retiredff

Dwight - thanks for the great insight. I think this press would work great for me. should the handle be perpendicular before starting to press of when completing? Thanks again Tony

Is 1/2 ton sufficient? Your reply has got me looking on Harbor freight for a 1/2 ton press. They are on sale now for $37! Thanks

GlenH - I know this is an old thread but, I know what you mean the impressions are not that great done with a hammer. My question is: I have not used a press before, I have some figure stamps, and alphabet stamps. How do you use the press with these? Just put the stamp under the arbor and crank away? Do you need the handle? I have not bought a press yet but if your response is positive I will buy one. Any info appreciated

where did you get the pattern? I like the layout.

Thanks for the book titles. I found the Leatherwork manual on amazon as a used book for $11 with shipping. and the craftool tech tips for less that $20 with tax & ship. These should keep me busy for a while. So the tools with letters are not old or "vintage"? How do the sellers on ebay get buy stating their tools with letters are "vintage? I read on this site to stay away from any tools with a letter "Z". Correct? I sent a seller on ebay an email about the "vintage" tools he has up for bid, here is his response: -------- Q: Dear proleathercarvers, I was under the impression that craftools that had a letter in front of a number or on the craftool chart are "current alternatives" or not the old desirable tools (vintage). One of yours I could not find - F897 on the chart, however it is under "old" on the chart #897. Are the"Alternatives" vintage or not? correct me if I'm wrong. A: These are all vintage tools made in the 1960s. Once the numbering of tools began, they were marked with “Craftool Co” and just a number. This type of marking was consistent up through 1962. In 1963, they started adding a letter prefix to the number. From 1963 until around 1969 they were marked with “Craftool Co.” and a number with a letter before it to identify the type of tool it was. Thanks, - proleathercarvers -------- Thanks for the reply's

while reading the conversion chart, the tools that have NO LETTER prefix are the best or will the current alternatives work also? I see a lot of adds on ebay that say "vintage tools" that has a letter in front of the number. So is the LETTER good or bad? Can anyone recommend a good book or 2?

I just ordered SLC tools just to try them out. I asked Kevin this question and he said his stuff is fine (I'll find out). As far as the high end stuff - not a chance I'll by any.

I didn't know that about the "Sheridan" patterns. I have some patterns on the way but can't remember if they are sheridan. I bought 10 pounds of scrap so I can practice with the patterns. The main tools I'm missing now are modeling tools, I should be able to get by with what I have until I get a better grasp of carving. Not to mention the other "practicing" I have to do - everything! Thanks for the reply

They may be great tools Michelle, but for someone who is 65 and has no plans on starting another career, $35 for a border tool is a bit steep. I think there has to be a point of no return when buying tools. I started off winning an ebay bid for old craftools that the previous owners grandfather used. He died in '87. So most of the 30+ stamps I bought don't have a letter prefix, they are in good shape, the ones that weren't I used a dremel soft wire brush on them and they cleaned up nicely, the imprints look fine to me, maybe not so for others. His tools do look nice though! Thanks for the reply.

I have the vintage 701. I bought some tools on ebay that were owned by his grandfather who died in '87. Most of the tools are vintage. I'll buy as many vintage as I can find. Within reason Thanks for the reply.

what is your source LTC?

I'm just starting out and buying a few tools, some like the granite block and cutting board I had along with knives, rulers etc. Since I've been looking on ebay, they are selling "vintage" tools (stamps) for almost double what I can buy them at SLC. Are the old tools that much better? If so in what way? I doubt if I will turn this new hobby into a production shop, just a hobby or slightly beyond a hobby. I also noticed, not everything on ebay that is "new" is the best price. Some people have outbid me for old tools that are 3-4 times SLC price... Tony

it has helped a lot, thanks! Has anyone bought a cheap wallet (or whatever) that has the slots, size etc you want then take it apart and make a pattern from it?

blue duck - that is exactly what I'm looking for, the hole in the center, clear or frosted would be OK with me.

I never thought of those, thanks Tom.

Great, that is just what I needed. Thanks Tim

I'm looking for what I need to make my first project - a wallet. I had an old cheap one that I took apart and made a pattern. I want the ID or drivers lic. pocket to have a clear cover. What do I use and where can I get it if not something readly available? Is it stitched/glued or both? Thanks Tony

Thanks Wyoming. Where can I get a copy of that index sheet?

well... maybe not! Mine is small, 6 sided with a small "line" extending from each point. I still can't find any reference to this tool.

I know this is an old thread, but I bought used tools from ebay and I could not find tool #58 on the crafttool index list I downloaded. search is a powerful tool! Thanks.

OK, I'll have to lookup what a stiffener is. Thanks

Thanks

I'm just starting to gather some tools and a few book before starting to "practice" on some scrap leather. When I'm ready, I will probably make items for the family and me for now. Probably key fobs, clutch purses, checkbook covers and tri-fold wallets (mine is about shot). I know I can buy the wallet and clutch purse interiors on springfield leather, but I'm not sure about the leather weights. I have read 4/5 oz for the outside and 2/3 for the inside of checkbook covers, how thick for the wallets? And what type of veg tanned leather (shoulder etc?). These will probably be laced (I really like that look), and a pattern will be applied to the outside. Thanks Tony

Thanks Wyoming, that link was helpful. I have books on the way and scrap leather to practice. Tony

Got it! Thanks TomG. In the "kit" I won on ebay there were 35 stamps. This chart will help a lot.