Rocknrodeotack

Hey Guys! I had been kicking around the idea of getting back into my leather business. In the past I had purchased blank tack sets and worked on those a bit - just really amateur stuff. I can say that the only thing I know how to do is stamp with a basket weave tool, set rivets and spots in leather, and apply Swarovski crystals to Conchos with epoxy. Pretty basic, right? Now I want to jump back in it - even though my business name applies to tack, I want to try starting something a bit different to expand my knowledge and skill base so that I can eventually cut, dye, stitch, and do all the bells and whistles with tack. I'd like to start out doing belts and dog collars for practice - maybe work my way up to holsters and wallets. I'm on a budget with tools and preferably want to stay away from Tandy - I've turned to Springfield Leather instead. My intentions are to purchase everything I need for tooling, stitching, dying, etc. to get me going until I can purchase nicer tools. Items I have now: Punch Press, Basketweave tool, Poly Hammer, Hand Punches, an assortment of Swarovski crystals and crystal rivets, setters, spot setter, spots... Here's my shopping list so far: Cement,Contact,Barge 2oz Gum Tragacanth,4oz Thread,Wax,White,Heavy,25yd Tracing Film,1 yard Needle,Harness,"0"Sm,10pk Edge Kote,Black,4oz Slicker,Edge (Nylon) Craftaid,Belt,Oak Leaf/Acorn Craftaid,Belt,Floral 1-1/2" Dauber,Lint Free,10pk Strap Cutter,All-Purpose Stitching Pony,CraftmasterPro Punch,Multi-Size Strap End Edge Beveler,French Skiving Stamping Tool Set,SLC Basic 6 Kit,Handsewing Pattern,Feathers Knife,Swivel,Ergonomic Skiver,Super I know I still need a round knife, dyes, and some rivets. Anything else you would recommend that I am missing? Or maybe "do-this, avoid that"? Also what type of leather and weight would you recommend for tooled belts and collars? Non-tooled? I'm also considering getting a slab of marble to work on and a piece of rubber stall mat. Thanks!!

Thanks so much!

Thanks for the tip, but I can't seem to physically braid the braid correctly. Is there a tutorial or diagram that is accurate for leather?

Thank you for the response, however, I do not have a picture of my attempted work as it's not braiding nicely. Here is a picture of the pull.

I am attempting to create a braided air horn tug or pull, whichever you may wish to call it. It seems the tug consists of a 4 part round braid. The finished product should have the diameter of a quarter. I decided to go with 4 oz latigo leather 1/2" straps, based on some pictures, no cord. I've been watching video after video on YouTube but cannot seem to master the braid effectively. Is there a better tutorial of doing it? Or am I using the wrong leather?