Author Topic: Belt stampings... and stampings... and (Read 3259 times)

AtlLaw · « **on:** August 18, 2011, 11:38:46 AM »

Well, I've got the current belt lined and the stitching holes drilled. Since it's time to do some decoration I decided to learn a little more about mid nineteenth century belt and holster stamping. Big mistake!

In researching original stampings I saw that what I had done on my first belt was just about the most basic style; one cut line and one stamp. I also determined that what I liked was the more complex 2 raised bead/3 stamp designs. Anyone have any experience with or tips for border designs they can give me? $:-\$ Like should a wider design be at the bottom, top, top and bottom or middle of the belt?

I'll finish the in-progress belt just for the practice. Maybe it'll do for something...

And, since i already have the matching holster for my first belt , I'll use them for my single six. Which puts me back to square one for my .36 and .44 cal. BP revolver rigs.

For those I now think I'll go up to a two and a quarter or two and a half inch belt. Especially for the 44 rig. My current belts are two inch. What are y'alls thoughts on that?

HEP ME!! HEP ME!!

One step forward, two steps back...

Oh well, it keeps me off the streets... outa bars... away from wimmins of ill repute...

jcn59 · « **Reply #1 on:** October 01, 2011, 06:12:38 PM »

You should send me the stuff that is not representative of your real skill; stuff that you made that you're not happy with; stuff that you ruminate over. It would be an honor to relieve you of it. Please sign it first, before you send it to me. Oh, and would it be too much trouble for you to say that you made it especially for me. I can overlook small aberrations of the truth as long as it isn't too frequent.

rdstrain49 · « **Reply #2 on:** October 13, 2011, 02:56:45 PM »

AtlLaw;

Just my opinion. 2 1/2 & 3" belts are fine, unless you are horseback. I use a 2" belt even for the heaviest guns. The belts are made from two strips of 6-7 oz leather. They hold their shape just fine and don't interfere with the saddle. I'll post some pics when I get a chance.

rdstrain49 · « **Reply #3 on:** October 13, 2011, 03:07:07 PM »

Here ya go, maybe.

AtlLaw · « **Reply #4 on:** October 13, 2011, 05:58:07 PM »

Quote from: jcn59 on October 01, 2011, 06:12:38 PM

You should send me the stuff that is not representative of your real skill;

What size is you waist there J?

I got stuff, but remember, I'm a 66 year old, lean, mean, fightin' MO-sheen!

So my belts are about 36 - 38 inch...

Made to wear outside my shirt/coat don't cha know...

AtlLaw · « **Reply #5 on:** October 14, 2011, 08:26:26 AM »

Wow! That's some nice work there Rdstrain!

I love seeing what other people do. It keeps me humble and gives me a goal!

Quote from: rdstrain49 on October 13, 2011, 02:56:45 PM

I use a 2" belt even for the heaviest guns.

I recently, actually while working on my current belt, came to that conclusion also. I think I'll stay with 2" unless I'm doing something like a cartridge belt for my 45-120!

Quote

The belts are made from two strips of 6-7 oz leather.

That's basically what the current belt is. Though the "liner" is a store bought belt I had. Together they come to about 13 oz as far as I can measure.

Right now I have an 8-9 oz side and a 3-4 oz side I plan to use for future belt/holster projects. I was thinking that 2 strips of 5-6 would be about right also. $:-\$ I just need more practice so I can tell what I like best!

And I need a lot more practice before I tackle a saddle!

rdstrain49 · « **Reply #6 on:** October 14, 2011, 03:00:26 PM »

A L

I do use a 3" for my 45-70 cartridge belt, since I don't carry the sharps horseback, the 3" works just fine.

mechanic · « **Reply #7 on:** October 14, 2011, 03:14:16 PM »

Ya'll are just trying to get me started on a new hobby, I can see it now. Don't have time for the other 47 hobbies I got started, and now I done bought a cowhide. Sweet Thang is looking at me funny. I'm glad I have camping equipment.

By the way, nice looking rigs there rd.

Ben

rdstrain49 · « **Reply #8 on:** October 16, 2011, 03:59:17 AM »

Thanks mechanic. Here is my working rig. It is used every day, so it has to be tough. The knife I hand forged from a coil spring. I don't have a trip hammer so it took two days just to forge the basic shape. Don't want modern looking so I left the finish just as it came out of the fire.

AtlLaw · « **Reply #9 on:** October 16, 2011, 06:03:11 PM »

Quote from: rdstrain49 on October 16, 2011, 03:59:17 AM

Here is my working rig.

AWK!

I got nothing but red x's!

I wanna see them pictures!

rdstrain49 · « **Reply #10 on:** October 18, 2011, 05:49:15 AM »

AtlLaw

Sent you a PM with photos attached. Did you get it?

AtlLaw · « **Reply #11 on:** October 18, 2011, 08:27:16 AM »

Sure did! Thanks!

Of course they are showing up in the thread for me now...

Wish I hadn't asked now though... $:-\$ You got me thinking about this forge thing. Ya see, I have a bunch of old files laying around and...

rdstrain49 · « **Reply #12 on:** October 18, 2011, 10:42:22 AM »

You don't even want to go there. You're way too old to be learning new tricks (3 yrs older than me). But just in case, I'll shoot some photos of the forge set up. (Make that set ups, I have three) If that won't get you "fired up" nothing will.

AtlLaw · « **Reply #13 on:** October 18, 2011, 11:40:21 AM »

"forge" ... "fired up" ... right... I get it...

I'm glad to see that you have a ...

