radar67

I would like to see the pattern, looks like an interesting project. The modified hat in your picture looks good. Have you noticed any issues with the brim not being stiff enough?

As a newbie myself, I started with Tandy to see if I was going to like it. I started back in September 10. In December 10, I drove 3 hours to the nearest Tandy store to pick up some heavy items and some dyes. I made the decision to purchase the Elite Club membership and paid for it in savings on that trip. I can see it easily paying for itself many times over through out the year. Even with the best prices, watch the sales that Tandy has. I got a lot of my stamps at below the wholesale price, and was able to upgrade to better tools with sales. I started with the ergo swivel knife and the 1/4 inch ceramic angle blade. I cut with both the 3/8 metal blade and the ceramic. I like the ceramic better. Basic tools to start with: The wooden strap cutter sewing awl skive knife v groove cutter edge beveler (I started with a number 2 and 3) swivel knife select some basic stamps dependent on what you want to do (basket weave, camouflage, beveler, backgrounder, pear shader, etc) A leather mallet (never strike your tools with a metal hammer) Hole punches (Go ahead and spring for the pro model rotary punch, lifetime warranty) I picked up the maxi and mini punches because all my holes are not on the edges. If doing straps, pick up a strap end punch (get the larger one to start with, it will work for smaller straps too) Now, when I make an order for expendables, I throw in a couple of punches and usually some kind of tool. I will build my tools up as I go. I looked at the kits they offered, but many of the items included in the kit would not have been used for my projects. Always buy the best tool you can for the money you have to spend. I spent over $800 at my visit, but you can get started for less. You can buy lower grade leather to get started with. I have had good luck with the Oak series leather from Tandy. Every person will have different needs for tools, so just plan out your projects. Most of the kits sold a Tandy will give you a list of stamps needed and many of them will list tools needed. I purchase a couple of kits, but more for making patterns than the kit itself. The employees at Tandy are leather workers too, so they are very helpful if you have questions. Hope this helps.

That's a good thing. Found a lot of good info here.

When I transfer from paper to leather, I use saran wrap or a ziploc bag between the cased leather and the pattern. It keeps the paper from absorbing any of the water. For fine detail, I have started using the rounded point of a stitching needle as the stylus.

A little of subject, is this the same Kevin from FF?

I have an old Badger 200 out in the shop. He gave it decent marks, so should be real good for spraying dye and some minor detail work.

Try google sketchup. It is a very easy 3D CAD software to learn.

If you look really close at the pictures in the ad, you will notice that the "thread" is not thread, it is a metal clip. That item is made in China, so I was suspicious of it to begin with. You could easily saddle stitch a nice design in the ends to hold the strap together.

My two teenage daughters drug me to an animation convention last September. I was sort of a captive spectator since we were 3 hours from home. I wandered around looking things over, thinking to myself, Why? when I came upon a group who was dressed in leather armor and look like pirates, to an extent. I got to talking to the group about their costumes and curiosity got the best of me. Two of the members were sitting behind a table working on leather arm cuffs and all manner of leather. I have an obsession with tools, wood tools, blacksmith tools, just about anything to make stuff with, so I asked a lot of questions. The group was scheduled to have a hands on "How To" panel latter and invited me to come. I am still in contact with that group and they have given me some good pointers and advice over the last 4 months. Long story short, my daughters liked the leather too and wanted me to make some of it for them. I have been buying tools and pounding cow since. I found this site about a month or two ago and have been reading everyday.

I run a JET 1410 mini lathe. It has a six step pulley to let you change speeds. I burnish at about 1200 rpm. Not sure if your hardware store would have one or not. I got mine from Penn State Industries online. The rubber feet on mine cut the noise down to near zero. When I turn wood on it, the only sound I hear is the tool cutting the wood.

Stamphand, I had a look at your site and am interested in the boxes and tool holders you have on your bench. Can you post some pictures here and explain more about them?

I turned a piece of oak on my mini lath with grooves for the edges of different weights of leather. When I want to burnish, I put this piece on the lath, turn her on, and burnish away. It hardly makes any noise at all and I can customize another piece of wood if I need to get into tighter places on the edges.

I use the ergo handle knife from Tandy leather and am pleased with it. The adjustable part of the knife lets you tailor knife to your grip and comfort.