Has anyone attended Jim Linnell's classes at Tandy?

[SUP]

I was planning to attend Jim Linnell's classes at Tandy next week-end but might drop the idea. Tandy insists that I bring all the tools -   tooling stone, mallet swivel knife, strop, stylus, modelling spoon, hair blade, wing dividers, petal lifter, basic floral carving stamps in medium to small sizes, figure carving bevelers of medium to small sizes, and background matting stamps. I am surprised because they normally provide all that during their own classes, so Tandy has the stock to provide to attendees.. I don't have all that and hoped to learn how to use them and then buy what I needed. Will not attend that class now. 

Is this how it always is for Jim Linnell's classes or anyone else's classes in Tandy? Does anyone have any experience with this?

[DieselTech]

Yes most of them classes want you to bring all your own tools. They usually will provide some tools if you show up empty handed. 

I would like to attend 1 of his tutorials to say I got to do it & learn some things. 

Don Gonzales puts on classes too that I want to attend. 

[SUP]

Some tools, yes but tooling stone? That's a bit much. I need to carry in a suitcase for the class. 

I would have thought, if Tandy provides the tools then attendees would learn and buy what they need after the class, like happens in their other classes. Here, we will buy things elsewhere and they will not get much sales. 

This becomes a case of getting all the tools even before knowing whether it is something one wants to invest in. The list of tools needed is quite detailed and substantial.

Edited February 24, 2024 by SUP

[DieselTech]

31 minutes ago, SUP said:

Some tools, yes but tooling stone? That's a bit much. I need to carry in a suitcase for the class. 

I would have thought, if Tandy provides the tools then attendees would learn and buy what they need after the class, like happens in their other classes. Here, we will buy things elsewhere and they will not get much sales. 

This becomes a case of getting all the tools even before knowing whether it is something one wants to invest in. The list of tools needed is quite detailed and substantial.

Yeah I have been buying tools now for a few years & still dont have all the ones I want. 

I reckon i got over a 100 different stamping/tooling tools. 

Yeah having to bring your marble is a bit much. 

[jrdunn]

If you just want a "taste" of Jim Linnell's classes, here is a link to SLC's class that he does.  This is for part one.  I think it has three.  You can watch, pause and watch more.

JM2C,  Jim(not Linnell)

[SUP]

@jrdunn I think the link did not get attached.

@DieselTech exactly! Those stones are so heavy! That list is cut and pasted from Tandy's email to me telling me what I need to take along. for the class. Puts me off completely.

I know Jim Linnell has his own site and classes I can buy for much less. And learn at home. Won't be the same but I won't need to carry along so much or buy so many instruments just to learn from him personally.

I suspect Tandy is not much pleased with him for some reason. Normally, in all Tandy's classes, they provide the tools. So this is surprising.

I have some stamps, not too may because I am not yet doing much tooling or stamping. But I do have loads of leather sides of all types and so many knives! Can never resist them although I have just 2 all time favorites. The rest look nice on my wall. Taken down periodically, cleaned, waxed and kept back... used rarely. LOL

We should have a thread of tools for leatherwork - tools actually, most frequently used and needed versus 'great brands' so newbies do not die of sticker shock like I did a year ago. 

[bruce johnson]

I may be wrong about this one but most of these outside instructor classes at Tandy stores are during times the store is normally closed to avoid interruptions. The ones I've attended may have a store manager or employee present to "host" the event but may not be able to access the system to make sales. These are not necessarily "Tandy sanctioned classes" to specifically sell current Tandy tools. I have sold Jim discontinued Craftool stamps he has used for some of his classes. He has made some of these available for students to use or buy. I don't know what this class is or the specific tools recommended. As far as  bringing your own tools, yes that is pretty standard for most classes.  Bringing your stamping surface? yeah, pretty much a requirement at most leather classes. I'm at the Prescott leather show right now, and everybody taking a class is packing their stamping surface. Usually a square foot piece of marble or granite  with a black rubber punching surface glued on the backside. My wife took a class here Wednesday and has one like most people  - marble stamping surface and a black sole material back with a leather wrapped edge and handle.  Let's face it - stamping on an 1-1/2 marble on folding banquet table is not optimum, but the first project is not the end goal - learning the techniques to go home and apply them is.  

[bruce johnson]

5 hours ago, DieselTech said:

Yes most of them classes want you to bring all your own tools. They usually will provide some tools if you show up empty handed. 

I would like to attend 1 of his tutorials to say I got to do it & learn some things. 

Don Gonzales puts on classes too that I want to attend. 

I am at the Prescott leather show and both of them are teaching here. If you want to knock two bucket list things at once, they will both probably be teaching at the Sheridan WY show in May. The class schedule should be out in the next couple weeks. Both of these shows are really fun and good classes, comraderie, world class leatherwork contest,  lots to see and a big trade show. 

[DieselTech]

15 minutes ago, bruce johnson said:

I am at the Prescott leather show and both of them are teaching here. If you want to knock two bucket list things at once, they will both probably be teaching at the Sheridan WY show in May. The class schedule should be out in the next couple weeks. Both of these shows are really fun and good classes, comraderie, world class leatherwork contest,  lots to see and a big trade show. 

Yeah its definitely on my bucket list of things to do. Just the funds are not there this year to do it. 

Just seeing & being at 1 them big shows would be a joy for me. 

[bruce johnson]

36 minutes ago, SUP said:

 

I have some stamps, not too may because I am not yet doing much tooling or stamping. But I do have loads of leather sides of all types and so many knives! Can never resist them although I have just 2 all time favorites. The rest look nice on my wall. Taken down periodically, cleaned, waxed and kept back... used rarely. LOL

We should have a thread of tools for leatherwork - tools actually, most frequently used and needed versus 'great brands' so newbies do not die of sticker shock like I did a year ago. 

I wrote a series of articles for ShopTalk magazine about upgrading from basic tools - which tools and what order to do it in, and some recommendations without many if any specific maker recommendations. If you subscribe they may be able to hook you up with back issues or the on-line subscription might link to them. I can't copy it here because of copyright issues. I've had wonderful feedback from experienced makers and several "thank you's" from newer people  on that series. Sticker shock is kind of relative and I get that. People who know my background understand where I've been at times. It is all a progression and nobody has the same finances, expectation, or needs as any other leather maker.

I'm at a trade show right now. Barry King is here, Robert Beard is here, Clay Miller is here, Horse Shoe Brand Tools, David Mabe is here, Leather Wrangler is here, we are here...all selling new stamps, mauls, and swivel knives at different price points. Some are more expensive than others. I am set up and selling general tools plus new stamps from Wayne Jueschke, new stamps from Richard Brooks, older McMillen, Gore and CLT stamps, Don King stamps, and slew of Craftools. I've got stamps in a big price range. We sold over 200 Craftool stamps today at $5 each. I sold a few $185 flower centers, and a lot in between. I had a few people just want to hold a Don King stamp and look at it. They are all important to me and Rundi and I are just as happy for the customers who got their Craftools as we are the ones who got their Jueschkes and the ones who may buy a Don King before the show ends. Ive said it before but these are our people and this is our tribe.