What tools and what brand

[peterjcm5]

Hello,

I am completely new to leather work and would like some guidance.  I want to start learning to make some basic craft with leather, like bracelets, wallets and such.  I am wondering what tools are necessary to get started and what brands do people suggest?  I don't want to spend the money for high end at this point and I don't believe in buying cheap tools that make the projects unenjoyable.  I have heard about Tandy and am curious what people think about them or other similar or better quality brands?  I welcome further questions to clarify my intentions and can't provide a ton more specific information due to being a beginner.  Thanks so much.

[DJole]

Welcome to the forum!
Your question is a very common one.
First, it would be helpful to know where you are at, so that we can direct you to resources in your area.
Start with a video such as this: 
Top 25 Recommended Leatherwork Tools-->  <https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VTfMRaVyCd4&feature=youtu.be>

[MolyCW]

1 hour ago, DJole said:

Welcome to the forum!
Your question is a very common one.
First, it would be helpful to know where you are at, so that we can direct you to resources in your area.
Start with a video such as this: 
Top 25 Recommended Leatherwork Tools-->  <https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VTfMRaVyCd4&feature=youtu.be>

Thanks for the link, I work with leather for a while but I have no idea about some of these tools

[wizard of tragacanth]

Start with Tandy tools but avoid the cheap versions. For example, Tandy has two different rotary punches (I am not saying that you even want one of these right now, this is just an example). The $18 one is made of stamped steel. You might get enough work out of it for one project but the holes may be sloppy! The $50 Craftool Pro version is expensive but it is a good tool and worth the money You may be able to find the same heavy, metal version on Amazon for less. It is worth a look. A slot punch is another example. The $13 cheap shiny silver punch that looks like chrome, is a poor tool. The $40, Craftool Heavy Duty Oblong punch, would be the level that you would be looking for.

You will need a cutting mat or board. Cheap kitchen, poly cutting boards will work for this, or a poundo board from Tandy. You need cutting tools. You can start with a an x-acto knife for small projects and a utility knife for big stuff. If you are stamping, you will need a granite (or similar) slab to back up your work. You need the appropriate sized needles and thread for the particular project. You need a way to mark your stitching holes and a way to make the holes. You will need some dye. I recommend Fiebing's Pro Dye. You need a finish coat. As an example, use Satin Shene for a low gloss or Resolene for a high gloss. That's just two out of many available finishes. 

The list goes on, but I am getting tired. Watch some YT videos on the types of projects that you want to make and pay attention to the tools that they use.

Have fun!

nick

[zuludog]

You could do some homework for yourself -

This sort of question crops up regularly, so look through old Threads on this forum, especially on Tools and Getting Started

There are loads of videos on YouTube, for both techniques such as saddle stitching, and particular items, such as belts or wallets. You'll see what tools are used, and how they are used.  Also Search for Beginners Leather Tools. YT is a place to get instant experience

Many people start off with Tandy, and stay with them; they are a good mid range choice. I assume you are in the USA, and Rocky Mountain Leather Supply is a good place to shop as well. Here are a few things to get you started -

A cutting mat; the usual green thing, get the biggest you can manage

A craft knife/box cutter/utility knife is cheap and easy to use, you may well have one already. Don't be in a hurry to get anything more expensive, you can do good work with  a utility knife

A diamond/harness/saddler's awl. Get one ready mounted in a haft/handle; you can improve it by sharpening & polishing it yourself - Search YT for Sharpening an awl

A round/scratch awl. Used to mark out patterns; enlarging stitching holes; and generally poking around. They're cheap enough

Stitching chisels. Start with a Tandy Craftool or Craftool Pro, 2 prong 3,5 or 4mm spacing. You can always get more if you find you need them. Steel hammers will damage them, so get a soft mallet asap - wood, hide, nylon

Needles. John James are the best, and not too expensive. Size 002 from RMLS

Thread. Tandy ready waxed nylon is cheap and easy to use. RMLS sell their own brand of thread - 'Twist' - which is very good and fairly cheap. Try both linen and synthetic

A block of beeswax.For waxing thread, even ready waxed; lubricating awls & chisels; some kinds of edge burnishing

