You can use a pencil to make a light sketch of the shape you'd like. How to Cut Leather Belt? Leather belts can last for many years, but they will eventually start to show signs of wear and tear.
Spilled dye or finish would be a hassle to clean up on the table alone. However, if you'd prefer not to mark up the leather using a pen, you can instead cut the pattern out of thin cardboard or plastic and use those edges to guide you while cutting. Introduction: How to Cut Leather. This article has been viewed 45, 733 times. Try to keep a consistent motion as much as possible, to keep the edge looking as consistent as possible.
While learning how to cut leather correctly can be a challenge, with a little bit of patience, both experienced leather workers and amateurs alike can master the art of cutting leather. Make sure to feed the leather into the cutter slowly to ensure a neat, straight cut. It prepares the leather's surface to receive the dye. Once you're happy with the shape, use scissors to cut along the line. Contest Sponsored by Dremel.
Otherwise, you can stitch the belt pieces together using a sewing machine. It also comes with a built-in blade guard that prevents injuries from happening while you're working. I also got some rubber gloves, the deglazer, dye, finish, wool daubers, and some lint-free rags. This will depend on the width and length of the belt you want to cut. Softer leathers such as garment leather stretches easier and therefore it is easier to cut it with super shears as opposed to a utility knife. Then carefully cut along the marked line with your chosen tool, and you're done! The final groove would be inset a little bit from a nicely rounded edge. Once you're done, release the blade and lift the rotary cutter. For example, if your waist measurement was 31 inches, then you would make a mark at the 34-inch spot. We are here to help! Next, additional rivets are placed through the skiver pieces to secure it in place around the belt loop. The lace maker leather craft tool is interesting to watch being used. Depending on interest why might post another article on how to make your own kangaroo leather belt which would teach you how to shorten a braided belt too!
Buffing involves rubbing the cloth over the belt to remove any excess conditioner or dyes that have dried to the surface, and bring it to a dull sine. Keep reading to learn more. Well this is only my second belt, but it happened both times, so, almost every time! Lay the leather down grain side up and place the ruler on top. Shoe Care SpecialistExpert AnswerUse a good leather conditioner, like liquid saddle soap. Cut off one end of the belt using scissors. How to Rivet Leather – Step by Step Guide to Setting Rivets. Tanneries can create a variety of artificial grains using metal dies and hydraulic embossers. It looks like a real belt 🙂 I took a few photos, and got ready to give it to my Dad. Typically, a high end leather product is made with a type of top grain leather. That's OK, I just centered it at the tip of the belt, and punched it right through. Also, wearing a belt can help make the fibers stretch/become more flexible over time. Sharp knives create clean, smooth cuts, causing much fewer mistakes. Make sure the edges are nice and clean, then move on to burnishing.
Beveling the edges gives the belt a more refined look. After that, you can set the thickness to whatever you prefer. Measuring the Length of the Belt. The easiest way to shorten a belt is to cut it off with the belt end. View our handmade leather belt collection. Skiving is a bit like cutting hair. Let the dye dry about 1/2 hour or longer (based on the dye's instructions) Then, if needed, add another coat to make it all consistent in color and color density. Matt of polished finish? And don't worry, it is actually quite quick and easy to do.
The time to wait for drying enough to touch will vary, so check the instructions and be aware of the weather, temperature, and humidity if you're doing it outdoors. Apply a few, thin coats. Remember to condition the belt loop too! Check out my other leather ibles for more leatherworking basics: Step 1: What You'll Need. I was worried that the finish and color might rub off, and mentioned he didn't have to really use it, I was just glad to make another project, get more experience, and learn more leather working skills. For thicker material, all you need is a sharp hobby knife to get a clean, straight cut, in addition to a sturdy ruler. I like to make them 1/2" apart as it gives more subtle size options for the belt.
Next I just rubbed the dauber with deglaze across the surface of the belt. The size of the rectangle will depend on the width of the belt. You will also need something under the leather you are punching such as a poundo board or scrap leather to prevent the punches from becoming dull. You do this so that you can take an actual measurement of the belt. This will release the belt strap, allowing you to remove it from the clamp pin buckle, as shown below. Thanks for making it through this article, it's obvious you have discerning taste. Shipping and Returns. Also, not recommended to sniff the deglazer very closely. Once they're all nice and smooth, we can move on to skiving. Now we get to use a hole punch to make the holes for the belt buckle prong. When a leather belt starts to show signs of wear, it's important to take action and cut it.
Once you've decided on the length and width of the belt, it's time to start cutting. A rotary cutter is useful for cutting leather. This will be the area that you will cut from. Hotter, and the dyes and finishes might be too hot to interact with the leather most effectively. While leather cutting is a rewarding venture, there's never any shame in taking a shortcut. Then, use a beveler and glide it along the edges of the belt at a 45-degree angle. But what if you want to keep it? Cutting leather is super easy with the right tools.