Looking to get into the hobby

[Damian]

Hi all,

I've been looking into getting into this hobby for a while now, but I'm having a bit of trouble. I want to start off simply, making things like leather bracelets, and move on into more complex projects as my skill improves. My main concern is that I don't know where the best place to get tools would be, what I should get, and what is a good price! I've looked into Tandy leather and several other websites and was hoping someone here might be able to give me some pointers as to what I should begin with. Would it be more logical to go with a large amount of tools in the beginning, in hopes of saving money in the future, or would it be better to just get a few tools at first and buy more as I need them?

Any thoughts would be great.

Thanks!

-D

[Drac]

hey! welcome to our wonderful little addiction! my 2 cents worth on where and how to start would be pick which area you're most interested in and start there. get the tools for that and jump on in. once you've gotten used to all that, add another area and keep going like that. if at all possible, set yourself up a dedicated workspace. you'll find that there's people who are pro-tandy and others who are anti-tandy. I think tandy is a great place to start especially for someone who is jsut getting into this because of all the kits they have and if you can actually go to one even better if they have a good staff and classes. I've been making most of what I make for about 13 years professionally and I still use tandy and enjoy going there and the leather factory (same company) warehouse to pick up what I need/want along with a few other places. and remember, there's not much set in stone with leather goodies, so always feel free to experiment... and take lots of pictures! *L*

[TwinOaks]

I agree with Drac, get what you need, then expand your tools with your skills. Also, a limited number of tools will help to teach you to be creative with them, and fully use each one- like using a (tandy model) b200 beveler to 'draw' with. It's another use for the same tool, and in a limited way, it can be used as a modelling tool. Actually, there's lots of tools that you can multi-task with. On a side note, speaking to the only Tandy rep I know, he told me that the stamp metal is a softer compound than it used to be, and thus is more easily damaged (dent, nick, scratch, etc.) I noticed this when I found a bit of the chrome flaked off of a newer tool. The 'old' tools I got from my dad are better formed, and appear to be significantly harder. For really high quality tools, expect to pay $30-$60 per stamp, as many are hand made from solid stainless steel. The Tandy tools currently average about $8 apiece, and are available in sets, though they are made from a lesser steel that's been chrome plated. For just starting- I say go with Tandy. They also sell craft kits, which are precut. They don't have the best leather in them, but you can always use the kit as a template, and they are useful to teach you construction methods.

Welcome to the leatherland,

[Nocturne]

This is what I tell people when they come into our store and are interested in carving, but have never done it.

What you want to start with is called the "Basic Seven" tool set, and some veg-tan leather. Buy a pound of scraps, or maybe a couple small kits.

http://www.tandyleatherfactory.com/product...?number=8170-00 <-- Basic Seven Toolset

This comes with everything you need to get started. It has a seeder, camo, veiner, backgrounder, pear shader, beveler, and swivel knife with a 3/8" straight blade. Every tool you buy after this is beginning to specialize and personalize your collection, but those seven tools can keep you busy for quite a while. Also, this way, if you're not that into it in the long run, you're not out a huge amount of money.

If you get really hooked, and start carving a lot, you'll want to next look into a ceramic blade for your knife. Before you look at these, and gasp about the price... know that they are worth every penny. If you carve regularly, steel blades will need to be stropped routinely. Sometimes multiple times during one project. With my ceramic, I strop when I begin a project, and that's about it. Plus you never have to re-hone them, only strop.

http://www.tandyleatherfactory.com/product...?number=8028-00 <-- 3/8" Straight Ceramic Blade

If you start doing finer, smaller work, requiring better control of your cuts, look into a 1/4" filigree blade.

http://www.tandyleatherfactory.com/product...?number=8027-00 <-- 1/4" Ceramic Filigree Blade.

Another great thing to look into is where your closest Tandy store is, and call to find out if they offer classes or open workshop time. Not all Tandy's do, so be sure to call!

And be sure to look into the Wholesale Club at Tandy. $35 for a one year membership, and you get a reduced price on every item in the store, as well as once a month "buy one get one" on craftools and craftaids.

Hope this has helped in some way.

Edited March 15, 2008 by Nocturne

[David Genadek]

I wouldn't worry about tools or what you need to progress. I would find a project that really turns your crank and then just do what it takes. Let your passion drive the experience not your fears and insecurities. I see that as the biggest mistake beginners make. You will mess things up so just enjoy the journey and free your mind to learn and progress. Keep your focus on what you want to create and the rest will work itself out.

David Genadek

[BillB]

First of all, welcome to the forum and are varied experiences and opinion.

I thought I would add my 2 cents worth. If you are not ready for doing your own patterns and designs, then the kit path is the best way to go. If you are the type of person that wants to read about it first, then experiment, then get one or more of the many books available on leather carving (F.O. Baird or Al Stohlman are good examples). If you are near a place that offers classes (Tandy, Arts and Crafts Organization, etc.) you may want to attend one.

One thing I will recommend is the KISS principal (Keep It Simple, Stupid). :D I have seen a number of people loose interest in an Art or Craft simply because they did not keep it simple at the beginning and got frustrated and quite. :angry:

One last item, don't be afraid to experiment and try other parts of the craft once you have started.

Good Luck and keep us up to date on your progress.

[Damian]

Hey all,

Thanks for your input. I think I'm going to go with some of the Tandy tools to start, get the basic set, and go from there. I really appreciate all your insights, and I'll make sure to post some of my work (after I get over the whole "I suck" phase hehehe)

Later,

-D

[TwinOaks]

and I'll make sure to post some of my work (after I get over the whole "I suck" phase hehehe)

No, no, go ahead and post now. The best way to improve is to get critiques of your work that will help you know how you can improve. We won't poke fun of you, scout's honor. It's how we all learned, and how many more after you will learn. You might even find that there's a wide variety of suggestions, as we all tend to do things just a little differently.

[cowpounder]

Hi all,

I've been looking into getting into this hobby for a while now, but I'm having a bit of trouble. I want to start off simply, making things like leather bracelets, and move on into more complex projects as my skill improves. My main concern is that I don't know where the best place to get tools would be, what I should get, and what is a good price! I've looked into Tandy leather and several other websites and was hoping someone here might be able to give me some pointers as to what I should begin with. Would it be more logical to go with a large amount of tools in the beginning, in hopes of saving money in the future, or would it be better to just get a few tools at first and buy more as I need them?

Any thoughts would be great.

Thanks!

-D

You can get alot better tools for about three bucks more than tandy. Call Hackbarth @ 520-642-3891 Ellis Barnes has a 15pc. set of steel tools for $125.00 plus postage. To talk to Ellis call from 12.00pm till 4pm 7 days a wk.

[indypbear]

Damian,

A wise man recently reminded me the a good leather crafter just know how to cover their mistakes better. Get a mentor, stick with us, find a convenient supplier whether in person or mail order and get started. There are some really good books and pamphlets on the basics. The nearest Tandy is a great start. Ask the manager for a booklet by Tony Laier for $2-3. Start with the seven basic tools-Swivel knife, camoflage tool, beveler, pear shader, veiner, seeder and background tool. A good medium rawhide or poly mallet for starters also. Take it slow, work with these then build with experience. We're all here to help you so ask any question you want and we'll do our best to get you up to speed!

Let us know where you live and maybe someone is close or a store for help also.

Welcome to our world and Happy "Toolin'".

Indy