Dividers, to mark the line of stitching; RMLS sell an economy pair

Economy edge burnisher from RMLS

An edge beveler. Tandy Craftool Edge Beveler #8076 - 02 is cheap, easy to use, and easy to sharpen

The key to leatherwork is to have razor sharp tools. There are loads of videos on sharpening, and a section on this forum. Fine wet & dry paper is cheap & easy to use, and you can make your own strop - Search YT

Edited November 12, 2019 by zuludog

[Tugadude]

There is a "Getting Started" section of the website that has many threads with similar questions.  You might try looking through some of them for help.  If I were you I'd want to get a copy of a Tandy catalog and a Springfield Leather Company catalog.  Both are great resources and have helpful information on not only tools and leather but some handy guides, etc.

[DJole]

16 hours ago, MolyCW said:

Thanks for the link, I work with leather for a while but I have no idea about some of these tools

The biggest problem is figuring out what you want to do, so that the tools you get help you with that kind of leatherwork. You can actually do quite a lot with a handful of tools -- I began with an Xacto knife, a modeling spoon, needles and waxed thread, an awl, a mallet, one stitching chisel and some hole punches, plus a rubber pounding/cutting mat. That's really not a whole of money to start with!
Over time, I have collected various tools AS I NEEDED THEM for a project, rather than just going out and purchasing a bunch of tools. 
There are a few tools that I purchased which I rarely use at all -- the stitching groover, for example. I find wing dividers much more versatile. 

[MolyCW]

9 hours ago, DJole said:

The biggest problem is figuring out what you want to do, so that the tools you get help you with that kind of leatherwork. You can actually do quite a lot with a handful of tools -- I began with an Xacto knife, a modeling spoon, needles and waxed thread, an awl, a mallet, one stitching chisel and some hole punches, plus a rubber pounding/cutting mat. That's really not a whole of money to start with!
Over time, I have collected various tools AS I NEEDED THEM for a project, rather than just going out and purchasing a bunch of tools. 
There are a few tools that I purchased which I rarely use at all -- the stitching groover, for example. I find wing dividers much more versatile. 

I cannot afford buying all at once anyway, I saved your link in case I need some of those,  I now plan to work more with leather as I found a good supplier recently.

I'm now looking for a machine to sew leather as my basic sewing-embroidery machine can't handle this kind of projects properly. Last time I used it I was anxious while sewing leather waiting for it to brake. Luckily it ended up well. However, I need a new machine for this projects and I was thinking about some old  school old fashion model that is sturdy may be not rich in functions, just some basics. So I googled a lot and found this list of vintage looking or actually old models and rationally I think I should buy that old Singer while it still available, but can you tell me is that lovely Tippmann Boss machine can be useful enough? It'so small and looks sturdy, and reviews are mostly possitive

So, what do you say? I'd really appreciate your advice!

Edited November 13, 2019 by MolyCW

[chrisash]

Apart from the Tippmann the others will sew chrome tan clothing leather, but have major problems sewing more than about 1.5mm veg tan. there is a good guide on this forum under the sewing machine heading about what to look out for

[DJole]

10 hours ago, MolyCW said:

I cannot afford buying all at once anyway, I saved your link in case I need some of those,  I now plan to work more with leather as I found a good supplier recently.

I'm now looking for a machine to sew leather as my basic sewing-embroidery machine can't handle this kind of projects properly. Last time I used it I was anxious while sewing leather waiting for it to brake. Luckily it ended up well. However, I need a new machine for this projects and I was thinking about some old  school old fashion model that is sturdy may be not rich in functions, just some basics. So I googled a lot and found this list of vintage looking or actually old models and rationally I think I should buy that old Singer while it still available, but can you tell me is that lovely Tippmann Boss machine can be useful enough? It'so small and looks sturdy, and reviews are mostly possitive

So, what do you say? I'd really appreciate your advice!

I have no advice -- I don't own a machine that will sew leather. Maybe someday...
For that,  your best bet is to locate the section of this forum that deals with leather sewing machines and seek expert advice there!

[MolyCW]

Oh, my mistake, I haven't noticed the topic 

I'll look in machines section, thanks!