a "shopping list" for the neophytes

[pete]

I'm so impressed with the new interest and talent that many of these new members have. What I would give to have had a place like this 20+ years ago when I started to get serious. There wasn't even a Tandy close by let alone an internet to swap information and pictures.

What do you all think about a "shopping list" for the neophytes joining us regarding the things that we have bought in the past that flat -

didn't work

you never used

was worthless

can't live without

found a better substitute

didn't work as advertised

must have

etc etc etc...

Maybe we could add to it as we did with the poll on

what I have learned about leatherworking

thoughts?

pete

ps- I'll start the thread

The roller swivel knife sharpener is real handy when starting out. Perfect angle each time

the plastic circle edge burnishing tool is worthless.

[esantoro]

You've got to get a dremel. I was surprised I had heard of these only recently, and yet they've been around for years.

[Johanna]

The "ultimate workshop" kit Tandy sells is a good value for someone starting out. Everything but the rotary hole punch is useful.

Johanna

[Michael Sheldon]

If you're going to stamp/tool leather, a large, thick stone slab is essential. My personal opinion is that 2" thick is best. I struggled for a while to get good clean impressions. I finally bought a slab, and my work improved dramatically.

[esantoro]

600 grit and 400 grit wet/dry sand paper. Even if you don't know much about sharpening tools, you can give your knives and edgers the once over with these fine grit papers and see a big difference. This alone has been motivation for me to learn more about sharpening tools.

[esantoro]

I don't know how I had worked so long without a hobby vise.

http://cgi.ebay.com/CRAFTSMAN-51874-BENCHT...1QQcmdZViewItem

http://cgi.ebay.com/New-Dremel-2500-Multi-...ksid=p1638.m118

[Regis]

Pete,

Good idea but, not sure how we can make it an easily accessable reference for new folk. I'll start entering

didn't work - old cheap leather(seems like bargin); pull type skiver

you never used - Skiving knife (Hurst video); Manul sewing "unit" needle/thread/awl in one

was worthless - Rotary punch from TLF

can't live without - individual hole punches; very sharp angle or filigree blade on swivel knife; modeling tool; optivisor;

found a better substitute - heavier mallet

didn't work as advertised - black eco-dye

must have - propetal; cutting matt; stable/heavy/marble tooling base

- I would buy very minimal tools and add only when I could not do some necessary task.

- Would buy better quality tool when convinced you will use it a lot.

- Buy best leather within your budget from reputable source that offers full refund if not satisfied.

- Don't just buy leather, have a purpose and ask for weight & type reccomendations

[esantoro]

Do not buy the Super Skiver from Tandy--Does not work.

[esantoro]

Pete,

Good idea but, not sure how we can make it an easily accessable reference for new folk. I'll start entering

didn't work - old cheap leather(seems like bargin); pull type skiver

you never used - Skiving knife (Hurst video); Manul sewing "unit" needle/thread/awl in one

was worthless - Rotary punch from TLF

can't live without - individual hole punches; very sharp angle or filigree blade on swivel knife; modeling tool; optivisor;

found a better substitute - heavier mallet

didn't work as advertised - black eco-dye

must have - propetal; cutting matt; stable/heavy/marble tooling base

- I would buy very minimal tools and add only when I could not do some necessary task.

- Would buy better quality tool when convinced you will use it a lot.

- Buy leather from

I second the dissatisfaction with the TLF Pro Rotary punch. The tubes do not center on the cutting anvil. I like the idea of individual punches, though not sure I want to keep track of them all. Perhaps the osborne rotary punch is better.

[Art]

However, do buy the 3001-00 Safety Beveler, Half the price, 4 times the usability and takes the same blades as the "Super" Skiver.

Art

Do not buy the Super Skiver from Tandy--Does not work.