GJMarko

Hey Folks...as you can probably tell im very new to leatherworking and this board so please bare with me if I dont have all the info needed. Im trying to find out the thickness for leather I should buy to make armor for reenactment purposes? As well as what is the best way to harden the leather so I can form it to my somewhat bigger sized body? Id prefer not to use wax or my oven, any help would be greatly appreciated.

1) the armor would be used for reenactment purposes..I was in the SCA, got my behind handed to me, its why I reenact in Renfairs now...its much safer 2) yes, the armor would be all one color...preferably black, blood red or brown. 3) Im in Central New Jersey 4) yes it would be basic armor making, but I would like to add some of my own designs to the edges, possible chest plate, etc

Hello Everyone. Im as new as anyone can get. Ive never done any leatherwork but definately want to start. My main area of work would be doing SCA/Reenactment/Renfaire Armor. Can someone give me an idea on where to start? What thickness of leather should I use? How do I dye the leather? What is the most effective way of hardening the leather that wont burn me or my house down? Where is the best online supplier of cowhide and accessories? What tools should I use to get started? Any help would be greatly appreciated from the new guy.