so its never to late to circle back, huh? 76 yrs here self taught back in the early 70's in MT...then life got in the way...kept all my tools etc...but somewhere along the say my marble broke...good luck Bob and keep on toolin"!
Excellent, clear instructions. The coffee mug trick for measuring was an "aha" moment for me. I particularly appreciated the work-arounds; as a hobbyist, I'm not going to buy all the expensive tools a professional will have. I look forward to the rest of the series.
Thank you. It was a long time before I got a lot of the tools o have now. Even now, random things around the shop will become a tracing template for different shapes and curves on different projects.
Using the box cutter was definitely an aha moment. No more sharpening, no more dull blades. Also a high-quality strap cutter (chucked the one from Amazon; wasted more leather than the tool cost).
You are such a good teacher. Clear and concise! All my aha moments are echoed in all the above comments. I’m just starting out and very excited to be able to learn from you. Thank you for your time and it is not taken for granted.
hi! I'm currently watching you from Italy! I've always wanted to make a western belt with a basket stamping by me and after searching and watching a lots of video, thankfully I've found you! hope to see soon the next video!! thank you! ciao!
Hello from South Africa Joe. I am following you from my sons account , he being Simon and I am Roy Sparks. Thank you for all you are sharing with the leather working community , I find your tutorials very easy to follow and very valuable toward growing my skills. You are a great teacher. Could you someday do a detailed video on inlaying a western style belt. We have access to some exotic hides here like elephant , buffalo to name a few. I believe the contrast that may be achieved using veg tan bovine as the foundation with the exotics as the inlays could make for very attractive belts. Keep up your much appreciated work and all the best for the new year.
Extremely good instructional video. The explanation on measuring is most enlightening because of its critical aspects. Thank you for this video and I await with anticipation part 2
Great video! Glad to that a pencil is alright to use on leather. I have a hard time seeing lines when I use a scratch awl. And cutting the hole end point (englush point?) starting from the edge and going to center was another ah-ha moment. Thanks for all you do for the leather community! Have a Merry Christmas!
Great video Joe. I too look forward to you covering "rub off". I won't dye with black because it's the worst. I prefer Fiebings Pro Dyes as the dyes carry deeper and leave less powder residue on the surface. It will be interesting to hear your thoughts on dying with dobbers, dip dying vs. air brushing, etc. Thanks for sharing your expertise!
Very informative. I've made several belts, but I've always used the templates. Sometimes seems that my snaps are a little too close. I'm enjoying seeing it done without the templates. Even if I have the tools, it's nice to see workarounds that will make something a little less cookie cutter. Look forward to the next video. Merry Christmas.
A+, Gold star! Your time and talent are precious and sharing is priceless. A sincere THANK YOU!! Pregnant w/ anticipation for more! Aha's for me: Use a pre-cut belt blank. It's OK to mark up the leather with pencil. (Obvious things I know, yet enlightening to green-horn me) Cutting point from edge to center. I've done the opposite with very poor results. Waiting to mark billet end holes until later, interesting. Great to get proper technique, steps, and tips, so I'm not practicing/reinforcing the wrong things. Now it might only take me 16 1/2 years to get to your level 🤣
Awesome stuff. I’m a year and half into my stuff. When I first started I did a lot of what you’re showing. Still don’t have end punches, but made my own templates with cardboard. Makes the process a little quicker. Keep up the amazing work Joe!
Good video. I use many different things for curves(coins, coffee cup…). I made a template from the excess leather when I cut the tip off. Looking forward to more. Thank you.
Joe, on dye coverage....i'm finding that after the dye dries, it will rub off. Especially when i use Fiebings medium brown. I have started using Tokonole over the dye to clean it up and at the same time polishing it up too. Any ideas to stop the rub off? Thanks, John
Hello Joe!!! Nebie here, i have a question and I'm really hoping you can Please answer. I will be making belts , wallets, ( Thanks to your awesome teachings ) I've purchased a couple 3.85 stitching irons, French style from Kevin Lee. What size of needle and thread do you suggest. i understand it can be preference, but a starting point is what im looking for. I will be going with John James saddle with Ritza thread. So much respect for your teachings! All the way from Montreal! Thank you
I do veg tanned leather also. I mostly do unlined belts but what is your liner of choice( veg tanned, pig skin, suede...)? Thanks as always good information.
Hi Joe, where did you find your 72" Swanson straight edge? I have searched the internet and can't find one. Any tips for cutting the straight edge on the hide that will be used for strap cutting?
Did this in high school. Still have my tools,mallet and a few accessories.
Starting new. I’m 81.
Ready to learn.
Bob Baker
Texas
so its never to late to circle back, huh? 76 yrs here self taught back in the early 70's in MT...then life got in the way...kept all my tools etc...but somewhere along the say my marble broke...good luck Bob and keep on toolin"!
Excellent, clear instructions. The coffee mug trick for measuring was an "aha" moment for me. I particularly appreciated the work-arounds; as a hobbyist, I'm not going to buy all the expensive tools a professional will have. I look forward to the rest of the series.
Thank you. It was a long time before I got a lot of the tools o have now. Even now, random things around the shop will become a tracing template for different shapes and curves on different projects.
