Fix Report post Posted February 11, 2015 Hello all, I've found some other threads about what tools to start with as a beginner, but they weren't specific to what I'd like to do. So, if you'll pardon the possible repeat questions... I want to tool and stitch up a motorcycle seat. I'd also like to make (and tool) a matching tool roll. Down the line, I'd love to also make (and tool) a set of saddle bags. First things first will be the seat project. The tooling I'm interested in doing (for these particular pieces) is not picture realism or fancy sheridan or western patterns. It's fairly basic. Some scroll/banners with lettering in them. Almost a logo, kind of. The only thing I currently have is a 2' x 2' x 1" piece of granite. I know I'll need at least: A mallet or maul A swivel knife Stamps for shading, bevelling, matting, etc. Dyes and some sort of sealers There is a Tandy Leather located about an hour from me, so that is an option Can anyone recommend a starter kit, or exactly what I should be looking for? I understand this is not going to be cheap, but I would like to save as much money as I can. Much Appreciated! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Thor Report post Posted February 11, 2015 Hi Fix, if you're planning on future projects already, by the right stuff right from the start. I know some prefer the mallet, but I prefer a maul. For tooling a 2 lb. one is the right choice. For all stamps - it depends a lot on your pattern. Maybe you want to post your idea and someone may be able to give you an idea. You might just need smooth bevelers or get better result with checkered or lined one... You might want to get a pear shader, a matting tool and so on. You might be able to find an assortment on eBay, where you can find lots of stuff for leather working. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Fix Report post Posted February 11, 2015 Thor, Thanks for the reply. I'm still working on the design, right now it's just kind of a concept. But here's the idea. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Thor Report post Posted February 12, 2015 Pretty ambitious for your first project. In my humble opinion I would suggest the following tools: 2 deep cut bevelers (wide and small) to bring out the banner stronger 1 undercut to be used on all the turn, where the banner folds over 1 pear shader to give the banner more depth 1 stylus modeler for the folds The font is nice, but... The small and narrow portions will be tricky. Also there will be the question whether to have the writing embossed or raised. There's a great thread on figure carving http://leatherworker.net/forum/index.php?showtopic=21743 ... way beyond my knowledge and way more than you need right now, but it is worth reading as it also explains the undercut process and the detail work you might want to look into. As for background, I would let it run out from the object and make it as simple as possible. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
howie696 Report post Posted February 12, 2015 A 2lb maul is just too heavy for a lot of tooling, get a rawhide mallet Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Tramps Leatherworking Report post Posted February 12, 2015 I agree with howie696 on the maul, a 2 lb. is better for larger stamps --- for most everyday tooling work I use a 1 lb. Barry King maul. If you are not ready to drop the money on a maul, a rawhide mallet will do just fine--- I would also probably switch out the pear shader for a thumbprint tool... I would buy a good swivel knife right out of the gate, it will make a huge difference in the quality of your cuts... For the small lettering and tight turns you will probably want to include a 1/4" angled swivel knife blade. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Fix Report post Posted February 12, 2015 Thanks very much for the replies! I'll check out that link today. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jmorton Report post Posted March 2, 2015 My two cents - See if the Tandy near you has classes. If they do, then make the trip for a few weeks to get your feet wet. They are going to try to get you hooked on leather crafting, so take advantage of any price breaks they offer. Use their tools and their leather samples till you feel comfortable. Find out if there is leather guild in the area and join. Most guild members are glad to teach you and are a pretty friendly lot. You will be amazed at the goodwill a box of donuts and a pound of coffee will generate. My first project was going to be a camera bag. After 8 years, I still haven't gotten my skills up to the point to make that camera bag, but I have made a lot of other things and my skills keep inching up. You may find that before you make the items for your MC, you will go through a period of getting better and better before you make a "definitive piece". That is where the term "masterpiece" came from. John Morton Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
