Beginner Tool List

[rylo]

I imagine yall roll your eyes everytime you see a begginners tool list but heres another one. These are the things I am planning on getting. Any feedback would be appreciated. I would also appreciate any advice on making my own tools or if anything on this list can be replaced by something laying around the house. I am wanting to start off making wallets, belts, dog collars, belt pouches, book covers and stuff like that. Eventually I want to make holsters and sheaths. Any advice would be very appreciated.

- knife

-strap cutter

-groover

-overstitcher size 6

- needles

-thread

- bees wax

- fid

- scratch awl (this can be used for puncturing stitching holes correct?)

- mallet

- punch set

-cement

- dyes

- finishes

-bone folder

- edge beveler size 3

- skiver

[katsass]

From the grump: A while ago I wrote a little thing on here entitled 'First time leather worker - First holster', you might do a search for it - it may give you an idea or two. Mike

Edited November 27, 2012 by katsass

[Chief31794]

  On 11/27/2012 at 1:08 PM, rylo said:

I imagine yall roll your eyes everytime you see a begginners tool list but heres another one. These are the things I am planning on getting. Any feedback would be appreciated. I would also appreciate any advice on making my own tools or if anything on this list can be replaced by something laying around the house. I am wanting to start off making wallets, belts, dog collars, belt pouches, book covers and stuff like that. Eventually I want to make holsters and sheaths. Any advice would be very appreciated.

- knife

-strap cutter

-groover

-overstitcher size 6

- needles

-thread

- bees wax

- fid

- scratch awl (this can be used for puncturing stitching holes correct?)

- mallet

- punch set

-cement

- dyes

- finishes

-bone folder

- edge beveler size 3

- skiver

Rylo,

Grumps advise is excellent, one thing you asked in your list (Scratch Awl, I can punch stitching holes?) the answer is maybe but I wouldn't recommend it. You will want an Awl, a scratch awl is round and used primarily for marking on leather, an Awl is diamond shaped, very sharp and used for making stitching holes when hand sewing. It's not the only way to make the holes, but it is the one preferred by hand stitching purists.

Chief

[Randy Cornelius]

Snap setters,

Rivit setters

Unless you want to start tooling you have a good list started.

Randy

[JLSleather]

One thing to keep in mind, there's always someone who wants to sell you a pile of stuff that looks pretty but you don't need. SO:

If you're cutting straight lines, a utility knife is as good as anything ($2 at walmart or menards). Great for long straight cuts (like putting a straight edge on a side of leather). Need some curves? X-acto blades are everywhere and work very well.

Personally never saw much need for a fid (though it's fun to say "fid"). If you're pulling, that's a flat screwdriver. If you're lacing, a modeling spoon will do the same thing.

Rest of your list looks pretty good. If you're using dyes / paints, you'll want brushes and/or an airbrush. Oh, and some type of edge slicker ...

[rylo]

Thank yall so much.

- Cheif, I see what you are saying. I didn't realize the difference between the two but it makes sense.

- Randy, thanks! I don't know why I forgot to include those.

- JL, yeah that is what I came to realize. I saw some Tandy starter sets and how much they were and got discouraged then I realized it had alot of neat stuff that I didn't need. Not starting off anyway.

- Mike, I'll check that out!

[rylo]

One more question (for now)- Would a french skiving edge beveler replace a gouge and the size 3 edge beveler?

[JLSleather]

As a rule, no. Depends on the tool you're talking about. A french skiver used to be a squared off channel half an inch or so wide. Almost like a wood chisel, and you COULD bevel an edge with it. And it'd be tough to make a "U" gouge with a french beveler, but a "V" groove could be done by a fella was watching what he's doing.

Point is, you could bevel edges with the wood chisel if it's sharp. I saw a kid - about 10 years old - fishing with a chunk of fishing line wrapped around a Pepsi can. Catching as many fish as anyone there. I went and bought him a fishing rod - not because he needed one but because his determination was impressive

For the stuff you mentioned you'll be making, I'd get the edge beveler.

[Chavez]

Hi. Do you live in US?

As a rule of thumb, build up your tools collection as you need them for each project. You can sometimes get away with cheap tools but usually you'll need pro tools right away.

And avoid Dixon tools at all costs! The new ones are absolute rubbish! And their customer service is even worse that their tools...

Depends on your budget but I'll try to comment on your tool list:

- knife

Saddler's knife about 4 to 4.5 in. You can never go wrong with an Osborne.

-strap cutter

Cheap wooden strap cutter. Get an "Ivan" with some spare blades and use some fine sand paper to smooth the wood out. You will save yourself a lot of money and it will cut as well as any other cutter.

-groover

I use Tandy's kit one and I am happy with it. Cheap and decent quality.

-overstitcher size 6

Get yourself a tandy set of 5, 6 and 7 if you can. That will cover most projects. I use a kit one.

- needles

Saddler's size 2 & 4.

-thread

Linen 18/4 for most work. 18/3 for delicate work (watch straps perhaps). Avoid nylon for hand stitching.

- bees wax

Any natural bees wax

- fid

Don't use one

- scratch awl (this can be used for puncturing stitching holes correct?)

No, you need a diamond awl for stitching. Osborne do really good quality awls (but they are pricy!).

For a scratch awl get a cheap one from any diy shop.

- mallet

cheapest rubber mallet in 22oz should do the trick. 16oz for carving. You can then upgrade to carving mauls.

- punch set

For round punches i use - "Ivan" mini and maxi multi-punch sets. Work great and don't cost much.

for oval punches - Osborne.

-cement

I prefer using tacks unless I really have to glue.

- dyes

Fiebing's pro oil series.

- finishes

Ask 10 leatherworkers and you'll get 12 different answers =) Resolene is a good start.

-bone folder

Osborne's or any cheaper ones.

- edge beveler size 3

"Ivan" does a great job for me at a fraction of a pro tool's cost.

- skiver

If you get yourself a 4.5in saddler's knife, you don't really need a skiver. I have a very cheap but good noname English skiver for skiving straps but this is an extra and is definitely not a necessity.

As you can see some tools you can save on and some have to be top quality (imho saddler's knife and awl are key).

I mention a lot of "Ivan" tools here. Please note that "Ivan" is considered to be one of the worst tools makers =) But tools listed above are excellent for they price.

You also need a stitching horse. Or pony. Or saddler's clams.

[rylo]

Thanks Chavez! Ill for sure consider your advice.