Custom tools

[davnasca]

Carving (which is my true love in leatherwork) the saddle is essentially out of the question. This is really the only chance I have to learn the mechanics of saddlery, and like I said, my caving isn't good enough yet. I know custom tools wont help that. I'm really just taking about getting a custom border stamp or geometric made by my cousin, just one stamp. Plus, buying a Jeremiah Watt geo or border tool would run me about $70, this way it would be next to free. I wouldn't of even thought of it if he didn't offer. Is this at all feasible?

[Denise]

A lot of the first tools were made from large common nails shaped by the person who envisioned what they could make from it. My husband built his own Carlos border stamp from a 6 or 8 inch spike just because he wanted to make his own. Actually he made 3, if I recall correctly, before he got the size and shape he wanted. Then he used it in a different way than is normally done. Lots of guys have tools they have made or "fixed" from what they were before. So if you have an idea of what you want your border to look like, figure out the tool you would need to make it and go for it. It may take a few tries to get what you really want, but how else are good tools designed? Have fun with the process!

[bruce johnson]

Dave,

Denise is right about making tools. I have made some Carlos stamps out of bolts too. They work alright. Get a little under your belt and you will be comfortable with grinding and and filing to modify stamps. I have done that to quite a few Craftools, and some Barry Kings, Hackbarths, and Jeremiah Watts.

Making a tool from scratch with cut lines and stuff would be harder, and that is why those guys get the bucks.