SovereignVS Report post Posted October 8, 2015 Hi I'm new to the forum and new to leatherworking, but its fascinating to me already. I've made a list of hand tools I'm about to buy and need some guidance to make sure they're good. Are these a good choice? What else might I need? My first project is going to be simple, a wallet. Then I'll make a tablet case. Here are the tools/dyes/etc. from Springfield. I'm thinking I might order some from Osborne. 21-251001 Cement,Contact,Barge 2oz 34-01 Gum Tragacanth,4oz 34-211002 Dye,Fieb,Oil,Dk Brown,4oz 34-261201 Finish,Carnauba Cream,4oz 34-222001 Finish,Tan-Kote 4oz 88-145 Awl,Haft,Stitching,#145 011-811600 Folder,Bone (Plastic) 011-809100 Overstitcher,Set,Sz 5,6,7 28-3003 Punch Set,Mini,Heavy Duty 011-808200 Gouge,Adjustable,V,Metal,SLC 011-807400 Groover,Stitching,Adjustable 88-54 Blade,Awl,Stitching,2" 011-807603 Edge Beveler,#3 130-119500 Needle,EZ Thread,10pk 130-001 Needle,Harness,"00"Med,2pk 97-5000 Thread,Waxed,AsstColors,5pk So anything you would recommend? to change? to add? Thanks! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
SovereignVS Report post Posted October 8, 2015 Also getting a rotary cutter...either fiskar or olfa. And an HDPE cutting board. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Art Report post Posted October 8, 2015 Don't buy all that stuff. Check out the Nigel Armitage Video on Wallets and buy ONLY the tools you need to do the job. As the jobs get bigger, you continue to buy tools. Art Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Thor Report post Posted October 8, 2015 Don't buy all that stuff. Check out the Nigel Armitage Video on Wallets and buy ONLY the tools you need to do the job. As the jobs get bigger, you continue to buy tools. Art ...seconded. Other than that, don't buy a plastic bone folder. Buy a real bone. It may be a little bit more money but worth it. The mini punch set is nice for a start, but once you're getting into punching holes of various sizes you'll find out it's annoying having to change the tip all the time... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
SovereignVS Report post Posted October 8, 2015 Thanks! I'll watch the video and see what I really need. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
TinkerTailor Report post Posted October 9, 2015 ...seconded. Other than that, don't buy a plastic bone folder. Buy a real bone. It may be a little bit more money but worth it. The mini punch set is nice for a start, but once you're getting into punching holes of various sizes you'll find out it's annoying having to change the tip all the time... But if you buy a couple of sets of mini puncheswhen they are on sale, you can have them in more that one size. I use blue locktite to hold in the punch. I prefer the bigger handle to the tiny shafted individual small punches. Also I like that the replacement punch tubes are not as expensive as a whole new punch when you break/bend them as can happen. Also, thirded. Buy new only what you need for the current project. To build up on tools check thrift and antique stores for old tools and learn how to sharpen and clean up old stuff. The old tools are coveted because they are miles better that new entry level craftool and chinabay. Better steel, design, manufacturing etc.. Also, watch craigslist (or whatever is the local buy/sell.) Retired people who have or thought they would have a leather hobby pass on and their tools can and do come up for sale. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
penguineer Report post Posted October 9, 2015 On the bone folder - I agree, get a real bone folder. They really aren't that much more expensive, and if you look around it may even be cheaper. Check out bookbinding or papercraft suppliers. Would not recommend a teflon bone folder when starting out though. It's a pretty versatile tool for folding, smoothing, burnishing..... Cheers! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
SovereignVS Report post Posted October 10, 2015 would SLC be a good place to order from? I've heard both good and bad things about them. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Art Report post Posted October 10, 2015 SLC is fine. If you have any concerns (about product selection) call them on the phone and discuss them. The only problem I have had is when I have let THEM make selection decisions; of course that is because I am a finicky bastard . Kevin is great to call if you have problems or just a leather question. I can't say there is a lot wrong with SLC. Art Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
SovereignVS Report post Posted October 10, 2015 Sounds good. Yeah I've talked with Kevin before through Email. He was quite helpful. ANyways, I'm not sure what I don't need on my list. It all seems essential for what I'm doing. I might even need some more tools. I guess I could get away with not buying any finishes. Also I am going to be using a utility knife for cutting, unless there are other recommendations... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
penguineer Report post Posted October 11, 2015 I'm not sure about the v-gouge - every time I've tried using it on a folded item I've been unhappy and feel better about just weting the leather and making a fold using the bone folder(score on the inside fold line, flatten on outside). Why two sets of needles? The utility knife is fine for starting out. Highly recommended that you sharpen it though. A lot of people will recommend a better/different knife, but to get you going just keep it simple. That's something you could look into - sharpening gear........doesn't have to be fancy, a piece of firm cardboard and some rouge makes an acceptable benchtop strop. Cheers! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
SovereignVS Report post Posted October 13, 2015 Thanks Penguineer Wow cardboard and rouge...never would of thought of that. Anyways, Do you have a recommendation for a better knife? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
penguineer Report post Posted October 13, 2015 Once you get seriously into sharpening it becomes a bit insane - plenty of stones, laps, rougue, strops, steels and sundry devices to spend your money on. The main thing is that you do it and do it often - a small strop that stays with the tools helps. As for knives, plenty of better ones out there but the main thing is that it's sharp and you feel happy using it. So I can't help you there. For what you are doing, utility knife is plenty. Learn to use it, sharpen it, get pissed off with it and replace it with something better.....for you. I currently use a bootmakers knife, round knife, pen knife and utility knife depending on how I feel and the job I'm doing. Sorry if that doesn't help much..... Cheers! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
