Belts

Lane · #1 08-17-2011, 01:26 AM

So, this weekend I played around with belts. Here's the first attempt - looks OK but it's a fail:

What I'm thinking, is instead of the normal 5 holes at 1" spread, I'm going to do 7 at 3/4". I've got one that I use all the time that's this way, and I like it. It allows me to adjust the belt depending upon OWB/IWB carry.

I used a double thickness of 7/8oz leather which makes it 1/4" thick:

There were two problems with this one. First I wasn't able to get the two strips of leather perfectly aligned, so the edges are a bit messy. Since then, I've taken a piece of MDF and cut a 1.5" groove in to use as an alignment jig. I think that'll fix that problem.

Problem number two - I continued the double thickness all the way to the end of the belt, making it virtually impossible to buckle the belt and tuck the tail in the keeper. It's just too stiff. The double thickness is great for carry, but I need to think it out at the ends.

Also, these are the roller buckles that I intend to use - secured with Chicago Screws so they can be easily replaced. They aren't too expensive and seem to work well.

One more for the garbage. PETA is going to be picketing my house - or worse...

Lane

NAMVET72 · #2 08-17-2011, 01:45 AM

Looks and Sounds Outstanding Lane.....................

herefordman1 · #3 08-17-2011, 06:16 AM

3/4" IMO, is a good idea. 1" sometimes is too much or too little.

Jim

wxl · #4 08-17-2011, 08:19 AM

Headed in right direction, 7-holer 3/4", roller buckle.

barmandr · #5 08-17-2011, 08:47 AM

When I made one, I found it laid flatter and was more comfortable when I made the holes elongated/oval instead of round. It also eliminated the distortion the holes had. Also, your allignment problem could be fixed by glueing the two pieces together prior to cutting to final width. I really like the edge treatment and color of your so called "fail" belt. Call your production belt the "fail safe".

AutoMag · #6 08-17-2011, 05:54 PM

It looks good to me Lane!!!

Lane · #7 08-17-2011, 06:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by barmandr

When I made one, I found it laid flatter and was more comfortable when I made the holes elongated/oval instead of round.

Interesting idea. I'll have to check into a small oval punch.

Quote:

Originally Posted by barmandr

Also, your allignment problem could be fixed by glueing the two pieces together prior to cutting to final width.

Yeah - I'd though of that. I've got a strap cutter, but it's a pretty good challenge to keep the width consistent for the lenght of a belt (roughly 60")... and I found a pretty good deal on 1 1/2" belt blanks.

Quote:

Originally Posted by barmandr

I really like the edge treatment and color of your so called "fail" belt.

Thanks. I'm not really doing anything different that what I do on the holsters - hopefully the pictures aren't implying something that's not there.

Lane