Which should be done first on gun belts, tooling or slots for bullet loops?

[DUKE DEADEYE NUKEM]

Which should be done first on cartridge/gun belts, tooling or slots for bullet loops? I say tooling. Hopefully as were waiting on a package from Barry King Tools.
TIA,
Duke

[outrider]

Dead Eye,

I would lay everything out on paper first and once you have your design the way you want it then proceed with the art work and the slots.  I am not sure if it matters which you do first

[Trailrider]

I would (and have) lay out the location of the cartridge loop slots and you might go ahead and punch the slots. Then you can accurately lay out your carving pattern.

[Irish Dave]

I usually tool first, slot afterwards...but I don't really think it makes much difference. Probably just preference.

[Cliff Fendley]

I agree with Dave, that is the way I do it but not sure the order matters.

[Ten Wolves Fiveshooter]

       I like to mark out my lines for where my bullet loops will be, what ever that might be, ( all together or separate ) as well as billet and chaff, after doing this I figure out how and what I want to do as far as design/carving, or just stamping, this way I can tie it all together and make it natural and compliment the design as well as the holster.


                      tEN wOLVES  

[Kid Terico]

I tool first without any thought to billets and loops. KT

[Dalton Masterson]

I usually plan the billet and chape and punch holes for the rivets on them.
Then I do my stamping work and do construction.

I do my loops last.
DM

[Boothill Bob]

I usually plan the billet and chape and punch holes for the rivets on them.
Then I do my stamping work and do construction.

I do my loops last.
DM

same here.

[Slickshot]

I just want to "THANK" everyone here making leathercraft posts.  I think it is "awesome"!

From what I've seen most of you are much better leather crafters than myself, but I am working to better myself in this hobby/business - someday?


Slickshot

[Boothill Bob]

Keep it up Slickshot and keep posting your work so we can see it   
//BhB