So I Am Brand New To This And About To Pull My Hair Out!

[DaveT]

Congrats on getting started on a new obsession. I'll warn you now, it will get expensive, and you'll never quit learning. On the up side, you'll meet some of the nicest people you could ever want to meet.

One thing you said jumped out at me, you bought a tooling belly. That's all fine and good for practice, or anything that doesn't need strength, but for a dog collar or lead you really need to go with good strap leather. A double shoulder will work, but if you can afford it go with a "double bend". The strongest part of the hide is right up around the spine area. This part of the skin moves and stretches the least. The belly the most. The shoulder area is kind of in between. Anything you can use for belts would be good for leads and collars. I own two Rottie crosses and either one would stretch a poor quality lead in a heart beat. I finally made a couple up out of 1" wide latigo. This is the same stuff most horse harness is made of! Now if they didn't outweigh my wife she might be able to walk them.

There's lots of good info on selecting a hide, and what areas of the hide are good for what kinds of projects on this board. There is also good info in the basic Leathercraft book from Tandy.

Hope this helps

Dave T.

[klarr74]

Congrats on getting started on a new obsession. I'll warn you now, it will get expensive, and you'll never quit learning. On the up side, you'll meet some of the nicest people you could ever want to meet.

One thing you said jumped out at me, you bought a tooling belly. That's all fine and good for practice, or anything that doesn't need strength, but for a dog collar or lead you really need to go with good strap leather. A double shoulder will work, but if you can afford it go with a "double bend". The strongest part of the hide is right up around the spine area. This part of the skin moves and stretches the least. The belly the most. The shoulder area is kind of in between. Anything you can use for belts would be good for leads and collars. I own two Rottie crosses and either one would stretch a poor quality lead in a heart beat. I finally made a couple up out of 1" wide latigo. This is the same stuff most horse harness is made of! Now if they didn't outweigh my wife she might be able to walk them.

There's lots of good info on selecting a hide, and what areas of the hide are good for what kinds of projects on this board. There is also good info in the basic Leathercraft book from Tandy.

Hope this helps

Dave T.

Hi Dave

Yes, I believe the belly was the wrong thing to buy. But that is what they told my husband to purchase so he did. He told them what it was for The types of collars I would like to make I have seen on sites saying they are made out of English Bridle Leather. I asked Tandy if they had any and they told me NO. I also did not have every think I needed in the "kit" so I have spent even more money now...my husband is going to KILL ME! lol

I took my first class at Tandy last week. It was how to use the basket weave tool. I am very slowly getting there. I wonder if Tandy would take the belly back? I haven't cut on it yet...like let me trade it in for something that I can use. I dunno, I will have to ask.

Are you good with looking at leather and knowing what they used to make something with? If you are...would you mind if I sent you some pictures and tell me what you think they are using?

Thanks,

Kristen

[hivemind]

Keep the belly. It was only $20 and you'll use it for something eventually. You're not just going to make collars and leads all the time.

As far as better hardware, I'd suggest you check hardware stores for more heavy duty stuff. I'd also suggest boatyards and marinas for nice solid brass hardware, but you're not really near any water...

[klarr74]

Keep the belly. It was only $20 and you'll use it for something eventually. You're not just going to make collars and leads all the time.

As far as better hardware, I'd suggest you check hardware stores for more heavy duty stuff. I'd also suggest boatyards and marinas for nice solid brass hardware, but you're not really near any water...

I did find a place that is wonderful and has tons of stuff that I would like to get but I can't buy anything from them I am don't have a "business"

This place: http://www.leathersupply.com/index.php

They have a wonderful selection in all types of sizes and such.

Also, does anyone know where you can buy English Bridle Leather in smaller quantities other than an entire side? Like $40 worth instead of $150 worth at a time? That is what many of the collar people say they use. And it already comes "colored" also

[katsass]

Welcome, and it's good to see a 'newbie' interested in the craft. For heavy hardware you might try a good feed store that caters to the equine trade. They usually have snaffles, D rings, etc. in brass and nickle. NOW, might I suggest that you purchase Al Stohlman's book on how to sew leather......then throw that nasty sewing awl kit thing from Tandy just as far as you can! I don't believe that there is a more disappointing, infuriating, useless piece of equipment for sewing leather in the world. Learn to saddle stitch, practice, and you will be well satisfied with your results, contrary to the outcome with the Tandy "THING". Just an opinion and a suggestion from a grumpy old man. Mike

P.S. I do nothing but hand stitch all of my goods. If you wish to see a sample of hand stitching, look in the holsters section. Many of the craftsmen there hand stitch all of their goods.

Edited July 20, 2010 by katsass

[Deb59]

Some how I double posted. lol

Welcome to Leatherworker.net. It is a Great Site with Fantastic people!! I saw the wholesale site you were looking at was Weaver Leather. Try Springfield Leather for your hardware. (they advertise on this site). Kevin carries items from a number of suppliers including Weaver Leather. Give them a call and if they don't have it, I'll bet they can order it for you...and you don't have to be a business to buy from them.

Enjoy the addiction !! Deb

Edited July 20, 2010 by Deb59

[klarr74]

Ok! I finished my first ever leather project tonight! *clap* *clap* And even though I messed up and it is FAR from perfect I am still pretty proud. Just wanted to share it with you. Now I need to see if it fits my guy Apache or my brothers dog Tank the best :-))

Voila!

[BIGGUNDOCTOR]

I don't think the dog will notice the mistakes.

Nice job.

[dirtclod]

Your dog is going to be looking sharp for sure. Nice job.

[Sparks]

Here are some businesses you may want to shop to get good supplies:

• http://www.ohiotravelbag.com/Products.html
• http://springfieldleather.com/store/
• http://www.mainethread.com/index.html
• http://store.conchos.com/
• https://www.siegelofca.com/view_sale.asp

Siegel even ships free if your order is over $75, which is easy when buying leather and tools.

Sparks