The next picture shows the tool next to a smoothing plane to give some idea of its size:
The lacing comes on a card with the individual laces lined up side-by-side
with spacing between each lace. Looks like a long pyramid with
the sharp
points inserted into the cardboard. The tool is "v" shaped, hinged
at the
bottom, with a series of slots for the top part of the pyramid to fit
into.
Each metal lace has its own slot. These are spaced equally,
so the
opposite lace can fit between each pair on the opposite end of the
belt.
A metal rod is inserted lengthwise through the laces in the tool to
hold
the laces in place, and the tool is squeezed together while the end
of the
belt is placed between the sharp ends of the laces. (A vise is
used for
this.) After the lacing is firmly closed on the belt, the rod
is removed,
laced end of the belt is removed from the tool, and the process repeated
on
the other end of the belt. After both ends of the belt, the rawhide
or
metal connector is cut to length, the belt installed on the machine
of
choice, and, as they say, Bob's yer uncle.
