General ? cut and initial tooling

[MADMAX22]

OK I apologize for possibly not using the correct terminology and this is a really beginner question but here it goes.

I have no experience but have been reading up on stuff for the last few days but I dont have a book at home yet. I understand some of the basics about wetting the leather, what type of leather to use, cutting the groove for the stitching and stuff like that or atleast am starting too and Ive tried that on some of the leather that Ive gotten. I would like to start by doing a very simple checkbook holder.

The question I am wondering is when you transfer your image over to the leather, then you cut your lines to about half the depth of the leather now this is where I get stuck. Once you have it cut are you suppose to tool the side away from the cut that you want to lay down or to be recessed I should say. Or do you need to cut any of that leather off or does it all compress.

Hope ya all understand what I am getting at. Thanks for any info.

[Hidemechanic]

It really depends on what you are tooling.

Rather than get into a big pulabery about what I think you might be trying to do, how about you go to the 'tooling stamping 'section, 'floral Sheridan carving', ClayB has done a 'step by step' on tooling that should help you get a better feel for what you are wanting to do.

It really helps to get some background basics before doing something because some says do this or that. It's kind of a cart before the horse thing.

Your enthusiasm is refreshing, but one needs to learn his ABCs before whe writes his first book. Keep researching, you'll get there. GH

[steveb]

get thee to a store and get a set of Stohlman books...very worthwhile investment...

...in my experience -the way your going to get a grip is by reading, unless youve got a Tandy or local craftsman nearby that can clue you in...

if you can find a copy (mine is mint -ha!!) FO Bairds Leather Secrets is also a great

book to get a handle on the basics of tooling, construction, etc...if you can find a copy

I wouldn't fool with a project yet - get someone to shjip you a bunch of

scraps and just practice, practice, practice - when you got something decent going on, make a belt, then move up the chain...

the kits are good to use for patterns , but the leather is not prime cut...so cut your own...

good luck

[MADMAX22]

Thanks for the input guys. Ill do some more research and what not. The books Ill have to order online as I scoured the area today looking for books/mags whatever and couldnt find anything.

Once again thanks for the input.

[Luke Hatley]

MM22 is there a Tandy store near you ? if so ask about the FREE classes

it would be very helpful to you.

[MADMAX22]

There is about an hour away. Im pretty artistic and relativly sefl teachable so as long as I get some books Im sure Ill be fine to get started.

I am going to get some of those books you guys recommend.

[DJole]

Hope ya all understand what I am getting at. Thanks for any info.

I see that you are in the state of Washington, as am I.

I'm in Tacoma--where are you located?

[Kani]

I don't know if this helps or not but you can go to paintedcow.com for some free tutorials. They explain things very well.

I am a newbie at this as well and it has helped me. You can also check out Clay B.'s tutorials on here. They are very helpful. Good luck.

Edited January 24, 2008 by Kani

[whinewine]

I don't know if this helps or not but you can go to paintedcow.com for some free tutorials. They explain things very well.

I am a newbie at this as well and it has helped me. You can also check out Clay B.'s tutorials on here. They are very helpful. Good luck.

http://www.paintingcow.com

[Hidemechanic]

Try your local library for books.GH

[superchute]

Clay B had made some nice instctions stuff here in the form. There are some good books out there and all will work for a start. As you do more you will try new things and find new ways to help make what you like. Making what you like is the great thing about leather. The one thing I can give you that will help the most is use a good sharp swivle knife and be shere to keep it sharp. the more you use it the better you will get. I my self have cut up a cow side or two just geting better with the knife.

Most of all have fun and I hope you enjoy your self.

Russell

[Pip]

Really check out Clayb's tutorials they really helped me get my head round stuff.

[MADMAX22]

Thanks guys, I downloaded and read over all four available tutorials and they have helped alot. Well on my way for my first project.