Looking For Some Beginner Tools

[DRA6N]

I am new to leatherworking and I am just looking for a good set of tools for a beginner. I am avoiding the tandy kits and trying to get a good set of tools to start with. Let me know what you have. I am also a graphic designer and can make you designs for your stamps etc if you'd like that as well.

Edited March 3, 2015 by DRA6N

[Tramps Leatherworking]

I am new to leatherworking and I am just looking for a good set of tools for a beginner. I am avoiding the tandy kits and trying to get a good set of tools to start with. Let me know what you have. I am also a graphic designer and can make you designs for your stamps etc if you'd like that as well.

It depends on what you are trying to accomplish... I have/use Barry King, Weaver Master Tools, C.S. Osborne, and a few Tandy Craftools...

[Calait]

Tandy does have 100% guarantee on their tools, though they will not cover the leather they sell I bent my camouflage tool it was replaced no questions ask. However, I too will be shopping other companies if tools keep bending.

[texback]

There is nothing wrong with the older Craftool stamps. They work as they should and can be picked up on Ebay for a reasonable price in most cases. A member here, Bruce Johnson, also sells older Craftool stamps as well as some from other makers. He also has a nice selection of other tools for sale. brucejohnsonleather.com

[atom6ix]

I have been crafting for a while now and there is nothing wrong with Tandy tools and stamps, sure they are mass produced and like anything that is coming off a line there is bound to be imperfections, when your starting out there is nothing wrong with getting established on the cheaper stuff. It helps you figure out your groove and what you really need.

For me the biggest kick in the pants is when I purchased some high dollar hook and straight knives thinking I needed "better" tools. Come to find out a good Xacto knife is all I needed to cut my smaller leather pieces and the trim knives have sat ever since. Unused because I just dont need them. They are pretty and if you were to put one next to an xacto knife anyone would choose the Damascus steel hook knife as the "better" tool, but for me its about function not form. So dont sell short the cheap tools and the mass produced Tandy stuff.

Good luck finding your groove.

[Tramps Leatherworking]

I have been crafting for a while now and there is nothing wrong with Tandy tools and stamps, sure they are mass produced and like anything that is coming off a line there is bound to be imperfections, when your starting out there is nothing wrong with getting established on the cheaper stuff. It helps you figure out your groove and what you really need.

For me the biggest kick in the pants is when I purchased some high dollar hook and straight knives thinking I needed "better" tools. Come to find out a good Xacto knife is all I needed to cut my smaller leather pieces and the trim knives have sat ever since. Unused because I just dont need them. They are pretty and if you were to put one next to an xacto knife anyone would choose the Damascus steel hook knife as the "better" tool, but for me its about function not form. So dont sell short the cheap tools and the mass produced Tandy stuff.

Good luck finding your groove.

If you are never going to take leatherworking beyond the craft phase, I agree --- otherwise, you will want better tools... The difference in the quality of your work may not be huge, but it will be noticeable...

[biglew]

forget about the price.... as a beginner just choose affordable tools and work on technique... as you gain experience you will decide if there is a good reason to get more expensive tools. I have over 200 craftool of varios ages and a load of Midas tools and a few others... I really want some hackbarth tools.. but why??? I need to master what I have rather than spending more money

so get a few basic tools for the style of tooling you like

Lew

[johnv474]

A basic toolset could consist of the following, to cover the essentials.

The important part is learning to use them. That skill cannot be replaced by a tool, and a master can make impressive work from basic tools. Think: Eddie VanHalen with a beginner's guitar vs a Cub Scout with a sniper rifle.

Tightest budget:

1) click razor knife $0.50

2) scratch awl $2.45

3) two harness needles $0.35 each

4) spool of waxed thread $5.25

5) ruler $2.00

Anything beyond that is to make your work more consistent, faster, stronger, or more decorative.

For tooling/carving add:

1) Basic Seven tool set $43

or

1a) used swivel knife $8

and

1b) used beveler, pear shader, veiner, backgrounder, camo, and seeder $4 each

2) stone or hard rubber $10 or nearly free if you ask a monument/tombstone maker for a piece

3) mallet $10 or less

For reinforcement, add these used tools from garage sales or Craigslist:

1) rivet set i.e. ball peen hammer $10 or less

2) anvil i.e. side of a regular claw hammer $5 or less

3) diagonal cutters or hacksaw blade $5 or less

4) wood glue (pva glue) or contact cement $7

For consistency in stitching, add:

1) haft $13

2) awl $6

3) stitching clam used $25

For better cutting:

1) used head knife 4.5", $30 or less

This can be used for 90% of cutting operations

2) Dexter knives $6-10

3) strop materials $5 or less

Beyond those you are looking at specialty tools, e.g. for setting snaps.

From there the sky is the limit, depending on the dimensions of your personal wallet.

Edited April 18, 2015 by johnv474