Introduction-Levi Wilhite

[wilhite]

Hi everyone,

My name is Levi Wilhite. I wanted to introduce myself and thank you all for all the information I've been able to read already. I ordered a Deluxe Leathercraft Kit from Tandy for $59 and am really excited to get going. Sadly I work out of town 3 weeks a month and haven't been home yet. What I have is a lot of time on my hands to look at tools that I want for my time off. I am very determined to put a lot of time while I'm home into this and think I want to go ahead and get more tools to and supplies. I have a shopping cart full of $500 worth of stuff at Tandy but, after reading several threads, I am concerned that my money might be better spent somewhere else. Are Craftool stamps really that bad? I was ready to pull the trigger. Thanks for any advice.

[TwinOaks]

Levi, welcome to Leatherworker.net!

Though you're excited to get started on your leather projects, nothing will ruin a project faster than rushing through it. Some things, especially in the finishing dept. take time - like letting a finish dry between coats. Proceed at a steady pace and if you run into a snag, stop and ask some questions...we'll be happy to help where we can.

Regarding the Craftool selections:

Much of what Tandy sells is adequate for hobby and amateur leather workers. For most simple stamping jobs like a camouflage border, the craftool stamps are fine, and at low prices you can afford to get more than a handful to try out. However, my personal experience is that the stamps used in repetition patterns (basket weaves, and geometric) suffer from a lack of quality control. Keep in mind I stopped buying Tandy stamps about 2 years ago, so the quality may have improved. What I found was that the stamps were not uniform, they were poorly chromed, and many were poorly cast. The chrome issue can be side stepped by burning it off, but one shouldn't buy stamps with the expectation that they must be 'worked on' before acceptable results are achieved. That's not to say you shouldn't modify them, only that you shouldn't HAVE to.

There are several good alternatives, with one of the most economical being the Pro-crafter (I think) tools available through HideCrafter. The really nice tools are typically hand made from solid steel (some blued, some stainless) instead of zinc, and will last several lifetimes if cared for. Just be prepared for the sticker shock of upwards of $50 per stamp. Not stamp set...per stamp.

With the craft set you ordered, there should be a few tools with it. Look closely at the construction of the stamps and the impressions they make on the leather. Let that be your guide to determine if you want to spend more per stamp, or just get more stamps. This hobby has a tendency to eat money fast, so having a few inexpensive tools to learn with is not a bad idea. If the impressions are good enough for what you do, then spend the extra money on other items. If not, well......just how much do you want to spend on tools for your new hobby?

[wilhite]

So it's not a bad idea to try out some Craftool stamps and as skills improve start adding some better tools? Thank you for the reply and the welcome!

[TwinOaks]

That is correct, use the cheap tools to learn. Your deluxe kit should contain a few, so start with them. I wouldn't bother with the geometric stamps or the basket weaves unless you can personally look at the stamp in the store.

For other tools:

The Osborne awl (not the Tandy one with 3 tips) is a good all-around awl. It's a little large for common waxed linen thread, but it'll do. They're also cheap enough that if you break one in the learning process, you're not heart broken.

Starting out, don't worry about a head knife. They're fantastic with thicker leather, but on thin stuff a razor knife or shears work just as well.

Edger, groover, over stitch wheel, hole punches (no, not the one that looks like pliers) etc., the Tandy tools are 'okay'

Modeling tools are pretty decent, and clean up nicely on a rouge pad.

You can find a lot of tools in other places - wing divider, rulers, paint brushes, needles, other 'common' items can be obtained at better prices locally.

The pattern packs and craft-aides are pretty handy while you learn how to make patterns.

Tandy leather is good to learn on, but be aware that there is MUCH better leather available.....but at more cost.

Pretty much, use the inexpensive tools and inexpensive leather to learn on, and when you're working at the limit of what they can do...upgrade. Digging around on this site, you'll probably find quite a few more topics like this one. One of the members was kind enough to make a stamp comparison between one of Tandy's and (I think) Barry King's geometric stamps. The difference is very easy to see.

Note: Don't hit the Tandy stamps too hard, and keep the receipts for any Tandy tools you buy. There have been several cases of poor handle to head soldering, and the head can pop off, but I'm fairly certain Tandy will replace those.

[wilhite]

I am glad I asked you before I bought a bunch of stuff. I took most of the stamping tools off the list of tools I am going to buy. I think i'll go ahead and get the books and most of the other things I picked out. It's funny though, I was thinking a rotary punch was going to be the best thing ever. Thank you for taking time to help me!

[radar67]

I was thinking a rotary punch was going to be the best thing ever.

I have the pro rotary punch from Tandy and it is very useful. It saves a lot of time on straps and such too. Don't waste your money on the cheaper rotary punches though. As someone who just started working with leather a year or so ago, all my tools are from Tandy and they have served me well. If I were doing this as a profession, I might see spending the extra money on professional stamps, but I do this as an advanced hobby and the tools get plenty of use. I have not have any issues with any of the stamps and only one of the tools. (the inexpensive slot punch has to have a massive amount of work to cut properly.)

Another suggestion, since you are just getting started, if you plan to spend more than $500 on tools in the next year, get the wholesale card for $150. You will pay for it in savings with the first purchase. My first purchase was a little over $800 with the price of the card figured in. I saved over $400 that day. In the last year, my savings have been close to $1000, so it is worth it if you plan to spend money there.