Absolute Rank Beginner Here, Need Advice On Equipment And Education

[tcs77]

Other than some brief activities in scouting (basic wallets, pocket knife cases) I've never worked with leather. The other day I was watching How It's Made and saw how leather attache cases were assembled and really fell in love with the idea of leatherworking. I'd like to make things like briefcases, wallets, maybe even loafers or moccasins when I know what I'm doing. There doesn't seem to be a lot of info on the internet about this sort of thing, especially from a beginner's perspective, so I'm hoping to get some guidance.

What are the must have tools? Not the fancy things that make it easier, but the basic toolset that I can get by with while I'm learning. What's a good book for getting into this kind of leatherworking? There's a lot of options for carving and otherwise tooling leather, but that's not quite my cup of tea, at least for now.

Thanks for any help!

edit: I should mention that I think I want my first big project to be a laptop bag, something that I can put my laptop and a few accessories in and really get some use out of. Any advice on patterns and materials for that would be much appreciated!

Edited August 6, 2013 by tcs77

[St8LineGunsmith]

you will need sewing tools for sure

you will need thread a stitching pony is most essential IMO

you will need a overstitch wheel, groover a stitching awl with a small blade

you will need needles and you will most definately need a knife to cut the leather

the art of stitching leather by Al Stholman would be a good book to start with.

[Matt S]

A thin bladed knife, a diamond harness awl, two harness needles, wet&dry paper for sharpening. Those are the essentials. A pair of steel dividers between 4 and 6 inches have a lot of different uses. Many tools can be improvised, but I would advise sticking away from Tandy, even as a beginner. I can get professional-grade or near-professional-grade tools for not much more than regular Tandy prices, and they actually hold resale value.

Probably your best choice of reading material is the Al Stohlman books. Case making vols 1-3 are great, and you will want to have hand tools and hand sewing also. These are all available from Tandy and some of the few items from them worthwhile. If you (as I suspect) saw the Alfred Dunhill video you will want a pricking iron of at least 8 stitches per inch (Dixons tools are excellent), needles no larger than no2 (no way you will get em from Tandy) and a small awl (again don't bother with Tandy). Watch Dangerous Beanz' excellent vids on hand stitching and awl sharpening.

[Northmount]

You need to search this forum for the types of work and tools. This question is asked twice a day, loads of answers and assistance is being provided and has been provided by great members here. Go to the top right of the page and you will see "new content" or use this link http://leatherworker.net/forum/index.php?app=core&module=search&do=viewNewContent&search_app=forums and pick settings on the left side. 2 weeks will get you lots of threads. You will see some of the same questions or very similar questions to yours.

The search function is near the top right. It can become your new best friend when you are looking for particular information. You might even get distracted with things you find that are also interesting to you. I sure do! Lots to learn here.

And welcome to the addiction.

Tom

[tcs77]

Alright, I'll go find a more helpful and less condescending site

[Northmount]

Alright, I'll go find a more helpful and less condescending site

My apologies! I had no intention of driving you away, but rather some pointers that could help you find more information that you are looking for. You had two replies before mine with people helping, and that is what we want to do. We also want you to do some research where it is easily within your reach. That was my intent.

Again, sorry for putting you off.

Tom

[Konnie]

It is not condescending, if you give a tip as you can get from this forum a lot of information.

I can not count the hours I've spent reading the old posts. And no matter which theme I have chosen, there was almost always an answer. I even found answers without asking. Great advice which made me happy. And if I had a specific question, I also get an answer directly from the members.

I am very glad that there is this archive of knowledge and thank all who have helped through their contributions to it.

Konnie

I hope Google has translated into my mind

[St8LineGunsmith]

I am pretty sure I gave you pretty solid information without being condescending.thin skinned winers really iritate me so ya maybe you should find another site Buh Bye Edited August 6, 2013 by St8LineGunsmith

[wolfe9]

Alright, I'll go find a more helpful and less condescending site

WOW you really haven't spent time on many forums have you , on MOST sites if you asked a question that had been asked over and over you would get BLASTED . Most everyone here is pretty laid back and MORE THAN willing to help ANYONE . I know its now uncommon sense but why didn't you take a few seconds and a tiny bit of effort to do a search ? How is it condescending to tell you that a search would help you find the information you are looking for ? Maybe you didn't know you could search ? In which case that was the best advice you ever get .

Maybe its just me but if I am looking for information that I know is so very basic for most of the people here I take a few min and try to search on my own first , it doesn't always work , sometime its hard to find the right key words but I try first .

There are many many very impressive people here , I may not live long enough to reach their level but I am always amazed how they are so willing to share information , tricks ect with someone that could some day be competing in the same market .

I have NEVER seen anyone get flamed here like on other sites .

My suggestion would be for you to take some time and look around the forum , THEN take a step back and

#1 check the attitude

#2 give the people here the respect they deserve

#3 learn to appreciate the fact that they are so willing to help you ( as long as you are willing to do your part in helping yourself )

#4 realize that they are busy and are taking time out of their day to help YOU

Im sure if you do those thing that everyone would be willing to welcome you back with open arms .

Take it for what its worth .

If this hurts your feelings have a nice day & good luck finding a more helpful site.

Wolfe9

Edited August 18, 2013 by wolfe9

[immiketoo]

What the? I don't even.... Wow. Well, good luck. We will still welcome you back once you make the rounds.