Quicksilver Report post Posted July 6, 2014 Hello! I'm just getting into the craft, and I'm trying to figure out a good place to start. I found this thread (leatherworker.net/forum/index.php?showtopic=25464) which had a great list of tools, but I added them all to a shopping cart on Tandy's website and the grand total came to a little over $300. Is that really what I'm looking at to get started? Is there a starter kit with a few projects that would make sense for me? Or a few tools and a book of projects that could get me started? I would hate to make a huge investment and then find my interest wane; it would be much better to slowly accrue tools as I progressed into projects which require them. Thank you so much for your help! I'm excited to get started! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
camano ridge Report post Posted July 6, 2014 If you give us an idea of the type of projects you want to start off with we can make some suggestions for the bare basics for that project. FOr instance if you wanted to do key fobs then you would need something to cut with, a hole punch, a rivet stter unless you decided to use chicago screws, Optional would be and edge beveler and something to burnish the edges, stamps if you decided to put on a design. Single layer belt pretty much the same. If it requires stitching you would need needles thread, a diamond awl, stitch groover and overstitch wheel. There are other techniques that canbe used as well. Any hting that will need pounding such as stamps, rivet setter etc will require a maul or mallet. If you give us the type of project you want to start with we can give you some basic get buy with these tools lists. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
JerseyFirefighter Report post Posted July 7, 2014 I think im in at around $200, but I went in on some things I probably didnt need just yet. I am almost done with my first dog collar and hardware aside (buckle,keeper, Dee ring, double cap rivets, chicago screws, and conchos) I have bought: Anvil and setter punches Concave anvil Rotary Punch Edge Beveler Wooden Edge Slicker Dye Edge Coat Finisher Solvent Mallet Metal Ruler (Have razor knives) Leather (2"x 70" 7/9oz blanks) Thonging punches (not needed for this project) Speedy Stitch (not needed for this project) Adjustable Stitch Groover (not needed for this project) The things I know I need to get is a cutting board, some tooling tools when I want to switch gears and learn more custom designs, and stamps for the FD stuff. I made a 2" collar with conchos and double cap rivets. I chose some expensive hardware to get started with but it was a fun experience. My wife is happy with the final product so she has commissioned collars for my other smaller dogs when im done with this one. Progress photos will be up in a day or two Good Luck! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Quicksilver Report post Posted July 7, 2014 If you give us an idea of the type of projects you want to start off with we can make some suggestions for the bare basics for that project. I think fobs and belts would be a good place to start. That'll give me basic cutting and hardware, edging, and dying. I would love to work my way up to pouches and bags eventually; I think I would spend quite a bit of time in that area. Some of my interest comes from the renaissance fair/historical simulation world, so if some day I could work my way up to replica leather armor and even boots, that would be amazing. Those are my goals anyway. In the meantime, what are some good projects to get me started with stitching and multi-piece projects, after I've made a few fobs and belts and feel comfortable with those basic skills and tools? I shoot recreationally and carry regularly; would holsters be a good fit for that, or still too advanced? For belts and fobs, what would I need to burnish the edges? Thank you guys so much for your help! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
camano ridge Report post Posted July 7, 2014 (edited) To burnishedges just basic a piece of hardwoo dowel with a groove in it (or different sized grooves will work. You can even chuck it in a drill press. For ready made inexpensive burnishers check out Tandy. There are many people who do holsters as their first project. It just depends on yourcomfort level and if you can live with the fact that the first holster may not be a holster just a learning experience. Here are some links to a couple of decent holster making how to's that list basic tools toget started. http://gunleather.webs.com/holsterbuilding101.htm http://www.jdlawhon.com/tutorial.html There is a pinned topic on how to burnish edges I think in the how to forum. Also there are some pinned topics on making cowboy holster and I think a slim jim holster. may not be the type of holster you would want to make however they show how to draw your own pattern. If you decide to make a holster PM me with what you want to make it for and I might have a pattern to help you get started. You will want to learn to draw your own pattern though. Edited July 7, 2014 by camano ridge Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Quicksilver Report post Posted July 8, 2014 Awesome, sounds great! I'm going to price my first set of tools and materials for a few fobs and belts, and get started! Thanks so much! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
DoubleC Report post Posted July 8, 2014 I'd recommend the basic 6 and a swivel knife. These other things are nice to have but not essential. By the basic six I mean the camo, veiner, etc. Ask them at Tandy and they'll know what I mean. Mine didn't cost over 50.00 for all 7 tools. Hope this helps, Cheryl Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
St8LineGunsmith Report post Posted July 8, 2014 get your tools from springfield, they aer cheaper there especially if you have a wholesale membership. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
