Which Manufacturers Tools To Buy?

[tanda4]

I can't decide which manufacturer to choose. As a hobby do I choose the least expensive or should I go higher end? Is there some tools not to go cheap on? Is there a huge difference between Weaver, Dixon, Tandy, Springfield, Osborne, etc.? Or even the Douglas, Barry King way.

I plan on making smaller leather items such as wallets, key fobs, small bags, and camera straps.

Tools I would like to purchase include (probably not at the same time):

• Oblong Punch (1/2" & 1") - I may be able to get away with just the 1/2"
  
• Oval Punch (1/2", 1", & 1 1/2")
  
• English Point Punch (1/2", 1", & 1 1/2")
  
• Multi-Size Strap End Punch
  
• Pricking Iron (most likely will have to be Dixon)
  
• Overstitch Wheel
  
• Scratch Compass
  
• Groover
  
• Edgers (1 or 2 sizes)
  
• Knife (1 or 2 different)
  

Are the punches considered a little less of a worry by the material they are made from as long as the edge is sharp.

Thanks for your opinion.

[Cyberthrasher]

Of all the ones you mentioned, I would at least go middle of the road - which in most cases here would be Osborne. Keep in mind that Springfield is a distributor and not a brand (though they are having a few low cost items manufactured now). Tandy's items are really low quality. Sure you can get their "pro" series tools (which haven't been out long enough for quality judgements to be made), but for that price, you're already meeting the price of a proven tool. Since you're only doing hobby work, I'd also recommend some of the less expensive Osborne knives. Another route to go is to get a hold of Bruce Johnson, a member here who is an expert in tools and resells many reconditioned tools that will serve you well.

http://brucejohnsonleather.com/content/index.php/leather_tools_for_sale/

[dbusarow]

Stay away from the low end. Like Cyberthrasher, I suggest Osborne as a good middle ground.

The oblong punches you have listed are fairly expensive (the ones that are not are trash). You can use round punches in combination with various sized chisels to accomplish the same thing as the oblong punch.

Not sure what you mean by oval punches in the large size listed. The smaller oval punches are very nice for belts. I have Master Tools punches from Weaver for both round and oval punches. Not cheap but they are worth every penny.

Dan

Edited September 21, 2013 by dbusarow

[Fowlingpiece]

You can also save money to buy better quality by omitting the strap end puches and learning how to do them with your dividers and round knife.

[J Hayes]

Be prepared to sharpen any of the new Osborne stuff, the ones I got really sucked bad, 1 1/2& 1 5/8 oblong or bag punch. If you get them from Bruce you should be able to use them without spending hours shaping, polishing and sharpening. Nothing like spending a bunch of money on a tool that is only half finished from the factory.

Jeremy

[keplerts]

I just bought an Osbourne 1/2" and 3/4" oblong punch from Beiler Mfg. for $24.65 each. They both were plenty sharp to cut thru whatever leather I was working with.

Tom

[simontuntelder]

I would buy vintage tools trough eBay or since you're based in the US, I would buy tools from Bruce Johnson. His tools are refurbished and from reputable makers.

[J Hayes]

I just bought an Osbourne 1/2" and 3/4" oblong punch from Beiler Mfg. for $24.65 each. They both were plenty sharp to cut thru whatever leather I was working with.

Tom

I'm glad yours were better than what I got, mine actually had blunt spots, 4 pound hammer couldn't drive them through 9 oz veg backed by a 2x4 and a concrete floor. Just my luck though.

I've made a few things from stainless tube that work very well.