I am a newbe to leather craft but have been lurking around this as well as other sites for a while now.Just a world of information & looks like a great forum. I think I have the bug but know absolutely nothing about the craft. I'm so new - I don't even know where leather comes from.
I've got enough room for a shop & was interested in starting with belts for those that carry concealed (mainly friends & fellows at my gun club) & if I like it then move into other areas.
I am a NRA certified instructor & shoot competitively in some local stuff so I know the guys that would like a belt now & then. This would be just a hobby & not interested in getting into mass productions.
Been to several of the Tandy stores & frankly not impressed. (maybe it's just my area). Have a million questions & hopefully many will be answered by a couple of Al Stohlmans books I have on order.
I guess the big question or questions I have, that probably will not be in any book is: Is there a list of supplies, suppliers, equipment, hardware for belts, type & weight of hides, things in general to get started.
I know that with my shooting, reloading & collecting 1911's I have made every mistake in the book, over the years, which constitutes to dollars lost. Maybe I'm looking for a "shortcut" that doesn't exist. I don't have a Business License or Tax ID# so Weaver & others are out.
Without stealing any trade secrets, can someone point me in the right direction?
Thanks for any & all help. Hobby Tom