just finished belt buckles

[dave gibson]

Some belt buckles I just finished. It was a great learning experience doing 8 of the same thing.It was nice not having to draw 8 different designs.

 

[mobaiz]

Very nice work

 

[Ed Westerly]

Does the Bulldog Tattoo Parlor have eight employee's? Or does the owner need one for each day of the week and one spare?

 

[dave gibson]

Does the Bulldog Tattoo Parlor have eight employee's? Or does the owner need one for each day of the week and one spare?

I believe they're gifts for employees.

 

[silverchip]

What does the back look like??

 

[Ed Westerly]

Very cool gifts. Good boss.

 

[dave gibson]

What does the back look like??

Typical Chinese quality, nice appearance though, well worth the 99 cents. Few light blemishes, engraving covers these on the most part. Pretty sure these were made to be covered with leather Like TandyCheck the belt loops before starting, I got at least 1 so far that pulled right off, they're guarantee covers that stuff.

I liked the ones from GRS much better but, GRS DOESN'T CARRY BELT BUCKLES ANYMORE!!!

 

[monk]

cute looking stuff you got there. you could draw one time, scan, then make 8 transfers. that way you can save quite a lot of money by not wearing out all those pencils.

 

[mtlctr]

yep, the Chinese stuff usually leaves much to be desired. I've had trouble finishing some of the asian stuff. I prefer to buy mild sheet steel for my buckles to cut my own size & shape I want. and I got the back loops from Rio grande if i recall correctly.after engraving I have a form I made from hard wood to get the contour.I place the engraved piece in the 2 piece mold put it in a vise & close to get the slight curve of the buckle. I silver solder the loop to the back & make the hook out of a nail but I think you can buy those too. the copper piece helps with the support of the hook.Quite a bit more work but you know the loop won't fall off when the customer is wearing it. buckle pictured was nitre blued. :hammer:

 

[silverchip]

Geez, sounds like a guy could make a few extra bucks just making quality buckle blanks for engraving?? There must be a hundred ways to hook up buckles on a belt strap,what is the configuration you like the best Dave??

 

[dave gibson]

Geez, sounds like a guy could make a few extra bucks just making quality buckle blanks for engraving?? There must be a hundred ways to hook up buckles on a belt strap,what is the configuration you like the best Dave??

Customers seem to prefer the rectangular shape, I sorta like the oval. I'd probably go with the rectangle if I had to choose. As far as the hardware on the back, I don't care as long as it works and is strong. I was in the process of trying to do what mtlctr suggested but after 4 weeks of visiting this guy to build the forms for me he still hadn't done anything. We all know how that goes. So I found a substitute.The GRS buckles were just fine but GRS doesn't carry belt buckles anymore. Indian Jewelry Supply used to have a good selection too but the quit carrying them too. I spent several hours doing google searches and this was sadly the best I could come up with. Dave I don't know if one guy or a small co. can make them to sell and still make a decent profit. Since I don't make decent profits anyway I thought I thought maybe I could do it myself,,, and everyone I could get to help. hhmmm, mtlctr's arced design, not domed and blued is looking pretty good.

 

[mtlctr]

Customers seem to prefer the rectangular shape, I sorta like the oval. I'd probably go with the rectangle if I had to choose. As far as the hardware on the back, I don't care as long as it works and is strong. I was in the process of trying to do what mtlctr suggested but after 4 weeks of visiting this guy to build the forms for me he still hadn't done anything. We all know how that goes. So I found a substitute.The GRS buckles were just fine but GRS doesn't carry belt buckles anymore. Indian Jewelry Supply used to have a good selection too but the quit carrying them too. I spent several hours doing google searches and this was sadly the best I could come up with. Dave I don't know if one guy or a small co. can make them to sell and still make a decent profit. Since I don't make decent profits anyway I thought I thought maybe I could do it myself,,, and everyone I could get to help. hhmmm, mtlctr's arced design, not domed and blued is looking pretty good.

I can supply a few domed or not w/ or without the loop & "nail in mild steel or red brass.

 

[atexascowboy2011]

If you're going to be making quite a few, see about taking a sheet (any size) of steel to a waterjet place and knock out a bunch of different shapes/sizes.
WJing is fairly inexpensive, especially if you have a simple pattern.

 

[dave gibson]

If you're going to be making quite a few, see about taking a sheet (any size) of steel to a waterjet place and knock out a bunch of different shapes/sizes.
WJing is fairly inexpensive, especially if you have a simple pattern.

There's a laser cutting place here in town that would cut cut bunches of them from SS for $80 which is like a minimum charge . I thought that was a reasonable price but the other guy kept lagging about making the molds. With time going buy and the idea of more tools and materials to buy, my pay rate kept shrinking. I have limited tools and space to use them. I'd love to be able to make them myself, that way I could charge more.

 

[mtlctr]

With the time & material involved the laser cutting sounds like a good idea. $80 seems reasonable for the amount of work done. making buckles is a good way to starve slowly.:hammer: