Newbie Needs Help, With Basketweave

[Robledo]

Hello, im from la and im new to this leathercraft concept. I think its a really form of art. You can do whatever you want. I just started. I ordered 6 1/2 oz. Cowhide and 2 oz pigskin. I will be making a Sam Browne. Its a police belt. And I will be making mace pouches and holster and a flashlight holster, and mag pouches. I would also like to know the tools and I will be needing. Also what would be a good finish for something extremely tough and water proof. It will receive a black dye. And I will also add snowproof, I think. I would appreciate it if you guys would point me to the right direction as far as the tools and things I need to do. I will be buying from Springfield leather. I also need help with the procedure of making the iteam. I will be tooling the leather with basketweave and a camouflage tool.

[silverbullet]

For help start by watching YouTube vids some very good ones some from tandy on there too. Buy just what you need till you practice awhile get some scraps even from eBay to start, to jump into a Sam Browne set up is not for the beginner but your the owner if you want go for it. You'll need either the dyed leather or a good Latigo tell the supplier what your making they can help . Snaps and setter, a Burnisher and wax , hole punch , you can buy the Sam Browne buckles and attachments for police leather also ck other post on here for pictures and ideas and where to find the items you'll need . Take it one step at a time, don't rush remember Rome wasn't built in a day neither is a Sam Browne . Gary

[Robledo]

Thanks you alot gary I will take it one step at time, also I have a quick question. How do you recommend I seal the leather for tough every day use and I need the color to be black. Thanks again silver bullet.

[silverbullet]

I would buy the leather already dyed then you can seal lots of ways ,I like neetsfoot oil and let it drye then carnauba wax and buff . Resolene , mopnglo cut 50% . No matter what you use after awhile you'll have to reapply about once a year to keep the leather pliable and alive . If not it'll start cracking and sweat bleading into the leather will make it hard also.

Read my last answer the resolene and others are different ways of sealing not all at once sorry getting sleepy it's 4am here been up al night again?

[Robledo]

Thanks you for your help gary.

[silverwingit]

It sounds like you are serious so you should think about getting some serious stamp tools. I would strongly advise getting your basketweave and camouflage stamps from Barry King. Waaay better than the Tandy stuff that Springfield sells.

http://www.barrykingtools.com/page8.htm

They'll make better impressions and last far longer.

Also, while you are at it, you might want to pick up a Barry King maul. The preferred tool for pounding on stamps. There are other sources, too, but BK mauls are very effective and priced right.

At least that's the way I see it.

Good luck,

Michelle

[Robledo]

I will look at these tools. I think I will end up spending the same, and I will rather get quality tools. Thank you Michelle.

[Robledo]

I know this is an old topic but I need help wet molding leather and then tooling the leather with basketweave. How does it work and I been told that white vinegar works great is that true?

[Roq]

I know this is an old topic but I need help wet molding leather and then tooling the leather with basketweave. How does it work and I been told that white vinegar works great is that true?

You will need to wet mold first and let dry. Re-wet the leather and tool while still on the mold.

You can add steel wool to white vinegar to make black dye.

[Robledo]

Alright thanks a lot. I kind of had an idea , but better safe than sorry. Thank you.