DaCodaBuchan Report post Posted January 8, 2010 I am in need of a lot of tools, but I don't want to have my paycheck transfered directly to Tandy before making sure they are indeed the best. I would like to know what other brands are out there for stamps, carving tools, and everything else I may need. Any comments are also welcome. What do you like and not like. Mainly I need a swivel knife (but I just read a thread on those), the punches needed for belts, basketweave and other geometric stamps, and bevelers. Oh and a set of leather sheers. P.S. What is the difference in a maul and a mallet. They seem to serve the same purpose. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ClayB Report post Posted January 8, 2010 If you click on the link at the top of the page (right under the banner) that says "Leatherworker.net Main Page" it will take you to a page that has a lot of other links. If you go part way down that page, there is a link to "suppliers". That will give you names, websites, contact info etc. for a lot of what you are looking for. I'm not getting into what's best because I think a lot of that is personal preference. If you are looking for a lot of tools at reasonable prices, you might check out Ebay and do a search for leather tools. Do some research and have an idea what things are worth and you might be able to find some deals. As for mauls and mallets, they do serve basically the same purpose. I'd say that in general, mauls have a shorter handle and a lot better balance. Most people that try a maul really like them and prefer them over a mallet. Again though, it's a personal preference thing. If you get a chance, try one out and see what you think. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
JLSleather Report post Posted January 8, 2010 Yep, check Ebay. I've been in there last couple of days, because I would like to find some of the older tools I used to have. Keep in mind, though, that Ebay is not always a discount. I ordered stuff from catalogs BRAND NEW -- CHEAPER than the same item went for on Ebay. Just so you know... It won't happen tomorrow, but let me get up and running next couple of weeks and I'll send you at least some of the trim. When I'm working with hides, I hang onto a bit, just by way of suggestion... 1. ) at least 'til it's gone, a small piece of the same hide I'm working on can't be beat for testing colors on (different hides may color slightly differently) 2. ) doesn't hurt to leave a little 4-ounce leather laying around, even if you're making belts/holsters... the lighter stuff makes great leather keepers. 3. ) heavier chunks often get stuck in to embossing plugs. You get the idea. Bottom line, though, I'm likely to have more "scraps" than I want laying around. Too much stuff around here becomes test equipment for my Baby (age 21 mos) to see if it will go down the "potty"... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
DaCodaBuchan Report post Posted January 8, 2010 I have found 3/4 alphabet sets as low as $18 on eBay. I'll grab those when my next paycheck comes in because I want to do a bunch of personalized belts for my family. I've found much cheaper items on Springfield's website so they will bet my business for most of my stamps now. I'm beginning to learn what to buy where. Thanks for all of your help guys. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
King's X Report post Posted January 9, 2010 You are asking for help at the right time. I am just getting ready to post some tools and other items for sale. These are tools that I have compiled during my last two point 5 years of learning this subject. Most of my tools are going to be Crafttool USA (meaning old) some are pre-letter and some are not. I do have some crafttool (leather factory) tools, Barry King, and some hackbarth. I will also be selling some of my library books that I have collected, some old and some new. I have pretty much everything you need to start the hobby for several individuals. I really like to start my sale offers here on LW since I have learned a lot and you will know that you will not get ripped and I will not lose my investment. I use eBay as a last resort because I think the members here will value what they get more than most on eBay. Anyways, I have leather print samples on all of my tools, just need to take the time to photograph them. Good luck Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
DaCodaBuchan Report post Posted January 9, 2010 Well, I'm looking for tools on a budget. Old is fine with me. In fact I would love well worn tools. For me it's like the difference in using my grandfather's hammer and a new one. The difference is obvious. Older tools usually just feel better. Plus if something has managed to be used by someone else for years without being thrown to the rubbish pit it must be useful. If you're looking for someone that will take care of the tools and would enjoy seeing what they do with them then I'm sure I could give them a nice home. I am on a fixed budget though. I'd love to look at what you have when you have the chance to take photos. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
DaCodaBuchan Report post Posted January 10, 2010 One last question. Is there anyone out there that sells Tandy's stuff cheaper than they do? I know that some of the stamps and tools are cheaper at the other sites. This makes sense, they just don't mark up as much as Tandy does after wholesale prices. My goal here is the Tandy Pro Leatherworker's Tool Set (4899-00). Is there anyone that has it cheaper than Tandy? I don't think that will matter. I have three kits, and that tool set in my wishlist. If I bought the gold membership for $30, I get wholesale prices and save $95. Seems like a no brainier, but before I did that I wanted to ask if there were alternatives. For example, does someone have it for sale for less that the $250 that it's for sale by them for? If not it'll be mine form them by the end of the month. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
