Author Topic: Advice on leather working tools to get (Read 12542 times)

moleeyes36 · « **on:** April 17, 2015, 03:50:51 PM »

I'm asking for recommendations from some of you experienced leather workers on the forum. I’m going to make a few knife sheaths, some hunting bags and maybe some leggings for my own use. I’ve done a truly amateur job on a few knife sheaths and some center seam moccasins in the past using only a harness needle and artificial sinew. I’ve got a really nice piece of moose hide to make a bag and I don’t want to screw it up.

I’d like to get the basic tools to make some more presentable (not professional) looking items. I did some Google searches and found a lot of things (many are totally foreign to me) and I have no idea of what I should get. Some of the things are quite pricey. Would something like one of these two items be what I’d need, or do you have any recommendations of what I should get? Thanks.

http://www.tandyleather.com/en-usd/home/department/starter-sets/11190-00.aspx

http://www.tandyleather.com/en-usd/search/searchresults/11191-00.aspx#

Mole Eyes

bigsmoke · « **Reply #1 on:** April 17, 2015, 05:15:51 PM »

Mole eyes,
I'd say go with the basic set, it has everything you really need.
I would also want to have a pair of pliers, sometimes useful for pulling the needle through.
A couple of thimbles also are nice to have.
And a tube of Barge Cement as well. Should be able to get that from Tandy's along with the stitching kit. Be real careful with that so you don't over-apply too much.
Have fun with the projects. How thick is the moose hide?
John

moleeyes36 · « **Reply #2 on:** April 17, 2015, 05:25:52 PM »

Quote from: bigsmoke on April 17, 2015, 05:15:51 PM

Mole eyes,
I'd say go with the basic set, it has everything you really need.
I would also want to have a pair of pliers, sometimes useful for pulling the needle through.
A couple of thimbles also are nice to have.
And a tube of Barge Cement as well. Should be able to get that from Tandy's along with the stitching kit. Be real careful with that so you don't over-apply too much.
Have fun with the projects. How thick is the moose hide?
John

John,

Thanks. The moose hide mics at .1 and is very soft and flexible. I picked it up at the Alafia Rendezvous a few years ago.

Mole Eyes

Kermit · « **Reply #3 on:** April 17, 2015, 05:37:22 PM »

I'm with John. For making a few items, you probably don't need the deluxe set--unless you're a tool geek with financial resources. You'll want to cut the leather, and X-acto type knives will do that for you. I find a pair of round-nose jeweler's pliers useful for pulling needles when that becomes necessary. You can add tools or replace with better quality as you go if you get deeper into leather work. My whole kit fits in a couple of old cookie tins.

LRB · « **Reply #4 on:** April 17, 2015, 06:42:00 PM »

Yeah, that basic kit will get you going, but I would add an edge creaser. The creaser will lay out your stitch line as well as making a decorative border. The groover will also, but if you make a wrong move with it, the leather is cut, and you can't change it. I don't like Tandy's creaser, but it will get you by. For PC work, you might want to find some linen thread. Tandy has linen thread, but it is imported and of poor quality, and also a bit thin. Works for small items pretty well, if you don't break it pulling it snug.

okieboy · « **Reply #5 on:** April 17, 2015, 06:43:57 PM »

My sewing kit is an awl, harness needles, waxed linen thread, overstitch (spacing) tool, small self opening pliers for pulling needles, and a small piece of hard leather for pushing needles. Most of my sewing is saddle stitch in harder leathers and awl holes don't work that well, so I mark the hole location with an awl and then drill the hole with a 1/16" drill bit; the quick and easy way to do this is to put the drill bit in a Dremel tool.
Some contact cement and some small spring clamps are handy at times and I usually hold the pieces in a vise on top of the bench.

moleeyes36 · « **Reply #6 on:** April 17, 2015, 07:50:41 PM »

Quote from: LRB on April 17, 2015, 06:42:00 PM

Yeah, that basic kit will get you going, but I would add an edge creaser. The creaser will lay out your stitch line as well as making a decorative border. The groover will also, but if you make a wrong move with it, the leather is cut, and you can't change it. I don't like Tandy's creaser, but it will get you by. For PC work, you might want to find some linen thread. Tandy has linen thread, but it is imported and of poor quality, and also a bit thin. Works for small items pretty well, if you don't break it pulling it snug.

