Recomend Some Hand Tools

[Kcinnick]

So I have made my couple big selections, and now I need to get some basic hand tools for making belts and holsters.

I am picking up a Cowboy sewing machine, Dixon Plough Gauge and I got a round knife from the vendor I got the plough gauge from. I talked the the nice people and Wickett and Craig and they are going to select some sides of leather to fit my needs. I also ordered a burnisher from spinner here on the forum for when he gets back to spinning.

I know I need

Edger(s)

Groover(s)

punches (round, oval, and the ones that make belt slits (I know I can use a hole punch and chisel for this, but I think I would prefer the long slit in one punch)

Boning tools

In my research, it seems that a #5 edger for one make might not be the same size as a #5 edger as another maker. Basically, I am just looking for a nudge in the right direction to what sizes and styles of tools I need to make belts and holsters.

Thanks,

Nick

[Art]

Hi Nick,

Go here and ask Bruce to select a #2 and #3 Gomph round bottomed edger for you. Alternately, you can get good new ones from Bob Douglas, or my favorite Ron's Tools.

For a groover, contact Vandy at Sheridan Leather Outfitters and get a Douglas Versa Groover, she also handles the Bob Douglas Tools line of edgers above. You won't find a better groover than the Versa Groover.

You will need a bag punch for belt buckles and bullet loops so get a 5/8", 3/4", and a 1". Get these from Vandy or Bruce, links above. Get either Gomph or C.S.Osborne Newark. Tell them you are user not a collector. You are still going to have to cut a big holster slot on Buscadero gun belts and holster slots, they don't make punches that big that have narrow enough slots.

Get an assortment of Belt Punches from Vandy, Oval punches are not really traditional for anything but harness.

You will need something to burnish edges, please read the Hidepounder tutorial; it is gospel on the subject.

Practice skiving with your Round Knife or get a skiving knife and practice, practice.

Get a fitters hammer, from Vandy, and make sure it is polished to the Nth degree of smoothness on both ends. It will come in handy for closing up stitch lines and smoothing presser foot marks.

Get a clicker knife (Vandy or Weaver) the one with the blue handle is the one I like. It will get places a head knife will never go.

I know and have dealt with everyone I mention, they are safe to deal with over a long distance. The tools I have mentioned are not going to be cheap, but they won't let you down either.

Art

So I have made my couple big selections, and now I need to get some basic hand tools for making belts and holsters.

I am picking up a Cowboy sewing machine, Dixon Plough Gauge and I got a round knife from the vendor I got the plough gauge from. I talked the the nice people and Wickett and Craig and they are going to select some sides of leather to fit my needs. I also ordered a burnisher from spinner here on the forum for when he gets back to spinning.

I know I need

Edger(s)

Groover(s)

punches (round, oval, and the ones that make belt slits (I know I can use a hole punch and chisel for this, but I think I would prefer the long slit in one punch)

Boning tools

In my research, it seems that a #5 edger for one make might not be the same size as a #5 edger as another maker. Basically, I am just looking for a nudge in the right direction to what sizes and styles of tools I need to make belts and holsters.

Thanks,

Nick