Rawhide

Thanks for the reply. Did you tool anything on it? If so, how does it carve/tool? Marlon

Where does one aquire veg tan goat? What's it cost? Thanks, Marlon

Thanks for the info guys. Marlon

how did I know you would have the answer? Does the tool split and bevel as well, or are they separate tools? I would use it primarily for lace. But would it be benificial to get the large one for any other reason? Marlon

Yeah I think that's the new stuff. Great product. I also heard that Tandy has been on a mission to re-tool the craftools, back to the original masters of the fifty's and sixties (the good ones). I have no info on the dates of production or anything, but this has come from a very good source. Marlon

Does anyone know what Jim's splitter and/or beveler costs? Would someone repost his contact information? Thanks, Marlon

ClayB, What's the name of the leather you are talking about that you got from Tandy? Is it the Royal Meadows? I really like this stuff. It's a pretty pale color and carves like a dream. Marlon

The main reason you'll see that is on an edge that gets a lot of stretch. For instance the open end of a cell phone case. It gets pulled the most so the wrap over the top keeps the leather from tearing from too much stress. Marlon

I'm interested in the plans you have GH, are they digitized? Marlon

I don't think it is manufactured anymore. You may try to call Leather Factories, or Tandy retail stores and ask what they have left and try to buy them up. That may be your only chance. Marlon

You can put a gouge on the lining leather. If you want to do this you should probably make the belt from 6/7 oz for the front and 4/5 oz for the lining. Marlon

Bill, I think it depends on what you want to do or learn. He's charging $225.00 for a 2-day clinic here in Fort Worth, this coming weekend. The class is to cover carving techniques, and coloring. Marlon

Fantastic work. It's amazing what people can accomplish when they direct their energy in a positive path. Also Pete, you would be amazed at how far leather will stretch. If you look for work by Robb Barr, you'll find that some of his work is stretch 4, 5, maybe 6 inches from the flat plane. I had the chance to see some of his work first hand, and believe me, leather can stretch A LOT!!! Marlon

AH HA!! That's what I'm looking for! I had a sneaky suspicion, but I want someone to verify it. Thanks, You guys kick, well you know!

Thanks beeza. I do get that part but, what I want to know is when I look at the package and if it says engraver and nothing else, what do I look for to tell me it's an oscillating engraver? Any specific specs that only a oscillating engraver would have? Stuff like that. Thanks again guys, Marlon

Ok, One more question. How do you know your engraver is oscillating or rotating? I don't know much about them. Thanks for answering all my questions. Marlon

Thanks, I'll give it a look around town. did you buy your plastic at McMaster? Marlon

Leathercraft Tools by Al Stohlman - best book in my collection. If you are going to dive into leatherworking, I would advise you to get a head knife. This is probably, my most used tool for cutting, skiving, trimming, etc... The Leathercraft Tools book will show you how to use it, sharpen it, and maintain it. There is no other tool in that book that is explained in more detail than the head knife, and my belief is that Al wanted to show how important this tool was to the leather industry. I personally have an osborne round knife, an al stohlman brand head knife (both from tandy) and a danny marlin head knife (my favorite). I bought i directly from danny, but I think hidecrafters still carries danny's knives. Also, find and buy a good swivel knife. Hopefully you can attend some shows and get to hold them in your hand and test drive them. Marlon

You can probably tool a 2oz leather, but it's VERY delicate. It's easy to cut too deep. If you want light leather, but good tooling qualities, I'd suggest a 4-5 oz. leather. Marlon

Gremlin, what brand, model number, etc... engraver did you use? Thanks for the re-post from the lost episodes! Marlon

craftsman827, Sorry for the late reply to your question. I didn't realize there was another post. Anyway, I got my roo skin from Hidecrafter's. It is pretty expensive stuff, I think the skin cost me about 65 bucks (11.25 per sq ft.), But I looked at Tandy for the precut and it's like 35 to 40 bucks for 25 yards, I used about 30 feet of lace to lace up that cover and cut it all out of a circle about 6 or 7 inches in diameter from the skin. Marlon

I don't work for Tandy, but I teach a lacing class there once a month. It's fun, and entertaining. I would work for Tandy if I was out of work, but wouldn't be my first choice, because of pay. I know pay shouldn't be everything, but just not enough for me. I do think that Tandy has a wonderful place in the leatherworking community, and it is nice to be able to walk into a store front and put your hands on a product you plan on buying. I also agree with David that it is a great entry level supplier, and leatherworking would be in a serious slump if it wasn't for them. After all it's where I was first introduced to this great art. Marlon

You may be able to get what you want out of an old screwdriver. the shape is already defined. and all you have to do is grind the blade to the proper angle. Marlon

1/4 inch is a pretty wide hole. You may have to use nippers and punch them one by one or a single chisel and swell the holes. Marlon

I live in Fort Worth, Texas, originally from Louisiana. I am a design engineer. My wife is an educator at a daycare in town. I have one 5 yr old son, and my mother lives with us as well. (Yes my mom and my wife get along very well, probably better than me). Marlon