Tools Needed To Get Started - Beginner

[ryanissamson]

Hi all, it would be really helpful if we could create a sticky post that listed the basic tools needed for a beginner to get started. I've looked through posts as well as searched the web and I'm finding a lot of differing information. A sticky makes sense because someone who's just getting started will likely need to get those tools before getting involved in a project. There are a few things that would be helpful in addition to a basic list:

• the name of the tool (and any other common names it might go by)
  
• the sizes/types of the specific tool needed for basic projects
  
• a link to this tool where it can be purchased (so a beginner can get an idea of price) or at least a link to explain the tool further
  
• tools that are needed but can be substituted with common household tools (e.g. I've read that a box cutter works fine in some cases...)
  

Thanks in advance! Although I'm hoping that the most basic of tools are applicable to all projects, in my situation, I'm wanting to begin with small projects such as a wallet and work my way towards a gun holster.

[camano ridge]

It's a great idea,the problem with what you ask for is that there are so many variable and so many personal preferences. Who will develop the list? If you just ask for recomendations for the list your list will be miles long. What project do you want the list for. If you are going to do a holster the list will be some what different then if you are doing a wallet with 2-3oz leather. Are you doing tooling, what style? The Sheridan will require different tools such as thumb prints vs pear shaders. For basic tooling the list of seven basic tools already exists. Specifying the size again would be a chalenge and would have to be based on the project type, the leather thickness and the end result the individual wants. An example is edge beveler there are many sizes, however you choose the size based on the project, thickness of leather and outcome you want. Some people want a very domed or rounded edge where as some projects look better with ust the poutside edges of the edge being beveled and the overall edge being somewhat mor square. Putting together a beginer list would be a undertaking and will lead to pages of discussion. Who will ultimately decide what goes on that list?

Here is my list, again there will be people who agree with some of it and will disagree with some of it,, other people will havesuggestions of there own. Sizes will not be listed because that will be determined byt the project and leahter size.

Something to cut leather with: Options are cheap to high end Head or Round Knives/head knives, exaco knife set, utlity or carpet knife etc. Prices a few dollars to several hundred.

A maul or mallet

7 basic tools for tooling basic floral designs: Swivel knife (cheap to very expensive) Veiner, Beveler, pear shader, seeder, backgrounder, camoflage. I would also add a modeling spoon. All are available in various sizes depending on design need. For Sheridan the list would change some.

Sewing set up, Overstitch wheel or pricking Iron (size will depend on how many stitches per inch you want) Diamond awl, adjustable stitch groover, needles thread (color size and type will depend on project,bees wax, pliers.

Edge bevelers

Something to burnish edges with: can range from a hardwood dowel to a custom made exotic wood burnisher to a machine specificaly made for burnishing.

The list can go on and on and in addition you should get books. To put together a list and explanation of everythiong you are asking for you would need a book say something like

Leatherwork manual by Stholman, Leather craft tools by Stohlman (gives picture description and use of tools), Leather Craft Handbook by Laierd, Hand Sewing, Figure carving by stohlman. and many more.

A 1/2 an hour from now I will think of other things that could be added and so will others. To give you what you want would be a big undertaking and has already been done in books.

As to supliers all of the tools listed can be had from Tandy, Springfield leather, Zack White, McPherson Leather and many others also most of the tools can be bought from custom makers as well.

Don't know if any of this helps I am sure you will get other responses.

Also if you use the search windo in the upper right hand corner you will see this has been discussed many times and there is not yet a hard and fast list.

Edited February 10, 2014 by camano ridge