Tools part of the "and Such"

B

barretc

Joined
Sep 14, 2011
Messages
19
Hello all,

I'm looking for some advice on leatherworking tools. I've become addicted to checking out this forum (for several reasons), and until I move out of an apartment and into a house with a proper garage, I am limited to simple (tool wise) projects to fill my time. Leather working seems to becoming one of the them. Anyway, I am looking for some advise about leather working tools to needed to do some basic knife sheaths, belts, and eventually other more complex projects.

I recently purchased the Tandy "Deluxe" leather craft kit. The kit has basic tools like a (small) mallet, some awls, swivel knife, various stamps, basic punch, and various dye's finishes. I also have a basic selection of hand tools, exacto blades. But my research and reading here and elsewhere seems to show me that for my intended projects (sheaths, belts, etc) that I need more.

So, I am looking for some suggestions on tool type, and maybe even specific models, sizes suited to this type of work. I would say there is a buget, but it would be variable. Say, under $100 to fill in my gaps. Also, maybe some critisism (must have additions) of the list I think I need shown below.

What additional tools I think I need:
Edger or edge beveler (is size #2 a good size to start with?)
Sewing Awl (with the integrated bobbin, or not?)
Groover (for stiches and lines)
Thread (was thinking of buying a small assortment)
Metal Straight Edge
Stich Spacer or Oversticher (is there a difference? Changable wheels?)
Barge or other contact cement
Bone (platic) burnisher/former
Granite slab (planning on looking for a large tile, or sink cutout).
Coarse Canvas for finishing/burnishing edges


The Kit came with an assortment of Tandy finishes and dyes (I know lots of folks seem to use Fiebings), and I have some neetsfoot oil. So I will probably play with these for a while until I know more about what I want (like or dislike) for finishing.

Thanks in advance for any help.
B
 
I don't want you to think you've been ignored, but as you get deeper into leather work, the tools you don't have and need will become very apparent. It's kind of hard for one of us to guess what you are doing and try to come up with a list within your budget without inadvertently recommending something you might not need.

To address your list, I think the #2 edger is the one that you would find the most useful for many things. I have all five sizes and I, by far, use the #2 the most.

Sewing Awl, maybe so maybe no. You can two needle saddle stitch without it with great results, however Gary Graley uses the sewing awl and his work looks flawless.

Groover, yes, no matter which method you use for sewing.

Thread, I'm not a hand stitcher so can't help you there.

Metal straight edge, absolutely

Stitch spacer/overstitch wheel, yes changeable wheels might be nice, but you will finally settle on one space you like the best, probably 6 or 7 stitches to the inch.

Barge is certainly my favorite and you will use contact cement on nearly every job.

Bone, I personally use a polished Deer leg bone fashioned to shape much like the store "bones"

Granite slab, yes but go for something a bare minimum of 2" thick. Mine is 3"X12"X24"

I use a piece of an old bed sheet for hand burnishing, and have for years. Canvas or and old Blue jean leg works also.

You might find that some instructional DVDs might be well worth their cost in knowledge and time and money saved. Chuck burrows has a couple of excellent one out and I have a couple as well. If fact we will start production tomorrow on a third which will deal with just lots of questions and answers, that I have accumulated, concerning tools and techniques and "how to" information.

Feel free to call or email me if you have specific questions. My contact information is at the bottom of each of my post.

Paul
 
Paul,

Thank you very much. That is pretty much exactly what I was looking to find out. Basically to confirm some of my thoughts. I realize that as I get into this hobby (as with most of them) that time spent doing will show what tools are needed. But, it always helps to have someone else's thoughts for a begginer. I definitely plan on getting some instructional material (books, dvds), but had hoped to actually have some of the main tools so I can work along with it. Basically I am just trying to put together a begginer "set" so I can play with random projects and see what I really need or want. I think with what I have, and some of the suggested items I can put together a basic knife sheath or belt and experiment with tooling/stamping on leather.

I just want to be able to do the basics without being stopped for not having the right tool.

Thanks again,
B
 
For finishing/burnishing edges I use a small deer antler point. Works great and the price was right (free) :) .
 
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