Ambitious1 Report post Posted February 13, 2015 I'm looking for suggestions for a list of tools, etc. I should get to start learning this craft. Thoughts? David Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Troy Burch Report post Posted February 14, 2015 David, that really depends on what kind of leather work your going to start off doing. Floral? figure carving? bags? billfolds? holsters? The basic tool list are different. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Ambitious1 Report post Posted February 14, 2015 I had a feeling that would be the answer. :-) I'm interested in making guitar straps, cases, belts, and ultimately recovering my motorcycle seat. figure carving, definitely. Floral patterns, absolutely. basket weave, some of the things I saw in Al Stohlman's book, "how to carve leather" is very appealing to me, too. Does that help? thanks very much Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
camano ridge Report post Posted February 14, 2015 (edited) Well then you need one of everything. Seriously to get started with just the basics you will need: Something to cut with you can use from a basic utility knife to a fancy round knife. Something to hammer with mallet or maul. If you are going to be cutting your own straps a strap cutter would be good. Snap setter, rivet setter something to punch holes with, a good quality rotary hole punch would be reccomended then add different punches as needed. Basic sewing needs: needle thread, stitch groover over stitch wheel (spi of your choice) some people prefer pricking irons instead of overstitch wheel. Diamond awl An edge beveler Something to burnish the edges can be as simple as a hardwood dowel with a groove in it. A swivel knife modeling spoon and a stylis As to carving/tooling buy stams, bevelers etc you need for your first project and build from there. This is a very basic list but it will get you started. If you do a search you will find your question answered many times with many different lists and opinions Edited February 14, 2015 by camano ridge Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Ambitious1 Report post Posted February 14, 2015 Thank you, very much! That helps a ton! I should have looked for the lists, but was a bit too anxious. Really appreciate you, and Troy taking the time to respond. David Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
camano ridge Report post Posted February 14, 2015 (edited) David, happy to help if I can. Again others will haevwhat they think is best to start out with but the above list will definitely get you started in the right direction. Edited February 14, 2015 by camano ridge Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
thekid77 Report post Posted February 14, 2015 (edited) I'm looking for suggestions for a list of tools, etc. I should get to start learning this craft. Thoughts? David Hey David, welcome to the trade!! You're going to find many kind and helpful people on this forum A suggestion....two yrs ago I was in the same position as you, just getting started.....for tools, I suggest you contact Bruce Johnson....he is a great guy who is also on this forum and specialized in saddlery and selling vintage tools......he can set you up with a basic set of tools that you will need if you tell him what you intend to do...... Also, do yourself a favor and invest in quality tools.....many of the tools that Bruce sells are antiques 50-100+ yrs old that still work like the day they were made.....here's his contact info: http://brucejohnsonleather.com/ Telephone: (844) 584-7866 Give him a call he's a real stand up guy who will help you!! Enjoy!! Edited February 14, 2015 by thekid77 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
oltoot Report post Posted February 14, 2015 There was a time when I would said to wash my mouth out for saying such a thing but the years have changed a few things. If you really want to "try" this and after coming to the decision to go on or forget it and be prepared to nearly start all over again as far as tools, etc are concerned I would got Tandy and look at some of the lower end starter kits for the initial mix of tools. They also have project kits and handbooks. 60 yaers later, I still have a few of those beginner tools but have long since moved on to more and better things. That will also familiarize you with some of the basic tools. If you decide that this is for you, then Bruce Johnson is indeed a great source for the gently used and professionally refurbished vintage tool. You will find a plethora of other sources by perusing this forum. Have a good ride. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Ambitious1 Report post Posted February 14, 2015 Thank you very much, I really do appreciate it! I'm definitely interested in getting into this craft, and will get in touch with Bruce to get me set up. David Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Ambitious1 Report post Posted February 16, 2015 Well, I got myself a mix of vintage tools, made in the USA. Just waiting for the shipments to arrive. Never connected with Bruce, but I will for the other things that I need. I'll let you know how things go. Thanks for all the help. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Sluggo001 Report post Posted February 17, 2015 1) Strop. 2) I saw some great advice on a Bruce Cheaney video using of the Tandy industrial knife with the hook blade for cutting curves. This is the only way I cut curves now, and I wish I had had one when I started out. 3) Buy good sewing awl blades. 4) Cheap basketweave stamps lead to frustration. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