WAIT JUST A MINUTE THERE SPARKIE!!!!

Did you just say I'M too old!?

rdstrain49 · « **Reply #14 on:** October 19, 2011, 04:53:25 AM »

Yep

AtlLaw · « **Reply #15 on:** October 19, 2011, 06:29:42 AM »

You really know how to hurt a guy...

Oh well, at least I've never had no wimmins say that to me!

mechanic · « **Reply #16 on:** October 19, 2011, 12:03:45 PM »

Quote from: AtlLaw on October 19, 2011, 06:29:42 AM

You really know how to hurt a guy...

Oh well, at least I've never had no wimmins say that to me!

Did your wife remove the hearing aid batteries again? Just funnin', I think you're still a young sprout, as I will be when I get to your old age.

Ben

rdstrain49 · « **Reply #17 on:** October 19, 2011, 01:27:15 PM »

Here ya go AtlLaw, forge set up. Today I'm making target frames. Local gun shop sells them as fast as I can make them.

AtlLaw · « **Reply #18 on:** October 20, 2011, 06:46:01 AM »

Well, I did get to see the pics before they were removed. Was the forge that nice looking white thing in the back of the anvil?

Speaking of anvils, I'd love to have a good one but they sure is pricey...

I think I'll get a cheap iron one since I haven't shod a horse in about 30 years!

'course those iron things won't do me any good if I want to beat on a hot file... Guess I'll have to ride down and see Ben when I decide to do that!

AtlLaw · « **Reply #19 on:** October 20, 2011, 06:52:00 AM »

Shoot! I done forgot what this thread was about!

The belt is done except for the stitching and top finish. I played around some with mixing dyes and that is a learning process just like everything else.

I figure it will take me a good day to stitch the belt and with deer season starting Saturday that will be on the back burner for a bit. I'll post a pic when it's completely done.

mechanic · « **Reply #20 on:** October 20, 2011, 12:49:12 PM »

Quote from: AtlLaw on October 20, 2011, 06:46:01 AM

Well, I did get to see the pics before they were removed. Was the forge that nice looking white thing in the back of the anvil?

Speaking of anvils, I'd love to have a good one but they sure is pricey... I think I'll get a cheap iron one since I haven't shod a horse in about 30 years! 'course those iron things won't do me any good if I want to beat on a hot file... Guess I'll have to ride down and see Ben when I decide to do that!

Mr. Richard, I have a length of railroad rail that would make a very GOOD anvil. When I have an opportunity, I will shape and face it for you. You will wind up with about a 40# anvil, perfect for light work like knives, etc.

Ben

rdstrain49 · « **Reply #21 on:** October 20, 2011, 03:21:37 PM »

C'mon old guy, hurry up with the pics of the belt.

AtlLaw · « **Reply #22 on:** October 20, 2011, 05:43:31 PM »

Quote from: mechanic on October 20, 2011, 12:49:12 PM

I have a length of railroad rail that would make a very GOOD anvil.

Funny you should say that Ben. I have been looking for a RR tie for just that perpose! When I found one, was going to look this weekend, I was going to try to locate a machine shop to shape and face it. But I couldn't ask you to do that! You are talking about a lot of work there!

and 'strain... you got to learn to respect your elders boy!

I'm gonna get cha when you turn 66! If I'm still above ground that is... $:-\$

mechanic · « **Reply #23 on:** October 20, 2011, 06:03:36 PM »

Richard, you are welcome to the rail I have, as I have two anvils and will never use it. Be careful where you get rail, as it could get you in a heap of trouble.

Mine came from the City of Columbus, which bought miles of rail line, and made a walking trail. The iron was sold locally, and I bought a chunk or two, and a whole mess of high carbon spikes.

If you are in the LaGrange area, I'll be glad to load 'er up for you, but it is too heavy to ship I'm thinking.

Ben

rdstrain49 · « **Reply #24 on:** October 21, 2011, 05:20:27 AM »

Richard (aka Old Guy)

Now you have no excuse. Ben has the rail, which by the way makes a good anvil, and I have a small portable forge (not free but very cheap). All you have to do is stop by during your Sturgis trip (you do go to Sturgis don't you) and pick up the forge and you are all set. If you do go to Sturgis, bring along your smoke wagon, I don't mean your bike, I mean your C&B revolver. Who knows, if I'm in a really good mood, I might even teach you how to shoot.

jcn59 · « **Reply #25 on:** October 23, 2011, 04:55:14 PM »

AtlLaw, I'm 66 also and your belts will fit me just fine. Better send your rejects to me ASAP before something happens to you and people come to your house to get your stuff. You won't get no respect then.

I been having trouble putting it into words lately. Just send the useable stuff. jn

rdstrain49 · « **Reply #26 on:** October 23, 2011, 06:39:49 PM »

that's the kindest offer I've heard all, well in the last two minuets.

jcn59 · « **Reply #27 on:** October 23, 2011, 07:17:05 PM »

Yes, it was a thoughtful offer, very compassionate. You can just thnk of me as the ax-murderer of leatherwork.

AtlLaw · « **Reply #28 on:** October 24, 2011, 09:21:19 AM »

Um, Ben, you got some chain to go with those sections of RR ties? I know a couple a boys that I'd like to see try and swim the Chattahoochee carrying some!

mechanic · « **Reply #29 on:** October 24, 2011, 11:26:12 AM »

Yep, have a lotta' chain, and some steel cable too. In all fairness though, you should let them swim the West Point lake so they would have no current....for a mile or so.

Ben