure their waist size? Person is from out of town.
@rayhamilton It all depends on how much you like gambling. If you like to gamble, just ask them their waist size and pray it works out. If you are not a gambler, check out my latest community post on RUclips, or visit my Facebook or Instagram page. @bigstacksshop I just posted a graphic which makes it super easy to measure for any belt size. You can even share a link with them so they can see for themselves.
@raybhamilton Anytime my friend. A lot of people will try and resist the measurement of their current belt. I don't know if it's because they don't feel like doing it, it's a hassle, or they don't want to face any possible weight gain they've had. But be insistant, I've never had an issue when this was measured properly.
@madmike6908 I don't have a punch/pricking iron size to offer you, I just use the cheap ones I got from Hobby Lobby. However, I do believe the thread size I use is the Ritza Tiger thread, with a diameter of 0.8mm. I should probably get some higher end pricking irons, but the ones I have served me well.
In this video you got the belts with holes for the buckle from factory. How do I make them myself? Meaning, is there tools for those holes and what the proper way to measure for them holes?
@eltonherrera2974 These blanks do have holes for the buckle, correct. The other ends you will still have to punch holes for when the buckle is fastened. But the holes by the buckle end need to be punched with a regular punch for the river holes and and oblong punch for the tang on the buckle. If I get a chance. I'll post a picture or make a short video about it. Thank you for asking.
Here is a link to the Big Stacks community tab, where I placed a layout and brief description of how the pre-punched belts I use are laid out. www.youtube.com/@bigstacksshop/community
@4whunt I don't use any adhesives when I make belts, but I also don't stitch any of my belts. If I did stitch my belts, I would probably use contact adhesive. Thank you for asking.
@jamhurikongo2758 Ha! You caught me ... I used an old video for that portion where I did, in fact, put the buckle on backward. In that that original video I did show people how to drill out rivets as well. Keen eye, my friend.
@mhein681 When you are first getting into leather craft, I would make projects you like so it holds your interest well enough. As you go along, people will request adjustments or even new projects. This is where you tweak your offerings. If you are in it to sell, sell, sell you are going to have to listen to your target market of customers. That's just the way the business side of of anything works. However, you will notice certainly types of customers will gravitate to your initial products. You'll still be able to make a lot of your favorite things. Thank you for asking.
@pamelalittlefield9608 I'd say somewhere around 8 to 10 oz. Maybe even a little thicker if is going to be carrying weight like a tool belt or a gun belt. Thank you for asking.
I do it the hard way. Even when I’ve purchased blanks leather thickness was an issue. When using sides consistent thickness is an issue. But finding belt blanks over 48” is difficult too. As for a template I’ve purchased one, only to find that holes start to close to end. And spacing is not 1”. Which most people like. So, my go to template is old belt ends. What is your template hole spacing?
@cherriebeyer9331 The first hole is exactly 4" from the tip with a total of five holes exactly 1" apart. I always use the second hole from the end as my measuring mark because I've found they will stretch over time, making the center hole the one most people will actually use. The 4" at the end of the belt also gives you enough room to punch another without looking awkward, just in case the customer gains weight. I appreciate your question and your feedback, I've put a lot of thought into the layout of my template.
@gamer2067 This all depends on what you make and how suitable it needs to be. Something like a set of leather gloves takes thinner leather, with something like a knife sheath or gun holster use think leather for durability. Belt leather is thicker than wallet leather. Type of leather also makes a difference. When looking at a hide, shoulder leather is much more durable leather, while belly leather tends to be softer, even though sometimes it can be somewhat thick. Thank you for your question.
@krishoogstraat6866 Thank you for asking. I have only wetted leather a few times to shape it. I soaked the leather for a short but and then shaped it around the object. You might be able to use a spray bottle, but I imagine you'd be doing a lot of spritzing.
@@bigstacksshop I can concentrate more water in the folds. Also I found to much sagging in the sidewalls of the leather when soaked. I use a glass cooking pan to put the leather in to form. So good side of leather is up.
@krishoogstraat6866 That makes a lot of sense if you are using a baking pan. I would love to see those. If you ever post pictures to social media, please tag me. @bigstacksshop
@revann33 There is a professional wrestler named Mankind who wore a brown leather mask with a shirt and tie. He as and still is my favorite wrestler and I'd love to take a crack at making his mask one day.
a two-fold question: What has inspired you the most to do leathercraft and what has been the most challenging project? I am a fellow leather craftsman, starting back in the early 80"s in my teens.
