MochaMint Report post Posted May 31, 2012 I've decided to give leatherworking a try. This year I started LARPing (Live Action Role Play) and I'd like to work my way up to makng authentic bags and armor that I can use myself and sell to friends in the community. I already make jewelry and chainmail but I'm interested in expanding my skills as far as crafting goes. Right now I'm wondering what kids of tools and materials I should buy for practice and starter projects. I'm a college student working part time right now so I don't want to spend more than I have to, but I'm willing to invest the right amount of money on some quality tools. I guess what I'm asking is what tools do I need for bare minimum leatherworking, plus some basic design tooling and sewing? I can always buy more later if I want to do something else, but I don't want ot spend more than I have to getting started at this time. Also, what kind of leather should I be starting out with and where should I buy these things from? Any other knowledge you can share would be great, I still dont know much about the different kinds of leathers and thicknesses and whatnot. Thanks in advance for any help! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Northmount Report post Posted May 31, 2012 First thing is to narrow down the field you are most interested in working with today. I know that field will expand later. ArmorBags without tooling, plain leather, sewen, maybe dyedWet formed / shaped bagsCarving and tooling (stamping) designs on belts, wallets, book coversSewing versus lacing for assemblyTack, harness, saddles And the list could go on for several pages, but I think you get the idea. Narrowing the field will help to get you the right information and tools. Will save you some hard earned cash right now and get you started down the path to your new addiction. Specialists in your chosen field can then guide you. CTG Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
mlapaglia Report post Posted May 31, 2012 Also, What is your budget? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
MochaMint Report post Posted June 1, 2012 Well I guess to start I'd be making untooled or minimally tooled bags and armor from simple patterns I can find online. I liked the relative simplicity of the wet-mold design bags I've seen so far. My budget... Well I wouldn't like to spend more than $200 max on an initial investment, later on when I have more hours/another job I can spend a little bit more. I might also be able to get friends to make some 'donations' in exchange for making them things eventually. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Northmount Report post Posted June 2, 2012 (edited) Well I guess to start I'd be making untooled or minimally tooled bags and armor from simple patterns I can find online. I liked the relative simplicity of the wet-mold design bags I've seen so far. My budget... Well I wouldn't like to spend more than $200 max on an initial investment, later on when I have more hours/another job I can spend a little bit more. I might also be able to get friends to make some 'donations' in exchange for making them things eventually. Look for some patterns or make some For bags and such with no tooling: Steel straight edge / square Good sharp knife (trim knife or utility knife) Fine Hard Sharpening Stone or diamond sharpening set Jewellers rouge and leather to make a strop Poly board or such to cut on (later a self healing mat) Overstich wheel (set would be nice) or dividers to measure out stiching Awl - get a good one and sharpen it really well. There have been a few posts about awls in the past month, so do a search limited to 1 or 2 months for recommendations Waxed linen thread - suitable size. There have been posts recently as well about what do I need for leather stitching Needles to suit thread size The Art of Hand Sewing Leather by Al Stohlman Art of Making Cases (Vol 1, 2, 3) would be nice Add as needed: Some rivets and setting tool to match the leather thickness you want to work with Heavy Poly Mallet Plastic bone folder Round punch set For Tooling: Add to the above Low cost references for the beginner: Basic Leatherwork by Paul Burnett - also check out his website The Leather Craft Handbook by Tony & Kay Laier General Leathercraft by Raymond Cherry - old book available on www.Amzon.com or www.abebooks.com Youtube videos - some very good stuff, some so-so, but even the so-so videos may have tips or tricks to help get past a problem area This forum - lots of examples, lots of tutorials Patterns Sylus Tracing Film or Velum or Transparency Film Modeling spoon Smooth Beveler like B-203 Smooth Pear Shader like P-206 Camouflage C-709 Mules Foot U-855 Seeder S-706 Backgrounders A-104 and A-105, or A-888 and A-889 (can start with just the pointed one, but really nice to have both to fill the background faster and easier) Veiner V-708 or other Swivel Knife with blade - spend the time to really sharpen it. A honing guide is nice to have to help keep the angle correct and speed up sharpening and honing. Nice to add when you figure out where you are going and have some money: Checkered Bevelers Lined Pear Shaders Additional sizes of Camouflage, Mules Foot, Seeders, Bevelers Matting Tools like M-881/882/884 or others Pointed/Triangular Beveler Rawhide Mallet or a nice Maul Basket Weave Edge Beveler Stitching Groover Adjustable Creaser Snaps and setting tools Lacing: (decide on lace width) Thonging Chisels, straight or angled, single prong and 3 or 4 prong (add other sizes later) Lace Needles How to Lace also http://kingsmerecrafts.com Finishing: You will need to experiment a little to determine what is most suitable for your work, so buy small size and play. Oil / wax based Acrylic Use Mop-n-Glow acrylic floor treatment for lowest cost - search for "mop" here, limit search to last 2 months.) Lacquer Dyes (Spirit or Pro-Oil - which is still spirit) (Some like Tandy EcoFlow, others hate it with a passion) (Cova colors are acrylic paint - lots of sources for acrylic paint) Antiques This is just a short list. If addicted, it will turn into a very long list ... So look for a couple small projects to do, then determine which tools you need to be able to complete those projects. Then go buy those tools. You can always add more later as you start new projects. Any money you spend on reference material will serve you many times over, but don't buy all of them at oncs, safe a little for the tools. Don't forget to keep up with your schoolwork! CTG Edited June 2, 2012 by northmount Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
NoName Report post Posted June 2, 2012 If I were you I would start with the books that Northmount recommended (on hand sewing and case making). You will see ideas in there that will inspire your imagination and show you what different tools will do, then begin purchasing tools as you see what is required for the types of projects you intend to build. As always, buy the best quality you can afford. Quality is far better than quantity! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
