Hello everyone and thanks in advance for any advice you can give me. I have never worked with leather before. I work as a Graphic Designer for a T-Shirt shop. I recently pre-ordered a laser for cutting and engraving. I want to use it to make custom wallets and bags. I don't expect to receive it for several months, but I want to do a lot of research before I get started. I have many questions, and there are probably questions I should ask, but don't know I need to ask. I have researched a little, but finding specific answers to my questions has been yielding a lot of contradictory answers. I'm hoping the knowledgeable members here can help me get started. I'll list a few questions I have, and feel free to let me know if I'm missing something important.
1. What type of leather should I start with for wallet making? From what I am reading, Vegetable Tanned in the 3oz range seems appropriate. Am I right? Do you have any other suggestions?
2. What type of threading should I use? I intend to cut stitching holes, then use an awl and hand-stitch.
3. Can you recommend any vendors for leather, stitching and tools?
4. I know it will depend on the design, but can anybody give me a general idea on the square footage I can expect for a wallet? I'm thinking maybe around 2.
5. Is there anything I need to know concerning cutting leather with a laser? I intend to stay away from dyed leathers to avoid corrosive fumes damaging my machine. I am seeing that using masking tape over the leather can help prevent smoke damage. I don't know if there may be something else to consider.
I really appreciate your time if you can offer any tips.