WESTBOUND

Clay, Outstanding! Did you do them on a lathe? What material did you use?

That is the conclusion I have come up with over the last few days. I think I currently have everything I need to do about any leather project. I just need to gain the knowledge and experience. Are there a certain set tools/ stamps that are considered the main tools which you really can't do without or need the most? Would it be wise to have good stamps in these tools made by a reputable tool maker?

Thanks Pelallito, That is what I needed to know. I guess I will stick with the Stainless steel bolts for making my custom tools. Going to a junk yard and cutting out suspension springs is more than I want to deal with right now, although that is good to know for future reference.

Would that technique work for other forms of steel easier gotten than by cutting springs out of a junk yard car with a plasma cutter? for example, a piece of steel rod from Home Depot or Lowes?

Thanks for your help, everyone. I have bought about 70 stamps in the last two weeks, mostly on Ebay and Craigs list. About all of the stamps have been Craftool. I can see that Craftool is not the best stamp, but I have only been leather working for a couple weeks now so my designs are messed up more by me than a poor stamp. I will buy better tools in the future but the cheap ones get me started. The knowledge you guys gave me will help me decide which tools are the better tools when searching odd sales. Buying different stamps gets addicting, along with bidding on Ebay. I think I am enjoying buying the stamps more than doing the actual leather work. Is this normal? My wife says," no more stamps!" I say, "yes Dear", and think to myself, "where else can I look for stamps".

Thanks for the info. I enjoy looking for tools. I try to hit Rumages and Estate sales looking for Diamonds in the rough. Here in Colorado there are a lot leather tools around if you know where to look. I was trying to find out the names of tools, and what to look for if I come across leather tools (stamps). I know about Tandy tools and Craft tools, but how do they rate as tools? What are some other tool brand names besides the custom tool makers? If I come across some stamps what do I look for? For example the steel, numbers or names on the side, and any other pertinent info to insure a quality tool. What is a good price for a quality tool? I just bought 27 older Craft tools with price tag still taped on each tool ($2.00 to $4.15), a set of 3/4" letter stamps, a swivel blade knife, plastic tool holder and a couple other odd things for $90.00. Did I pay too much or was that a good deal? I really appreciate any info anyone can give me.

I am new to leather working and I am trying to build up my leather tools. I have been looking on Ebay, Craigs list, rummage sales, and flea markets for stamping tools. My questions are: Which brands of stamping tools are the best, and how do I determine that brand by looking at the tool? What it a good price for stamping tools? Your help is greatly appreciated.

This is what I have been looking for all over the internet, "How to make leather tools" and I have not found anything. I guess I should have started here. Any updates on new tools and techniques used to make stamps and other tools? Pictures are worth a thousand words, and picture tutorials are worth more than gold..... Please, respond this is a very good and important topic, for me and others. Thanks