@patormomtewells7855 The biggest thing that got me into leathercraft was fixing my favorite belt maybe 9 years ago. It's been a steady journey, and this channel has pushed me to want to try new things. Once I figure something out, I use this channel as a way to teach others. As far as my most challenging project. I want to finish a motorcycle seat I took apart a couple of years ago. It's a spare seat, but would become my main seat once I finish it. Thank you for asking.
I've never tried to thin down contact cement. It's cheap enough if it got too thick, I'd just toss it and buy a new bottle. But after a quick Google, the results told me should be able to use acetone to think it out. I would do it in small batch at first to test it and be sure to wear the proper safety equipment in a well-ventilated area. Or go the rest route and just toss it then buy a new bottle. Thank you for asking.
@Tjrice-w5p I use Fiebing's Leather Dye. It's alcohol based. It goes on uniformly and can easily be mixed to create custom colors. New sure to use breathing protection or use it in a well-ventilated area because it is alcohol based. Thank you for your question.
Is it more cost effective to cut the belts straight from the larger hide? I would assume it is, but when you factor everything in, what is your opinion?
@dsimms6 Cutting belt blanks isn't really hard if you have a strap cutter. But, by the time you finish the edges and cut the holes for the buckle end, you will find that the cost for the actual belt blank is really low. This is especially true when you consider how much time you have saved by buying them ready to go. Your time is worth money if you are a crafter seeking their items.
My belt blanks have no prepunched holes. How do I do the buckle side as easily as you've shown everything else.? BTW I love your shirt. I'm a lifelong donor.
@paulsimonetti1608 Thank you for your questions and the kind words. You will need a standard punch for the rivet holes and an oblong punch for the place where the buckle tang fits through the belt. I would slightly round over the very end of the strap. I've placed a layout in the community tab to help you get the exact measurements my belt blanks use. www.youtube.com/@bigstacksshop/community
@@bigstacksshop Wow, I can't believe how quickly you reacted to my comment. I just came from your community, printed out the guide, and am anxious to get started on my first-ever belt. I had purchased a 5-pack of Hermann Oak Race Track belt straps at a good price (Springfield Leather live shopping) but have been putting off venturing into this new area. By the way, the first belt I pulled out is just over 116" long and 11+oz!
@@bigstacksshop Every Thursday (except the remainder of this November) they have Live Shopping at 2pm CT and it usually runs about two hours. You will get some decent deals, some good deals, and the occasional great deal. They offer free shipping and free splitting. They're kind of goofy at Springfield Leather but Liz and Tony are usually entertaining. Make sure you tell them Big Dog Paul sent ya!
@main11gear I've honestly never made one before, but it seems like you would adhere the flesh sides of both pieces together and stitch then along the edge.
@Tjrice-w5p First decide what kind of wallet you'd like to make. Bi-fold, biker wallet, or minimalist wallet. One you decide what kind of wallet you'd like to make, you will find the rest of the stuff will be easier to decide on.
@kcarl8982 When using one of these pre-punched belt blanks, it usually takes me about 30 minutes to make a belt from start to finish. I don't rush, because that's when mistakes happen. And, the belt template will probably save you a lot of time in laying or your hole patten and the tip of the belt. So maybe mt belt building time will be around 20-25 minutes with the template
Great vid, Stacks.. yeah, Weavers definitely has some good projects and great customer service!! Thanks for vid
@Terry-n1i They do have great customer service. They once sent me a buckle which was bent all up. I sent them a message and a couple of days later I had a brand new one. Thank you for the comment.
I forgot to ask, in above questions... or comment-- how do you like your hammer you are using?? Im needing one, and have about decided to get one, after seeing you use it... Thanks again for vid!
@Terry-n1i Thank you for asking. I love this Harbor Freight hammer. I even talked about it in my Harbor Freight Leather Working Tool Kit video. ruclips.net/video/FcaEyW1fkm4/видео.htmlsi=Il3QKAMrT7m1XsHV
@bigstacksshop , ten4!! I'll have to check that video out.. Haven't watched it yet. Thanks
@Terry-n1i It is the most popular video on my channel.
