Tugadude

Shame that folks feel the need to ask others to be nice, but I'll bet it is because the original poster was flamed on some other forum. I've witnessed some really harsh treatment and frankly have stayed away from some as a result. Natenaaron, you have it pretty much right. One of the nice things about horses is that the jaws are operated by your foot. Frees up your hands having to mess with tightening hardware. Also, check out the European clams, at least that is what I think they are called. They work differently than ponies or horses, using thigh pressure to hold your project tight. Good luck in your search.

Springfield Leather Co. Has their Finesse line of tools. Probably a good way to start. Tandy has some very nice irons, check them out too. I agree wholeheartedly with the poster above, 25b. Nigel's reviews are super and his youtube videos can't be beat. He really knows how to teach saddle stitch technique.

Nice cover, very smart looking. Welcome to the forum! Hope you share more projects.

BTW, Nigel is on Facebook. Perhaps you could reach out to him and ask about sources?

http://www.armitageleather.com Watch Nigel's videos on Youtube, he covers all of the basic skills you need and his stitching explanations are superb. You might want to purchase his patterns, especially the small shoulder bag. It is a beautiful, basic case that teaches a lot of processes including measuring, cutting, edging, stitching and how to fashion gussets. He has a video up, but if you can, purchase his instructions. Helps repay him for the useful work he publishes that is available to the masses. In addition to the bag, he also has a video on a basic wallet. Great starter project! There are some great leather outlets in the UK. Lots of leatherworkers here that live in the UK and hopefully they can help with various sources. Good luck!

I would suggest you not invest in too many tools to begin with. You probably have many already that you can use until you decide whether you want to progress in the craft/hobby. Do you have a Tandy store near you? They can be of help to beginners. Tandy sells small bags of leather trimmings. You can buy them cheaply and have lots of pieces to craft small projects with. As far as a first project, how about a key fob? Or a bracelet? There are a lot of easy to make leather projects featured here. Search the various sub-forums. Even a simple key fob can teach you cutting, edge finishing and stitching skills. I assume you might already have an X-acto knife or other razor knife? Edging/burnishing can be accomplished with many items found around the home. Stitching holes can be spaced with a common fork and holes made with a nail or drill bit. If you want to purchase tools, Tandy and Springfield Leather Co. Can help. I just caution against buying a bunch of tools that a few months from now you decide you didn't really need or aren't happy with. Youtube has tons of beginner leatherworking videos. Search around. Good luck!

Beautiful, and never apologize for photos...we love 'em!

Not trying to be argumentative, but the ad clearly states that this creaser rounds the edge at the same time. Maybe someone has used one and can chime in?

I cut and pasted this from a poster by the name of "Chain" 35% Beeswax 5% Carnuba Wax 60% neatsfoot oil or virgin (to match the bees wax maybe) olive oil May need to adjust the wax/oil ratio to get the desired consistency. Carnuba wax available here: http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/350521416091?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1423.l2649 Olive oil won't go rancid and was used by the Romans on leather a 1000 years ago. Samples of Roman leather have been found and are in great condition. A lot of the old time leather workers use it. The Carnuba wax is the hardest known natural wax so will add some protection as well as shine (shines better than bees wax)

Almost anything is better than nothing when you start. Buy the Tandy one, line it with leather as lapaglia wisely recommended, and try it out. If you stay with the craft, upgrade. Do you have a friend or relative that has tools? If so, it is pretty simple to build one when you are ready.

Yes, one is adjustable, but the other one rounds the edge of the leather as the stitching line is made.

I say fix it and either use yourself or if it is not saleable in the "fixed" condition, maybe give it to a friend. I bet it would be much appreciated.

These look flat, but not brass.

Ohio travel bag? They have tons of hardware, might have those.

You pretty much summed it up and answered your own question. Adjust it so that your project doesn't move when you are stitching, but not so tight that you damage it. It is just a third hand, so to speak. No need to clamp down too hard. Did you line the inside surface of the jaws with leather? If not, that also helps.

You might call the folks at Springfield Leather and explain the issues you are having, especially with their product. They have always been super helpful to me. If the product you are using isn't working to your satisfaction I'm sure they will have options.

http://www.leatherworker.net/Bob%20Park/Casing%20Leather.pdf Some good advice in this link. Especially with regard ro frequent re-wetting and how to maintain the casing for up to a week. Hope it helps!

Where are you located? Is there a Tandy near you? They have beginners classes. I see you found Springfield Leather, great folks there. There are tons of Youtube videos from which you can learn also. Books by Al Stohlman and others are great too. And feel free to ask questions here! We're all still learning.

Good luck with your new hobby. Nice looking belt. Lots of nice folks here to help teach and inspire.

I just call them leather corner reinforcements, but there is probably a technical term. Does this pic help as far as one method? Take scraps and mess around with different approaches.

Your English is just fine and the flip flops are awesome. Great job!

Not sure, but couldn't you use most any screw-on concho for that application?

Don't worry about what style it is. It looks cool, is a fine first attempt and hopefully you will continue down the path!

Now I'm wanting to stitch up a T-Rex bag, but I'm thinking my awl isn't sharp enough!