Members Mollard Posted February 11, 2010 Members Report Posted February 11, 2010 Hi. My name is Chris. I have been interested in leathercraft for awhile now and really want to give it a shot. I will be mainly focused on stitching motorcycle saddlebags, tool bags, belts and wallets. I'm not so much interested in tooling, yet. I want to be able to build rugged purpose built bags. Nothing fancy yet, just tough as nails. My interest in this started when I began doing long trips on my bike and could not find exactly what I required in a saddlebag, short of hiring someone to build it. My main source of inspiration is my bag from Saddleback Leather Company. I have one of their backpacks that suits me perfectly, but they do not offer saddlebags, tools bags and such. So I know what I want to build, but have no experience what so ever. I want to head down to the local Tandy and pick up a basic set of tools and a supply of leather. But local means 2 1/2 hours one way. So I want to be sure I get everything I need to begin stitching. I have been studying the books "The Art of Hand Sewing Leather" and " Leathercraft Tools" by Stohlman. I feel I have a decent list of tools required, but sure I missed something. So I'm asking for a bit of input before I make the journey to Toronto. I'm not interested in buying a "beginners set". I would rather buy quality tools, only the ones required for the task at hand. Want to start with some decent knives: Al Stohlman Damascus Curved Trim Knife Damascus Straight Trim Knife Damascus Head Knife (any comments about these?) Al Stohlman Punch Set Most of the rest will be Craftool to start: Poly cutting board Edge Beveler + slicker Stitching groover Over stitch wheels Draw gauge - for cutting straps Strap end punch Awl - diamond shape? Harness needles Compass Stylus Stitching pony Maul and smooth face hammer Straight edges + The Art of Making Leather Cases Glues, Dyes, Finish, Thread, Wax, Rouge, LEATHER. I don't know anyone personally that knows the craft. Just trying to put together a decent tool kit to get myself started. Any help is greatly appreciated. Inspiration: http://www.saddlebackleather.com/ Thanks a lot, Chris Quote
Ambassador Luke Hatley Posted February 11, 2010 Ambassador Report Posted February 11, 2010 WELCOME TO THE FOURM AND HAPPY SEWING....YOUR LIST LOOKS FINE. THE ONE ITEM I WOULD SUGGEST WOULD BE "THS ART OF HAND SEWING" by AL STOLHMAN. Quote Luke
Members celticleather Posted February 11, 2010 Members Report Posted February 11, 2010 Welcome to the Forum, Chris. That's a pretty comprehensive shopping list! Can't think of much else that you'll need, except practise . . . which money can't buy! I'm sure the folks on here will be happy to chip in with anything else that you need to know that's not covered in the books. On second thoughts, you may need something for sore fingers . . ! Quote When everyone is somebody, then no one's anybody
King's X Posted February 12, 2010 Report Posted February 12, 2010 Welcome to the forum! Please fill out your profile, so that maybe a member near you can contact you. Quote Greetings from Central Texas! The Grain Side Up blog #TheGrainSideUp
Members Mollard Posted February 24, 2010 Author Members Report Posted February 24, 2010 Ok, I'll get on the profile thing. I did happen to make it into tandy the other day. Just ended up getting my more reading material. Want to do a bit more studying before I take the plunge. Quote
Contributing Member JLSleather Posted February 25, 2010 Contributing Member Report Posted February 25, 2010 Want to start with some decent knives: Al Stohlman Damascus Curved Trim Knife Damascus Straight Trim Knife Damascus Head Knife (any comments about these?) Al Stohlman Punch Set Most of the rest will be Craftool to start: Poly cutting board Edge Beveler + slicker Stitching groover Over stitch wheels Draw gauge - for cutting straps Strap end punch Awl - diamond shape? Harness needles Compass Stylus Stitching pony Maul and smooth face hammer Straight edges + The Art of Making Leather Cases Glues, Dyes, Finish, Thread, Wax, Rouge, LEATHER. If you're cutting out bags, I think a "strap cutter" would be fine ... inexpensive "draw guage", much cheaper and sturdy enough unless you plan to have it for years. Much as I like Stohlman's work (cuz I DO), I think the "brand" with his name on the tools are overpriced. Noticeably less money will buy tools that will do the same thing just as well. Most of my "cutting patterns" are taken out of a hide with a heavy razor knife (saves time sharpening, just replace the blade for about a quarter), an X-acto kit, and a Pro Shears. Personal preference, I'd rather cut on a "poundo" board than the poly stuff. Just my preference. Rest of your list looks good. I don't know that Stohlman's series on cases will apply to the bags, specifically, but there are alot of good principles in there, worth seeing. Diamond shaped awl ... YES. Quote "Observation is 9/10 of the law." IF what you do is something that ANYBODY can do, then don't be surprised when ANYBODY does.
Members Mollard Posted February 28, 2010 Author Members Report Posted February 28, 2010 Well, I took the plunge and bough SOME of the stuff on my list. Bought a nice hide to practice with as well. I want to build heavy duty stuff here, so I started with some 5-6 oz stuff. My cheap tandy diamond stitching awl gave out right away. The needle part pulled right out of the handle after about 10 stitches....... Thats why I wanted to buy the quality stuff first, but this was the only one they had, besides the 4 in one which sucks also (and it makes to big of holes.). Can anyone recommend a place for a quality stitching awl, over stitcher and groover? Thanks for the help everyone. Quote
Contributing Member JLSleather Posted March 1, 2010 Contributing Member Report Posted March 1, 2010 You went the right way .. AMAZING how many times I see fellas spend their budget on tools to do leather, then don't have any money for the leather (doh!). Here's the rule ... you can't do leather work without leather. Been a good while since I did any bags, but the boys I know are making them out of 7/8 oz. I like doing that stuff, but got so many people wanting either skulls or flames, which just ain't my thing. Those boys remind me ... remember the movie "Blues Brothers"? ... We got BOTH kinds o music -- country AND western... You should be able to get the tools with any of the links at the top of the page. Might want to spend the extra $3 or so and go with the saddle groover. Same as the stitching groover, but reaches a little farther and a bit more sturdy. Quote "Observation is 9/10 of the law." IF what you do is something that ANYBODY can do, then don't be surprised when ANYBODY does.
Members Mollard Posted March 1, 2010 Author Members Report Posted March 1, 2010 Yeah skulls and flames isn't really my thing neither. I want to focus on making bags that last a lifetime + I'm sick of the throw away society I live in. Every where I go people want to sell me junk, so I decided to build stuff myself. Now, how can I build myself a quality awl...... Chris Quote
Members TimDreamer Posted March 2, 2010 Members Report Posted March 2, 2010 (edited) You could check out the awls at C. S. Osborne, they have hafts as well as the various awls to go with them. I had one of their tools (a creaser) handed down to me and it was still in great shape even after years of disuse and neglect. Whoops!! Springfield Leather carries C. S. Osborne tools, too!! Call Kevin!! Edited March 2, 2010 by TimDreamer Quote An appeaser is a guy who throws his friends to the alligator in hopes that the alligator will eat him last. -- Winston Churchill True Gun Control is grouping your shots and hitting what you are aiming at. -- Tim Dotson
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