Can one do tooling on these buffalo belt blanks from Weaver's Leather?
@kcarl8982 You would be best buying veg tan leather belt straps if you want want to tool your own belt. They are less expensive and the tooling will come out much cleaner on them. You can always dye them any color your would like after you are finished tooling.
What is the weirdest leather item that someone has asked you to make? Great video.
@Devin292 One time someone asked me to make them some bondage cuffs. I'd show everyone how to make those, but not sure it would fit with my current family friendly videos. Thank you for asking.
Is it necessary to line the belt and if so, what thickness should the liner be? What should be the overall thickness of the belt?
@milom.2057 It it's not necessary to line the belt, that comes down to personal preference. I think some manufacturers and artisans do this so they can use a little bit thinner leather when making the belt. A lot of people also probably do it for a nice finished look. The belt blanks I use are finished on the inside as well, so it really isn't critical to have this done. I honestly have never lined a belt blank, and as long as I use this Weaver belt blanks, I don't see a need to. Thank you for your question.
what are the best leathers to use to prevent too much stretching?Also in a hide where is it best to cut to prevent the same problem?
thank you Big.
@jenkins1979 These are some amazing questions. I unfortunately do not have concrete answers for you. Every leather I've used has seemed to stretch over time. My best guess would be to use a durable part of the hide, such as the shoulders, to prevent stretching. But it may be hard to find leather without any stretch.
I'd like to know if anyone in the Big Stacks Family of makers had a good answer to this question. What say you, fam?
I am just starting into leather. Is there a chart of what kind of projects someone can do along with a chart of what thicknesses of leather to use? And can you use economy leather on most all projects? Thank you for your channel!
@ronniesmith6071 Those are two great questioms, thank you for asking. There is a chart Tandy Leather put together that I saw a few y years ago. It's the most interestimg to look at and it has good information on it. I'll post it on my channel as a community post so everyone can see it.
You can use economy leather on most projects, but don't expect the best results. But, if you are starting out, economy leather is great because if you screw something up you won't be out as much money as if you had a quality piece of leather. The surface might look like it has some cracking or slight imperfections on it, but it should still be a very usable piece.
Made my first belt a few days a go for my son and it would have been alot easier of i would have seen you video on measuring it first but i think your template would have made it a little easier l will be looking for them .thanks your videos are a lot of help.
What the best way to make a belt holder at the end ?
@wendellbeatty1144 That's awesome you made your first belt, congratulations.
If you decide to make the belt keeper, I usually take a piece of the strap I cut off and make it from that. Usually 1/2" wide is good. Skive each end of the this piece where they overlap and fasten them together. You can sew them together, but I usually use a double capped rivet.
You can also sometimes buy then, and they are fairly inexpensive when you figure how much time they are to make. In my upcoming video, I am shooting for $100/hr, so it was a no brainer to go ahead and buy them. Don't forget to subscribe if you want to check out the video. Thank you for your question.
@wendellbeatty1144 Congratulations, you are one of the Belt Template Winners! Please email me, the email address is in my profile.
Great video. You make it look easy. My question is when getting the length of the belt for someone else should I ask for their existing belt size, pants size or should I ask for them to measure their waist size? Person is from out of town.
@rayhamilton It all depends on how much you like gambling. If you like to gamble, just ask them their waist size and pray it works out. If you are not a gambler, check out my latest community post on RUclips, or visit my Facebook or Instagram page. @bigstacksshop
I just posted a graphic which makes it super easy to measure for any belt size. You can even share a link with them so they can see for themselves.
Thank you.
@raybhamilton Anytime my friend. A lot of people will try and resist the measurement of their current belt. I don't know if it's because they don't feel like doing it, it's a hassle, or they don't want to face any possible weight gain they've had. But be insistant, I've never had an issue when this was measured properly.
I'm new to leather crafting, I would like to make knife and axe sheaths. What side thread and hole punches do you think would be a good start?
@madmike6908 I don't have a punch/pricking iron size to offer you, I just use the cheap ones I got from Hobby Lobby. However, I do believe the thread size I use is the Ritza Tiger thread, with a diameter of 0.8mm. I should probably get some higher end pricking irons, but the ones I have served me well.
