Newbie from NJ

[mike6644]

Hi Everyone,

I am about one week into this adventure.  I work night shift and this gave me something to look at when that 3 o'clock hour rolled around.  I picked up a starter kit from Tandy, in searching through the forum I then noticed a trend, and have really taken to the craft.  In starting to tool and work on my projects I had some unanswered questions.  I am still a bit lost when it comes to some of the processes from start to finish, such as edge finishing and treating the leather.  I have tried to do some looking and everyone seems to have their own way of doing things.  Is it just trial and error?  Can you point me toward some online resources and some good books for beginners?  I realize this may have been covered in another topic somewhere, so if you know of something please pass it on.

I was also wondering if anyone knows where to find any good patterns.  I work in EMS and would like to learn how to make a good quality radio pouch with either a belt clip or carry strap.

I am also a Civil War reenactor and one of my eventual goals is to make my own historical leather goods (cartridge and cap boxes, belts, holsters, etc.)

Any information would be helpful.  I am in southern New Jersey, so unfortunately my resources are limited when it comes to the physical world.

Thanks,

Mike

[plinkercases]

Welcome Mike both the forum and the craft. Lots of different was to do things and some basics and as you say always lots of trail and error and coming to things in your own way. There are some good fundamental resources like the Al Stohlman books through Tandy  on hand sewing, making cases like you want to for your radio, how to make holsters and belts, and other books and video which members here can recommend based on what you want to specifically.

Use the forum search function as I doubt there is a question you have that hasn't been asked here before and will be again. Cruse the how do I do that section and just start to soak it in. and don't hesitate to just start making things. This is a hands on trip for sure.

Looking forward to seeing your first project!

[JerseyFirefighter]

5 hours ago, mike6644 said:

Hi Everyone,

I am about one week into this adventure.  I work night shift and this gave me something to look at when that 3 o'clock hour rolled around.  I picked up a starter kit from Tandy, in searching through the forum I then noticed a trend, and have really taken to the craft.  In starting to tool and work on my projects I had some unanswered questions.  I am still a bit lost when it comes to some of the processes from start to finish, such as edge finishing and treating the leather.  I have tried to do some looking and everyone seems to have their own way of doing things.  Is it just trial and error?  Can you point me toward some online resources and some good books for beginners?  I realize this may have been covered in another topic somewhere, so if you know of something please pass it on.

I was also wondering if anyone knows where to find any good patterns.  I work in EMS and would like to learn how to make a good quality radio pouch with either a belt clip or carry strap.

I am also a Civil War reenactor and one of my eventual goals is to make my own historical leather goods (cartridge and cap boxes, belts, holsters, etc.)

Any information would be helpful.  I am in southern New Jersey, so unfortunately my resources are limited when it comes to the physical world.

Thanks,

Mike

Welcome from N. Ocean County!  You'll find that aside from heading into PA that there are no leather supply shops in the immediate area. I learned a lot the hard way... buy, wait for delivery, realize it was the wrong item, buy again....rinse repeat The Al Stolhman books are a good start, this place is flush with tips and tricks for finishing edges. The "How do I do that" section is also great for ideas. Best of luck!