What Has Been Your Best (And Worst) Tool/supply Investment?

[Bob Blea]

I had a nice discussion with Paul last night. Needless to say, as soon as I have the money in hand I'm getting my name in the queue for something extra special.

I picked up a bunch of old Craftool figure bevelers from usedleathertools.com (one of the members here) and I tend to use them in lots of places. I admit that I do need a lot more practice in order to use them to their full potential.

Paul is a great guy and has always been very helpful to me. I too have a few Craftool figure bevelers that were passed down to me from my wife's family. They are mainly the really large sizes so I had trouble finding good uses for them aside from matting. I have a few old foliage tools too. I tend to gravitate towards small stuff, so having the little Beard bevelers has helped. But yes, if you can get the classis Craftool figure carving tools, those do work well and you can learn a lot from them. If you can find a good deal you can get a pretty good setup for the price of a couple of Beard bevelers LOL

[raysouth]

Great topic.

Best experience: Tandy manager willing to spend time to get me started some years ago. Tells me, to this day, what is the best way to go in certain areas. Extremely helpful.

Best equipment: Difficulty here as I consider all of my items to be great.

Best supplies: Toss up, as have had good luck with nearly everyone I have dealt with. Tandy, Springfield, W&C, Bunkhouse Tools, Tippman, Toledo Sewing Machine Co., Bucklecity, Ohio Travel Bag, Dick Blick Art Supply, C.S. OSBORNE, Fore Supply, Greg Dorrance Co., Hearlihy, Hidehouse, Justin Blair, Kramer, Karate Depot, Needs Aprons, Colwood, Trigg Brothers, Tarrago, Standard Rivet, Supermagnetman, Tuffcase, Studio-N, Black River Laser, TaxHas, Studs & Spikes, Shoelace Wholesale, Store Supply, Walnut Hollow, Buckletown, BucklebarnU.S.A., Grey Ghost Graphics, and quite a few more, that slip my memory bank at this time.

I suppose, as with most everyone, I have made errors when making items, used wrong dye, closed my eyes when they should have been wide open, pounded on things when I should not have done so, (OUCH), made some bad cuts and ruined a good project piece, etc.

Due to my errors, I haver become a bit wiser, paid more attention, kept myself in, (mostly), one piece, made a few nice things, had TONS of fun along the way, met many fine folks, and hope to meet more, and have never been so good as to be able to say that my tools were not good. Suppose I do not have the same experience and tools as others but they all seem to work at my level, even though I continue to try everything I can. Still not courageous enough to try sewing with the new leather sewing machine but if it does not sell soon and I am still able, I may give it a shot. Always something to think about.

I do have a few favorite tools that I seem to go back to each time I work in the shop but not able to explain this, other than to say, "they just feel right".

I enjoy hearing/reading the conversations very much and IILG, Leatherworker.net, Leatherpro and many others are superb places to share thoughts and pass along ideas.

An old cliche, "ever onward, ever upward" is the way to go. Have fun, share the goodness, love til it hurts, and wish you all the very best of everything.

Not a steno so hope any typos are not lethal.

Ray

Edited January 29, 2013 by Helmut

[oldtimer]

Best investment: I found a batch of 53 different H.Gomph hand tools at a bargain price

Worst investment: a brand new aluminiumTippmann Boss.

/ Knut

[Fd3615]

best investments - dual action siphon feed airbrush ( amazon - 120 ) an arbor press from harbor freight that i use for rivets and hardware as well as stamping - 1 ton press and done...