In this video you got the belts with holes for the buckle from factory. How do I make them myself? Meaning, is there tools for those holes and what the proper way to measure for them holes?
You explained so clear, great video, I'm definitely going to follow you for more videos
@eltonherrera2974 These blanks do have holes for the buckle, correct. The other ends you will still have to punch holes for when the buckle is fastened. But the holes by the buckle end need to be punched with a regular punch for the river holes and and oblong punch for the tang on the buckle. If I get a chance. I'll post a picture or make a short video about it. Thank you for asking.
@eltonherrera7524 Thank you, my friend.
Here is a link to the Big Stacks community tab, where I placed a layout and brief description of how the pre-punched belts I use are laid out. www.youtube.com/@bigstacksshop/community
Do you use any adhesives when you are assembling your belts? Thanks for the great content!
@4whunt I don't use any adhesives when I make belts, but I also don't stitch any of my belts. If I did stitch my belts, I would probably use contact adhesive. Thank you for asking.
@@bigstacksshop Hand stitching a belt always seemed like a daunting task to me.
@4whunt yeah, that's probably why I don't do it. But I will try it one day.
Was that buckle fixed right? I see the pin was facing wrong side. I enjoyed the video though.
@jamhurikongo2758 Ha! You caught me ... I used an old video for that portion where I did, in fact, put the buckle on backward. In that that original video I did show people how to drill out rivets as well. Keen eye, my friend.
How do you go about deciding which leather projects you should make? Your interest or interest you think the customers are going to buy?
@mhein681 When you are first getting into leather craft, I would make projects you like so it holds your interest well enough. As you go along, people will request adjustments or even new projects. This is where you tweak your offerings. If you are in it to sell, sell, sell you are going to have to listen to your target market of customers. That's just the way the business side of of anything works. However, you will notice certainly types of customers will gravitate to your initial products. You'll still be able to make a lot of your favorite things. Thank you for asking.
Whats the best thickness of leather for belt making?
@pamelalittlefield9608 I'd say somewhere around 8 to 10 oz. Maybe even a little thicker if is going to be carrying weight like a tool belt or a gun belt. Thank you for asking.
I do it the hard way. Even when I’ve purchased blanks leather thickness was an issue. When using sides consistent thickness is an issue. But finding belt blanks over 48” is difficult too.
As for a template I’ve purchased one, only to find that holes start to close to end. And spacing is not 1”. Which most people like. So, my go to template is old belt ends.
What is your template hole spacing?
@cherriebeyer9331 The first hole is exactly 4" from the tip with a total of five holes exactly 1" apart. I always use the second hole from the end as my measuring mark because I've found they will stretch over time, making the center hole the one most people will actually use. The 4" at the end of the belt also gives you enough room to punch another without looking awkward, just in case the customer gains weight. I appreciate your question and your feedback, I've put a lot of thought into the layout of my template.
@cherriebeyer9331 Congratulations, you are one of the Belt Template Winners! Please email me, the email address is in my profile.
How do you determine which leather is right for your project? Type and thickness...
@gamer2067 This all depends on what you make and how suitable it needs to be. Something like a set of leather gloves takes thinner leather, with something like a knife sheath or gun holster use think leather for durability. Belt leather is thicker than wallet leather.
Type of leather also makes a difference. When looking at a hide, shoulder leather is much more durable leather, while belly leather tends to be softer, even though sometimes it can be somewhat thick.
Thank you for your question.
When yo wet form leather. Do you prefer to soak the leather or spray bottle the water onto the leather?
@krishoogstraat6866 Thank you for asking. I have only wetted leather a few times to shape it. I soaked the leather for a short but and then shaped it around the object. You might be able to use a spray bottle, but I imagine you'd be doing a lot of spritzing.
@ I do both ways depending on what I’m making. Soaking when using my wooden forms. Spray for glass reverse form to make a leather vallet.
I'm curious ... why do you prefer spraying water when making the glass forms?
@@bigstacksshop I can concentrate more water in the folds. Also I found to much sagging in the sidewalls of the leather when soaked. I use a glass cooking pan to put the leather in to form. So good side of leather is up.
@krishoogstraat6866 That makes a lot of sense if you are using a baking pan. I would love to see those. If you ever post pictures to social media, please tag me. @bigstacksshop
What is your favorite odd leather craft idea?
