Help becoming a leather worker

[tanej555]

Hello! I want to start a business making handmade headstalls, tie downs, bronc halter nosebands, possibly breast collars and things of that sort. I'm pretty artistic so wouldn't mind doing hand painting lettering and stuff as well.  Looking for recommendations for the best tools and most essential to start making tack. Basically what are the things I will need to start doing this. Please.....nothing that will break the bank. I was also wondering around what budget we're looking at to buy everything needed. Thanks everyone!

I'm also going to insert links of pieces similar to the type of tack I want to make for reference if anyone is interested.........

. https://www.pinterest.com/pin/469289223673191522/

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/469289223673191506/

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/721209327820554556/

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/721209327820554585/

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/216595063317093692/

[Rhale]

It’s going to be hard to start off making tack without some basics down 1st!  Do you have any leather working experience at all?  If not I would suggest you do some basic stuff to begin with like wallet kit from Tandy’s, maybe some key rings, etc. then after some practice you will have a better idea of how to use some tools and some things you will need!

[LatigoAmigo]

8 hours ago, tanej555 said:

I'm also going to insert links of pieces similar to the type of tack I want to make for reference if anyone is interested.........

You might want to know that actual images are preferred on this site, as they don't get "un-linked."

[chrisash]

Your pictures show what a expert of many years can make, you sound like your just starting out, you may find it easier to start with the learning to sew making wallets and belts etc and learn about different leathers before moving on to tack

Whilst this link is for English tack Jo teaches some of the basic skills you will need to become expert in to make a living out of leather, I think the basic training for a saddler in the UK is two years so don't think its a quick skill to learn

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCcsJvB1ntSJd4AjLSTOBHCA

Edited September 17, 2020 by chrisash