Lakejumper

Rob, if you're located in the U.S. and need a cutting mat, Joann's Fabrics has them for a good price with their coupons. Check out their website for coupons.

Chas, Thank you for the info on the maul versus mallet. I also found some more info on this forum.

To piggyback on this topic, (hope I'm not hijacking it!), I'd like to know what the difference is with using a round versus tapered or flat head maul is? Specifically, the round and tapered. I see that the Craftool Pro flat maul by Tandy is half of the weight. I've been using an older rawhide flathead maul. My stamping experience is mostly with Sheridan style but I would like to do some more Basketweave work as well. If you only had one, which would be the best?

JOhan, Thanks for the info. I have used newer tools and am pleased with most of them. I would love to visit the Stohlman Museum.

Very nice!

That is what I have been doing...replacing them slowly. I just purchased some used stamping tools that are the older and better ones and will buy better brands as I go.

Rlaing - I have several of the newer Craftool tools and they have been fine. OTOH, some leave impressions that aren't as good as the older tools I have but they are adequate. A couple of good examples are the "Pebble" and Basketweave stamps. The Pebble tool leaves a "dimple" impression no matter how I tap the tool. I haven't found a way to avoid it and figure that the tool is too convex in its shape. Or perhaps this is how they are designed...this is my first time using one. The newer Tandy Basketweave stamp works fine but it isn't as crisp as other brands out there. I'm just making items for myself, family and friends so highly visible, professional quality isn't necessary for me and I don't want to invest a lot more money (I've spent enough already! lol). FWIW, Tandy is having a sale on their Craftool Pro stamps now.

For what it's worth, I have had luck with Amazon shipping Fiebing's Pro dyes to me directly, whereas I can't purchase them from Tandy because they can't sell them in California. Amazon must have a "work around" the laws. This may also work for Angelus.

Thanks Rohn...love your work! I haven't tried beveling but was curious. One thing I have learned here, is to tap with more pressure on my tools to get a better impression.

I have learned a lot here and am constantly working on my skill level. You may want to post some pictures so that members can see the tooling and provide you with some tips.

All - thanks for the tips and suggestions!

I found a pencil works best too. I was able to use my mechanical pencil. To piggyback on this thread...the tracing paper has a dull and shiny side. Does it make a difference which side is up? Are there any cheaper sources than Tandy?

Good job for first attempt. One of the Tandy videos shows the camouflage tool turned the way that Stormcrow used it along a border. Mattsbagger's method looks good as well...there are so many ways that you can use these border tools! Great ideas here! Rohn - Do you also bevel the border line that you cut with the swivel knife?

Thank you Mike. I'm going to see what he has.

They look great...I agree about the edges. For an "economy" leather, the color of the dye looks great and very even.

Welcome! It's a fun and fulfilling hobby/trade. Lots of great info here.

Thanks JLS. I looked at the tools that I had bought awhile ago (can't remember when) and many of them have Craftool USA on them. I do see a change in the texture on them versus my recently purchased tools.

Thanks Howie. I did another search and found this info with the dates as well on an eBay blog. I'm think g that if a tool falls into 1, 2, 3 and 4 below, that it may be a better quality tool. Or perhaps I should avoid 4 as well? "A rough guideline as to age can be made from what is stamped on the handle; If it says: 1. CRAFTOOL CO - with No Number.......most likely made before Craftool started putting the numbers on tools around 1950. 2. CRAFTOOL CO. - with only a 2 or 3 digit number..........it was made prior to 1963. 3. CRAFTOOL CO. - with a letter prefix & number ...............it was made about 63' to 68' 4. CRAFTOOL CO. USA - with a letter and number .............it was made after 69" 5. CRAFTOOL USA - with a letter and number..................... it was made more recently"

I have an opportunity to buy some Craftools that are 10-15 years old. Some may be older. Will these tools be any better quality than what Tandy is selling today? How can I tell if a Craftool is the older and better quality tool? When did the quality change...I read some old threads and some members mentioned 1960's. Thanks in advance!

I love the antique watch and the way you attached the gears! Nice job.

Keyair - I'm with my63... I can't offer advice as I have no experience with upholstery, but the seat looks great. The RV is going to be beautiful when you're done. Did you polish it yourself? Looks great! If you're keeping it for yourself, as I'm sure you've thought of this...consider is keeping it to the original style as much as possible. If you decide to sell it down the road, folks want the "vintage/original" look. Can't wait to see it all finished! I have acquaintances who restore vintage RVs for a living and they are beautiful.

Beautiful piece! It's tooled so well that it appears to look as though it was formed on a mold or embossed....very dimensional!

I would have paid much more! Good wallets that don't have custom hand tooling are much more expensive. I like your designs. The banjo has great detail!

Nice work! I like the designs with the black background.

Thanks for sharing!