Great video thank you! You are clear and I love the explanations of each step!
Using the box cutter was definitely an aha moment. No more sharpening, no more dull blades. Also a high-quality strap cutter (chucked the one from Amazon; wasted more leather than the tool cost).
I have been trying to make some belts for gifts and have messed up 3 so far. This instruction came at the perfect time thank you!
You are such a good teacher. Clear and concise! All my aha moments are echoed in all the above comments. I’m just starting out and very excited to be able to learn from you. Thank you for your time and it is not taken for granted.
hi! I'm currently watching you from Italy! I've always wanted to make a western belt with a basket stamping by me and after searching and watching a lots of video, thankfully I've found you! hope to see soon the next video!! thank you! ciao!
Hello from South Africa Joe. I am following you from my sons account , he being Simon and I am Roy Sparks. Thank you for all you are sharing with the leather working community , I find your tutorials very easy to follow and very valuable toward growing my skills. You are a great teacher. Could you someday do a detailed video on inlaying a western style belt. We have access to some exotic hides here like elephant , buffalo to name a few. I believe the contrast that may be achieved using veg tan bovine as the foundation with the exotics as the inlays could make for very attractive belts. Keep up your much appreciated work and all the best for the new year.
This is great, Joe, as always!
Thank you! Excellent video! Love the clarification and simple step by step. Very helpful.
I've been waiting for you to do a series like this. I make plenty of belts but I always like to add to my skill set.
Merry Christmas, found u scrolling thru instagram , really excited 2 make my first belt , thank you so much
Extremely good instructional video. The explanation on measuring is most enlightening because of its critical aspects. Thank you for this video and I await with anticipation part 2
Wish this came out a week ago when I started my belt. Lots of meltdowns and starting over 😂 finally finished it and turned out decent
Great video! Glad to that a pencil is alright to use on leather. I have a hard time seeing lines when I use a scratch awl. And cutting the hole end point (englush point?) starting from the edge and going to center was another ah-ha moment. Thanks for all you do for the leather community! Have a Merry Christmas!
Great video! I’ve noticed the Herman oak premium belt bend is thinner at 8/9 oz than other 8/9 oz leather. Sure do appreciate these videos.
Excellent video , really helpful as I am about to try my hand at making a belt
Thank you for this video I appreciate it happy holidays to you and your family
Great video Joe. I too look forward to you covering "rub off". I won't dye with black because it's the worst. I prefer Fiebings Pro Dyes as the dyes carry deeper and leave less powder residue on the surface. It will be interesting to hear your thoughts on dying with dobbers, dip dying vs. air brushing, etc. Thanks for sharing your expertise!
Very informative. I've made several belts, but I've always used the templates. Sometimes seems that my snaps are a little too close. I'm enjoying seeing it done without the templates. Even if I have the tools, it's nice to see workarounds that will make something a little less cookie cutter. Look forward to the next video. Merry Christmas.
A+, Gold star! Your time and talent are precious and sharing is priceless. A sincere THANK YOU!! Pregnant w/ anticipation for more! Aha's for me: Use a pre-cut belt blank. It's OK to mark up the leather with pencil. (Obvious things I know, yet enlightening to green-horn me) Cutting point from edge to center. I've done the opposite with very poor results. Waiting to mark billet end holes until later, interesting. Great to get proper technique, steps, and tips, so I'm not practicing/reinforcing the wrong things. Now it might only take me 16 1/2 years to get to your level 🤣
Awesome stuff. I’m a year and half into my stuff. When I first started I did a lot of what you’re showing. Still don’t have end punches, but made my own templates with cardboard. Makes the process a little quicker. Keep up the amazing work Joe!
I really appreciate you. Your timing is really good, too. Thank you.
Good video. I use many different things for curves(coins, coffee cup…). I made a template from the excess leather when I cut the tip off. Looking forward to more. Thank you.
Good video Joe
Thank you
Joe, on dye coverage....i'm finding that after the dye dries, it will rub off. Especially when i use Fiebings medium brown. I have started using Tokonole over the dye to clean it up and at the same time polishing it up too. Any ideas to stop the rub off?
Thanks, John
Hey John, yes I’ll definitely cover how to seal that dye during this series!
Hello Joe!!! Nebie here, i have a question and I'm really hoping you can Please answer. I will be making belts , wallets, ( Thanks to your awesome teachings ) I've purchased a couple 3.85 stitching irons, French style from Kevin Lee. What size of needle and thread do you suggest. i understand it can be preference, but a starting point is what im looking for. I will be going with John James saddle with Ritza thread. So much respect for your teachings! All the way from Montreal!
Thank you
Why measure from the bend? Shouldn’t it measure from the inside of the buckle where it goes through the hole? (If I have the buckle that will be used)
I do veg tanned leather also. I mostly do unlined belts but what is your liner of choice( veg tanned, pig skin, suede...)? Thanks as always good information.
Hi Joe, where did you find your 72" Swanson straight edge? I have searched the internet and can't find one. Any tips for cutting the straight edge on the hide that will be used for strap cutting?
When adding initials to the tip...do you still measure 7" or do you do 9" instead?
Same old Grant same old story laugh out loud