Im Getting Mad (Not Serious)

[JubWub]

THank you very much and I will be wanting to make a wallet which I have always wanted to make. as I make it I will be streaming it live which then you can come on and help me out and tell me what to do live, the webste is twitch.tv I really hope you guys can help. I just have no tools and my bad, I have been into leatherwkring for 3 weeks, I forgot to add weeks. and last thing can you help me find tools?

[TomG]

Tandy has a starter set for $50 (#55501-00). It has a few basic tools, a swivel knife, 4 projects, and some other stuff.

One of the things you have to be careful of is the disease.... Buying tools you really don't need yet.. or will never need.. gets expensive fast.

Oh.. No one has pointed out.. to carve or stamp, we use Veg-Tan leather. For garments, we use chrome-tan or other leathers.

Where do you live?

Edited April 28, 2015 by TomG

[JubWub]

well I have heard that getting a kit is not really good, I would rather get my own tools that I can rely on and that fit and feel conftorbale with. I also live in orange ct, I know there is a tandys near me

[camano ridge]

Justin, you have been given good information on where to get tools. You don't have to have a pre set package of tools. All though the starter set pretty much has what you need to get started. You were also told to call Kevin at Springfield leather. He will not treat you like a 13 year old kid, he will treat you like a customer and will answer questions and make suggestions. Also on there website is ask Kevin, it is where you can ask questions on line and you will get answers.

Get some leather or a wallet kit a few basic tools, and get to work. You can't really begin to understand a lot of it until you start to do it. If you need a list of basic leather tools, do a search on these forums, it has been discussed many times and there have been many lists made.

[TomG]

Kits depend... the only problem I have with kits, is I have seen some of the precut leather can be a little dry. And that wooden mallet sucks.

The tools will be the same as on the Tandy shelf. Not top of the line, but sufficient to see if you are going to like the hobby.

5 stamps will cost as much as that starter set.

You will also need a good slab of granite. And maybe a Poly mallet to start.

Others will chime in on their opinions as well, I hope....

[JubWub]

I asked kevin a few questions, when he responds ill let you know what he said

[JubWub]

im also in chat right no

[zuludog]

The problem with leatherwork is that like most other activities or hobbies, there is a lot to learn, understand, and buy all at once

I suggest that before you buy anything you do some homework and then start simple

Other people have posted similar requests, and the replies will also apply you. Here are some suggestions

Look at previous threads on this forum, especially Leatherwork conversation, Getting Started, How Do I Do That? and Leather Tools

There are lots of videos on YouTube. Just put leatherwork into the search box

These two books will be very helpful

The Leatherworking Handbook by Valerie Michael

The Art of Hand Sewing Leather by Al Stohlman

You can learn a lot by making a key fob - making a pattern, cutting out, edge bevelling, use of an awl, pricking iron, stitching chisel, saddle stitch, stitch groover, edge burnishing, and if you wish, dyeing and tooling.

As for tools, your choice is either to buy a starter kit, or get them as you need them. My suggestion would be to only get a starter kit if you can get it at a reduced price. Buy tools as you need them, and understand what they're for, and how to use them.

[zuludog]

You do blacksmithing, work with clay, and are keen to start leatherwork, so it sounds as though you are practical and confident at working with your hands. Then you could try making some tools yourself; keeps the costs down and is a satisfying thing to do. Try

An edge slicker or burnisher

A round/scratch awl - something like a thick pin or needle, a nail, or hard stiff wire, mounted in a home made handle. As I'm British I have used an old dart head

A sharpening strop, from scraps of timber and leather. I just used ordinary general purpose glue and weighted it down overnight with a pile of books

Perhaps a sewing pony. It doesn't have to be a shining example of the cabinet maker's art, as long as it does the job

Get ideas from this forum, and look at the suppliers' websites for ideas. will give you an idea of what's available, and the prices - Tandy, Goods Japan, Osborne, Vergez-Blanchard; you will hear of others or surf the Net for leather tools, leathercraft suppliers, and so on

[byggyns]

If you are close to a Tandy, sign up for a class there. If Hartfort, CT. is the closest to you , they have classes just about every Saturday in May. According to the Tandy website, they still have 6 spots open for a stitching & lacing class tomorrow.

As has been said, there is really no replacement for getting your hands on some leather & getting started. Using some tools at the store that you don't have to buy yourself will show you what you like & don't like in some of the tools that Tandy sells. Most Tandy kists come with the basic supplies needed. You will have to buy rivet / snap setters, any stamps for tooling, and dyes / finishes if you use their kits. Once you take a few classes or make a few kits, you can start to design & build things on your own from a shoulder or side.