Dallas Cowboy

Well i am a newbee in this leather world. But i will tell you i own 2 other businesses. Hobbies don't "make" money, businesses do. I have never seen a part time hobby that has made any money to speak of. Now don't confuse hobby with part time job. I know of a couple of holster makers that have full time jobs and make holsters at night or on the weekends. They work 5 or 6 hours a night and usually all day on saturday. SO this to me is a part time job not a hobby. Basically just have fun if thats your goal, or go make money at it if you want a part time job.

Wondering who makes the best makers mark. Would really like a steel one, not plastic, and one that will last a long time and not break the bank. Thanks DC

I am going to order my stamps from Berry King tomorrow. But i will also need a swivel knife and maul for stamping and tooling. SO what are some suggestions for each? ALso i noticed that some swivel knife manufacturers offer different barrel sizes and different blades. Obviously mauls come in different sizes as well. Most of my work will be belts, chaps, holsters and book covers. SO what size and brand of maul do you prefer and what size and brand of swivel knife do you like? THanks DC

Thanks for all the suggestions. I looked up all of the suggestions and there is a wealth of knowledge out there. I looked at the Chan DVDs and the Watt DVD's. Anyone have any comparisons between the two?

Thanks for the reply Mike. That one was on my list to look into as well.

Thank you for the reply busted. When i was referring to chaps i am actually talking about thicker chaps like farrier chaps and chinks and not rodeo chaps. I don't know if that makes a difference. DC

I will try to find that and check it out. Thank you for the reply

Do you think you could use Fiebings and the RTC and have the same results? Do you think it was the Angelus or the RTC that was the cure?

I am trying to find the best books or DVDs for the basics of leather working. Things like carving, stamping, cutting and proper tool use. I read on another thread that books by Al Stohlman are recommended. Any other books or DVDs that you recommend? Interested in making belts, chaps, holsters, wallets etc....Simple stuff but i would like to learn from the beginning instead of making tons of mistakes trying to jump ahead several steps at a time. Thanks DC

Ok I'm sure i am asking a redundant question that has been asked many times before, but i just can't seem to find the answer. I am new to all of this and want to be able to sew with a machine. I am interested in making holsters, belts, chaps and similar stuff. SO i was wondering if there is one machine that could sew small thread stuff, with thinner leathers like chaps, belts and wallets and also large enough to sew with bigger heavier thread with thicker leather for making holsters. Also would like to find one that is user friendly (I have read that some of the machines are hard to use when going slow for long runs such as belts when you are new like me). Also i would like to find something that is middle of the road in price range (Not wanting some cheap piece of crap but don't want to drop $5,000). Thanks for the help, DC

Why do you prefer to line all your belts? SOrry for the questions but your work is amazing and i am VERY new to all of this. DC

Thats a great price for a belt with that much craftsmanship. Props to you and your skills man. So I'm guessing you are ordering veg-tanned 8-9 oz sides?

Very nice work. LOve that!! I do have a couple of questions for you if you don't mind. Do you cut your own blanks or do you order them from some other company? How much would your normally charge for a belt like this. Very nice craftsmanship!!!!

Thank you for the reply. I will probably never make a living doing this and will just piddle with it, but i still buy quality tools even at higher prices. SO i will check him out. Thank you.

I am new here and new to leather working. I am a blacksmith by trade and am actually looking for a new hobby. I have always had custom leather pieces and have been wanting to try my hand at this trade. I am wanting to get into making belts, chaps, and holsters as a hobby. With this being said, i have always bought quality tools over starter type of tools. I believe in the old saying you get what you pay for. SO i am looking at buying my tools (Knives, stamps, mauls, punches etc....). I have looked at Tandy's site but i was wondering if those are quality tools or not. I want to buy tools that will last and are good quality and not stuff that is junk. Beginners sets from places like Tandy make me nervous. So can someone line a newbee out here with some quality places to order from and some top notch name brands. Thanks a ton, DC