Sjm1027 Report post Posted August 22, 2007 My thoughts on my first trip to Tandy... I will take a trip to Tandy this weekend and I am thinking I would like to pick up some scrap leather, a knife, punch and some stamps... Maybe look at a starter kit just to get me going. First stop to get a good book... I figure I need to just start getting the feel of working the leather. I like making containers, bags, back packs, cigar holder, things like that... Not sure if it would be a good idea to get some leather and a pattern of something I may like... something simple like a small pocket book or wallet and have at it. Is this what most of you think would be the best way to get going? Any ideas on a really good instruction book? Thanks Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Billsotx Report post Posted August 22, 2007 (edited) My thoughts on my first trip to Tandy... I will take a trip to Tandy this weekend and I am thinking I would like to pick up some scrap leather, a knife, punch and some stamps... Maybe look at a starter kit just to get me going. First stop to get a good book... I figure I need to just start getting the feel of working the leather. I like making containers, bags, back packs, cigar holder, things like that... Not sure if it would be a good idea to get some leather and a pattern of something I may like... something simple like a small pocket book or wallet and have at it. Is this what most of you think would be the best way to get going? Any ideas on a really good instruction book? Thanks Sounds like you've got a plan. There a 3 volumes on making leather cases by Al Stohlman and Tandy usually stocks them. I suggest you look through each volume if can find them and decide from the content which one you want to buy. You may buy all 3 eventually. Buy you a decent piece of leather right from the get go. Don't skimp on that econo-cheapo-pinko grade that they have. With that econo grade you may stamp it only to find a while later your stamped impression all but disappeared and if you try to wet mold something you may be in for a wrestling match. I've seen the stuff so dry it'll tear when you start to work it. No sense making it difficult by buying junk and just about every outlet has something like that; there's not that much of a savings even if it works out. Same goes for tools. Get the best you can afford. Tandy has some decent tools, but they have some junk too. Once you know where you're going, and you've indicated your interest, you can get some high end stuff when your skills have developed. Depending on what you do you may find you have to make or modify your own tools. You'll have to learn to sharpen them no matter how good they are, especially the swivel knife. I don't like those kits but I must admit I have found some good leather in them at times. If you decide to buy one try to go through a few of them and pick out the best of the lot. ... Let us know how it goes and where you're going next. Edited August 22, 2007 by Billsotx Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Rawhide Report post Posted August 22, 2007 To echo billsotx, get the best tools you can afford. For the swivel knife the Al Stohlman brand knurled swivel knife is a decent one, but it doesn't come with a blade. If you plan on getting into the craft deeply, consider the wholesale club membership (or if you have a business tax i.d. you can get better pricing). As far as books go, I would get "The Leatherwork Manual" first. This is a great book to get you started. Welcome to the craft. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
abn Report post Posted August 22, 2007 If you plan on getting into the craft deeply, consider the wholesale club membership. This is a good suggestion -- Tandy's Wholesale Club costs $35, and on average, starts saving you money if you spend more than $150-200 per year. My club membership usually pays for itself on the first or second order. -Alex Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ETW Grumpy Report post Posted August 22, 2007 I agree with billsotx, the leather in those kits is usually crappy. I bought the deluxe leatherworkers set which had the basic tools, dyes a book and a video. It helped me decide this was what I wanted to do. Then I started buying better leather and tools. Always look for more books, DVD's etc. Subscribe to Leathercrafters and Saddlers Journal and for sure join the Tandy wholesale club. Just using the buy one get one free feature, you'll pay for your membership in a few months with the money you save. Good luck. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Sjm1027 Report post Posted August 22, 2007 Thanks to all that replied... I will be heading there this weekend and will for sure take all your advice. Good leather and good tools. I better get reading, thanks again Steve Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
