Members AndersHeintz Posted May 21, 2008 Members Report Posted May 21, 2008 (edited) Hola one and all! Im new to these forums as well as leatherwork! I have made some bridles etc in the past, but was mainly experiemental. Now I have decided to make a few more leather items, namely a breast collar and a new headstall, an old buckaroo style bridle, and I would like to make them 'right' so to speak, as I will use these items everyday and they need to be functional and safe. I have purchased a decent side of veg. tanned tooling leather but have yet to get the tools of the trade. Working as a cowboy, money is not always plentiful and I need to spend as little as possible for the basic tools. I guess Im not really cheap, just don't want or need to spend a ton of money on all the top of the line tools etc. So basically, my question is what tools do I need to get to get the job done? I really dont need a lot of stamps etc, but I would like to play with some basketweave (to match my saddle) and some Carlos borders. I am a member of other craft type forums as I am a sculptor of historical miniatures as well, and I understand that my question is pretty broad, so if I need to try to narrow it down more please let me know! Thanks in advance! Edited May 21, 2008 by AndersHeintz Quote
Members Rawhide Posted May 21, 2008 Members Report Posted May 21, 2008 Welcome to the forum. My suggestion would be to cater your purchase to what you're going to make. Since you're making collars, you'll probably need a strap cutter (if you're making just a couple, you can get by with a razor knife). Probably a rotary punch for your holes. Stitching awl, thread and maybe rivets and rivet setter. That's a start, I'm sure you'll get some chimes on this from more experience makers. I haven't made any collars. Good luck. Marlon Quote Marlon
Members Randy Cornelius Posted May 21, 2008 Members Report Posted May 21, 2008 I think that a good round knife would be high on my list. Learn how to use one and sharpen one and it will be the best investment you will make. Marlon hit it with the rest of the list, sewing tools and materials and rivits & setters and hole punches. I personally hate the rotary type and prefer the drive punches. Also oblong hole punches for the buckle holes. Good luck Randy Quote Randy Cornelius Cornelius Saddlery LaCygne, Kansas Randy & Riley Cornelius Ride Hard, Shoot Fast and Always Tell the Truth...
Members AndersHeintz Posted May 21, 2008 Author Members Report Posted May 21, 2008 (edited) Thanks for the replies guys! That was pretty much what I was thinking too, get the stuff needed for these projects, and then expand as other projects come up. I have rivets (copper) and a setter allready, also have a strap cutter which is very handy around the barn! I also have various knifes that will work great for cutting leather, as well as some poly board and some marble (from one of Saddam's palaces no less!) to use for stamping. As for a round knife, I know what it is, but really that is about it! What is it used for? Skiving leather? Cutting patterns? The only place where I know to get tools is from Tandy Leather Factory, and I have their latest catalog. Unfortunately the closest location is in El Paso, which is about 3 hours from here, so mail order is the only option at this time. Here is a list of a few things I been thinking about getting, please let me know what is needed and what is not. Waxed Nylon Thread Needles Craftool 4 in 1 Awl Set Craftool Spacer Set Craftool Saddle Makers Groover Craftool Scratch Awl Mini Punch Set Craftool Oblong Punch 1/2" Craftool Keen Edge Beveler or Craftool Edge Beveler Size 2, not sure which? Whats the difference? Craftool Nylon Edge Slicker Swivel Knife, not sure which Poly Medium Mallet Some stamps for Carlos + Basket Weave Basically, I want a groove for the stiching, evenly spaced stitches, maybe a simple line border, slick burnished edges and a nice oily finish! Sounds so simple Im also not quite sure what to use for finishing the leather. I would prefer not to stain or dye them as I ride a lot of light palamino's, and don't want them covered in dye. But I'd like a nice rich oiled finish on the end product. Basically I know how I want it to look, but don't know how to do it! Thanks again guys! Im anxious to get everything ordered and get my feet wet! Edited May 21, 2008 by AndersHeintz Quote
ferret Posted May 23, 2008 Report Posted May 23, 2008 AndersHeintz said: As for a round knife, I know what it is, but really that is about it! What is it used for? Skiving leather? Cutting patterns? A simpler question would be "what isn't it used for?". If you use the search facility and look for "round/head knife" you'll find a wealth of information has been posted about them, including who makes the best, how to sharpen and even how to make your own. Quote Politicians are like nappies, both should be changed regularly for the same reason.
Members Duke Posted May 23, 2008 Members Report Posted May 23, 2008 (edited) sounds like you know what youre doing. im glad to hear you will be recessing your stitches as it gives it a more professional look and really saves your bacon. I hate having to re-sew something.I will post a pic with this to give you an idea of something I did for a breast collar. its still in the making, and wont be finished for a while as I am waiting on my tippman boss to come back from being repaired. Edited May 23, 2008 by Duke Quote Duke When I stand before God at the end of my life, I would hope that I would not have a single bit of talent left, and could say, "I used everything you gave me." ~Erma Bombeck
Hilly Posted May 23, 2008 Report Posted May 23, 2008 Welcome! I don't know anything about making collars, so I'll just stick to things in my short experience working with leather. Don't buy a rotary punch, they're a waste of money. You can get drive punches in the sizes you'll be needing, and not have to pay for the punch sizes you won't use. I bought one of those rotary punches, and it found a home in my trash can soon afterward. If you are only going to make one collar or one bridle, etc., you can get by with a utility knife. If you do any more than that, you'll be happy with a head knife - though I hope you have better luck sharpening than me ! Good luck, have fun, and please post photos of your projects! Hilly Quote
esantoro Posted May 23, 2008 Report Posted May 23, 2008 We had an excellent thread on this prior to Black Thursday (or whatever black day that was). I think wing dividers, a stitching wheel, calipers (maybe even two; I like having both digital and analog) are a must. Ed Quote http://www.waldenbags.com http://www.waldenbags.etsy.com
Hilly Posted May 23, 2008 Report Posted May 23, 2008 Don't forget a thread groover and overstitch wheels if you're hand stitching, and a C.S. Osborn diamond awl. Makes your stitching much neater looking. A honing system if you will need to sharpen any blades... Quote
Members Rawhide Posted May 23, 2008 Members Report Posted May 23, 2008 (edited) Hilly said: Don't buy a rotary punch, they're a waste of money. Hilly, Did you buy a good one or a cheap one? There's a vast difference. Also, you must sharpen the tubes. I sharpen everything I buy simply because it isn't sharp enough. I even sharpen my scalpel blades. (O.C.D.?-mmm, Maybe) The reason for the rotary punch is to punch the holes in the field. He said that he was a working cowboy, so I figured a rotary would fit the bill a little better. I actually don't own a rotary, because I also prefer the single punches. (Which I sharpen the heck out of). Marlon Edited May 23, 2008 by Rawhide Quote Marlon
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