Rookie here

[Muppet]

Good morning ladies and gentlemen. 

My nickname is Muppet. Thank you for allowing me into your home.

I'm an aspiring leather worker. I tried my hand at blacksmithing, my mentor became ill, I don't have access to a forge, anymore. For a long time, I've been talking about moving to Idaho and taking up leather work. Many years as a paramedic, formerly, an Army medic has taken a toll on me.

Something about leather work is drawing me to it, I just picked up some tools and I aim to make some wallets and belts, perhaps, some gun holsters in the future. 

I'm here to learn, absorb and hopefully, share my beginnings and improvements. 

Once again, thanks for allowing me into your home.

 

Cheers.

-Muppet

[chrisash]

Welcome to the forum, leatherwork is a great hobby and for some a great profession, sure you will enjoy it, my only suggestion is only buy tools when you actually need them, it's very easy to buy things you think you may need which stay in a draw unused for years which tends to get expensive

[Muppet]

Great info. Much obliged!

[PastorBob]

Plenty of great ideas and information here.  I have learned a bunch.  Also, there are numerous videos on YouTube specific to different styles / techniques.  Look for Don Gonzalez for tooling and dyeing, Weaver Leathercraft for the same plus different types of projects, and Joe Meling for more.  These are just to name a few...there are many.  Good luck and thank you for your service.

[Frodo]

Hello Muppet,  I am also a fellow forger.That gave it up

If you need a forge, building one is simple and damn near free.  If you have scrounging skills

go scrounge up, 2- 55 gallon steel barrels/drums

a cast iron brake drum

and the exhaust fan out of an old house heater unit, looks like this

 

[Muppet]

Thank you all.