Questions From a Beginner

[Tempusfugit]

I am interested in getting into holster making and leatherworking in general. I have a few questions for some of you who are more experienced.

1. What books would you recommend for a beginner? I would like to pick up one on holster making and one on general leatherworking.

2. What would the initial estimated cost be for the tools and materials (excluding leather)? I am looking to get into this as a hobby, so low cost is a priority. However, I would like to have the necessary tools to turn out professional looking products. Does anyone sell a kit for beginners (and is it worthwhile?)

Thanks.

[Drac]

welcome to your new obsession! *L* for books, I couldn't tell ya since I'm self taught. tools, it's gonna depend a lot on what you want to do. I've gotten all me tools from tandy/leather factory and never had any problems with them (although there are some that will say EW! to that ). my tools consist of a couple of rivet setters (2 sizes), a couple of snap setter anvils, a couple of snap setters, a mini anvil, a couple of eyelet setters (different sizes), a couple spike setters (different sizes), 4 different hole punches, 3 strap tip punches (different sizes), 2 oblong hole punches (different sizes), various screwdrivers, needlenose pliers, an awl, a few straight edges, exacto knife, flat lacing needles, stylus, modeling tool, couple of swivel knives, a few tooling tools, large fiskars rolling cutter, a couple of cutting mats, a tippman boss stitching machine, a sewing machine, a couple of hammers, a couple of rubber mallets, a rawhide mallet, a punch board, a "V" gouger, a drill, leather shears, slicker, edger, boning tool, and I'm sure at least a couple more that I'm forgetting.

[SCOUTER]

Tempus... TANDY is the place to start. Go to their website http://www.tandyleatherfactory.com/ All the books by Al Stohlman are great but in my experience nothing beats instructional DVD's. You can buy them or rent them at Smartflix learn to do it right from the start... Good Luck!

[John D Dennehy]

Tempus,

What kind of holsters are you interested in making?

Are you interested in carving to start with as well?

Tandy/Leather factory sell starter kits for tools. Before you go off half cocked decide on a place to begin. Scouter recommends DVD's and the Stohlman books. I couldn't agree more. I wish there were DVD's when I started.

Is there a saddle shop or leather worker near you? Most are happy to give advice if not more. Most Tandy stores have classes available.

Your budget and desire are the only things you have to consider. Some of the folks in here have thousands invested in tools. You can accomplish a lot with some simple tools and there are lots of tools that can be home made. Look at the books and watch the Videos. You can get a lot of ideas for which tools you might need most to get started.

[Warren]

Tempus, I agree with what has already been posted. On top of that I will give you my 2 cents worth, which is that right here is one of the best places to learn that I know of! Just by reading this forum I have personally learned a great deal. People will be honest in their assessments of your work if you ask. They will be happy to make suggestions on how you can make improvements. Most of all they will give you all the encouragement you need to keep on trying when things don't go right, and believe me that will happen sooner or later. I know for a fact that this forum has improved my skills, given me new ideas and helped me when I needed it.

Warren

[Tempusfugit]

Thanks everyone. I found out that there is a Tandy near me, so I stopped there yesterday and bought a couple of books. I found a few DVDs on the web that I may end up buying too. I am anxious to get started with an easy project. What type of holster do you think is easiest for a beginner? Or I may start with a belt since I don't have a leather gun belt.