New To Tooling. Let Me Know What You Think

[FM5332FF]

Hi, My name is Chris, I am a Firefighter Paramedic in Fort Myers FL. I am new to leather work, My grandpa tooled leather as a hobby when I was young and recently my grandma sent me all of his tools because I told her that I was interested in tooling leather. I also bought some more tools on ebay.. I stared tooling this month on the 15th and have done these pieces so far on my days off. Please let me know what you think, I put the pictures in order from my first to most recent. also let me know what I could do to make my work better. I want to start making bronc halters and wallets, along with other random things.

Thanks. Chris

[benlilly1]

Hey that's great that you were able to get your grandfathers tools! I see your last one looks the best. Are you sure you're using the right tool for beveling? It doesn't look quite right. Using your stamps more evenly will make your work look better. Your leather might have been too wet too when you tooled. Get ahold of some instruction books from Tandy or Ebay. They will be informative. Practice makes perfect.

[Rohn]

Welcome to the wonderful world of leather. One thing you need to remember and that is to GENTLY tap the stamping tools. Try to push the leather down evenly so that it you don't leave the impression of the beveler in your work. Keep practicing and you will be doing fine in no time. Have fun!

[FM5332FF]

Thanks for your input, I will try that next time I go at it and let you know how it turns out..

[macdaddytoolin]

your tooling is very choppy... try to hit the tool like a machine gun or a jack hammer it should be about 50 percent overlap of the last strike you hit that will make it appear smooth... and don't worry you can always do it over and over again on the same line and it won't hurt nothing

[silverback]

Ditto to what the others say and try using a stylus to smooth the leather out and pushing into tight corners.Bevel then run the stylus around the bevel and then gently touch down any lifted edges on the raised part.Hope thats understandable.Your work really shows an improvement at each stage.Good luck

[Horrrk]

Coming along pretty well, Chris..ditto the other comments about overlapping your bevel so it leaves a smoother finish.

Apart from that, keep it up and keep posting the improving pieces..

Regards

Phil

[sherlockian100]

When I first started, I had the same problem with my bevelling. I was able to fix it by learning to tap my mallet faster, and "walk" the tool slower. It worked for me. Not sure if that is why for you, but thought I'd throw that out there.

[mikesmith648]

I would also throw the suggestion out to practice more with swivel knife cuts. Looks like the knife was dull and dragging. A good stropping and practice will fix that.

Mike