@revann33 There is a professional wrestler named Mankind who wore a brown leather mask with a shirt and tie. He as and still is my favorite wrestler and I'd love to take a crack at making his mask one day.
a two-fold question: What has inspired you the most to do leathercraft and what has been the most challenging project? I am a fellow leather craftsman, starting back in the early 80"s in my teens.
@patormomtewells7855 The biggest thing that got me into leathercraft was fixing my favorite belt maybe 9 years ago. It's been a steady journey, and this channel has pushed me to want to try new things. Once I figure something out, I use this channel as a way to teach others.
As far as my most challenging project. I want to finish a motorcycle seat I took apart a couple of years ago. It's a spare seat, but would become my main seat once I finish it.
Thank you for asking.
I have an issue with contact cement. It is so thick it's gotten really hard to spread evenly. How can I thin it down again?
I've never tried to thin down contact cement. It's cheap enough if it got too thick, I'd just toss it and buy a new bottle. But after a quick Google, the results told me should be able to use acetone to think it out. I would do it in small batch at first to test it and be sure to wear the proper safety equipment in a well-ventilated area. Or go the rest route and just toss it then buy a new bottle. Thank you for asking.
What is the best die that you know of for veg tan btw I'm 14
@Tjrice-w5p I use Fiebing's Leather Dye. It's alcohol based. It goes on uniformly and can easily be mixed to create custom colors. New sure to use breathing protection or use it in a well-ventilated area because it is alcohol based. Thank you for your question.
Thank you sir
@Tjrice-w5p Thank you, my friend.
Is it more cost effective to cut the belts straight from the larger hide? I would assume it is, but when you factor everything in, what is your opinion?
@dsimms6 Cutting belt blanks isn't really hard if you have a strap cutter. But, by the time you finish the edges and cut the holes for the buckle end, you will find that the cost for the actual belt blank is really low.
This is especially true when you consider how much time you have saved by buying them ready to go. Your time is worth money if you are a crafter seeking their items.
@dsimms6 Congratulations, you are one of the Belt Template Winners! Please email me, the email address is in my profile.
@@bigstacksshop woohoo! I emailed you.
@dsimms6 Thank you very much my friend.
Try emailing me again, I did not receive it
My belt blanks have no prepunched holes. How do I do the buckle side as easily as you've shown everything else.?
BTW I love your shirt. I'm a lifelong donor.
@paulsimonetti1608 Thank you for your questions and the kind words. You will need a standard punch for the rivet holes and an oblong punch for the place where the buckle tang fits through the belt. I would slightly round over the very end of the strap. I've placed a layout in the community tab to help you get the exact measurements my belt blanks use. www.youtube.com/@bigstacksshop/community
@@bigstacksshop Wow, I can't believe how quickly you reacted to my comment. I just came from your community, printed out the guide, and am anxious to get started on my first-ever belt. I had purchased a 5-pack of Hermann Oak Race Track belt straps at a good price (Springfield Leather live shopping) but have been putting off venturing into this new area. By the way, the first belt I pulled out is just over 116" long and 11+oz!
@paulsimonetti1608 Wow - I'm going to have to check that out. Thank you for sharing
@@bigstacksshop Every Thursday (except the remainder of this November) they have Live Shopping at 2pm CT and it usually runs about two hours. You will get some decent deals, some good deals, and the occasional great deal. They offer free shipping and free splitting. They're kind of goofy at Springfield Leather but Liz and Tony are usually entertaining. Make sure you tell them Big Dog Paul sent ya!
So, how does one do a lined and stitched belt?
@main11gear I've honestly never made one before, but it seems like you would adhere the flesh sides of both pieces together and stitch then along the edge.
Does any one have any advise for making a wallet
@Tjrice-w5p First decide what kind of wallet you'd like to make. Bi-fold, biker wallet, or minimalist wallet. One you decide what kind of wallet you'd like to make, you will find the rest of the stuff will be easier to decide on.
How long does it take to make a belt?
@kcarl8982 When using one of these pre-punched belt blanks, it usually takes me about 30 minutes to make a belt from start to finish. I don't rush, because that's when mistakes happen. And, the belt template will probably save you a lot of time in laying or your hole patten and the tip of the belt. So maybe mt belt building time will be around 20-25 minutes with the template