k15n1

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Have had some interest in leather work for a while. Utility stuff, mostly. Covers for hatchets in my tool box, chisel rolls, a belt holster for a pliers/multitool, belts, etc.

Finally worked up to buying 2 "sides" of cow hide. To give you an idea of what I just did, think of a cow. Then imagine how much leather you'd need to make it a motorcycle jacket.

One side is 8-9 oz (8 x1/64" = 1/8") and the other is 2-4 oz. Figuring out what to buy was a project in itself.

So now, to avoid buying good black and brown belts (50 $ each) I've spent 300 $ on leather and another 100 $ on tools, dye, etc. I'm hoping to break even by making belts for everyone in the family. Had to use my lunch money, so I'll see if I can get the wife to reimburse me 20 $ for each belt I make.

Anyone else have experience working with leather?
 

NH Homesteader

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My husband has fixed a lot of leather things but hasn't made anything from scratch. I'm sure he'd love to peek over my shoulder and see your creations if you share pictures with us!
 

baymule

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I do admire mice leather work, but I never did any. Please take us along your journey with pictures!
 

k15n1

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Most of my supplies have arrived. I made a belt over the weekend. It's anticlimactic... All the commotion of getting supplies and tools followed by normal pants-wearing with a belt that looks pretty much like my old belt. The difference is that it's full-grain leather instead of a low-grade split with a surface painted on (and flaking off). Otherwise, it's basically the same.

Next, I need a wallet. Like this, maybe:

http://www.instructables.com/id/The-Quest-for-the-Perfect-Wallet/
 

baymule

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That looks like a nice wallet. Where's the pictures of your belt?
 
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