Pardon my lack of knowledge about leather working. Tandy shows four different creasers, is this the creaser you mean? https://www.tandyleather.com/en-usd/search/searchresults/8072-00.aspx Thanks for the heads up on the quality of the Tandy linen thread; do you know a supplier where I can get good quality linen thread?

Mole Eyes

LRB · « **Reply #7 on:** April 17, 2015, 08:43:37 PM »

That's it. I have a late seventies Tandy edge creaser. It is non-adjustable one piece, making a line at about 1/8" in from the edge. The working end has a polished projection for the crease, and has a polished lip that is higher that guides along the edge. IMO, this type makes a nicer line and is stronger. Here is where to go for better, if not the best, leather tools.https://www.osborneleathertools.com/product_details.php?pid=203
They offer creasers from 1/16" to 1/8". I have found the 1/8" to cover most all needs. They also have much better stitch hole markers, and in three sizes.

T.C.Albert · « **Reply #8 on:** April 17, 2015, 09:17:22 PM »

If your moose hide is chrome/commercial tanned (is it stretchy?) then creasers, groovers, marking wheels etc will all work much differently (if at all ) than if you were using vegetable tanned stuff...either way, I personally wouldn't buy too many tools to make stuff from just one hide...unless you are planning on sticking with it, a leather stabbing awl, 2 blunt harness needles, good shears, and waxed linen cord would really do it...I think anyhow...
tc

okieboy · « **Reply #9 on:** April 17, 2015, 10:04:23 PM »

Two needles might do for you T.C., I waited till they went on sale and bought a hundred. I do still have some left.

T.C.Albert · « **Reply #10 on:** April 17, 2015, 10:55:04 PM »

100...wow, that would be a good thing to have squirreled away...
now and then after a few years use an eye on one of my harness needles will wear through and fail, but otherwise I rarely ever need a new one...but I agree, if you can it is good to have extras set aside just in case...
tc

moleeyes36 · « **Reply #11 on:** April 17, 2015, 11:18:50 PM »

Quote from: T.C.Albert on April 17, 2015, 09:17:22 PM

If your moose hide is chrome/commercial tanned (is it stretchy?) then creasers, groovers, marking wheels etc will all work much differently (if at all ) than if you were using vegetable tanned stuff...either way, I personally wouldn't buy too many tools to make stuff from just one hide...unless you are planning on sticking with it, a leather stabbing awl, 2 blunt harness needles, good shears, and waxed linen cord would really do it...I think anyhow...
tc

Yes, the moose hide is commercial tanned leather. Would this 1mm waxed linen cord be about what I need for sewing hunting bags and knife sheaths? http://www.amazon.com/s/?ie=UTF8&keywords=irish+waxed+linen+cord&tag=googhydr-20&index=aps&hvadid=28659045807&hvpos=1t2&hvexid=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=1935908851805972524&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=b&hvdev=c&ref=pd_sl_3lbcf4nnoo_b

Mole Eyes

T.C.Albert · « **Reply #12 on:** April 17, 2015, 11:28:26 PM »

If you want to save cash, go to Hobby Lobby and get a 20 yard spool of "White" waxed linen cord...its usually in by the beads and necklace making aisle....the white stuff is consistently good, its 5 ply with few if any splices and real good tensile strength...however, the brown and black stuff from the same place is about junk...by us, one spool is under five bucks...and I find one spool is enough to make one pouch ...
tca

J I · « **Reply #13 on:** April 17, 2015, 11:34:58 PM »

Is the Tandy Leather waxed linen about the same as Hobby Lobby? I guess I am too pickey, but I don't want to waste time and money by saving a few cents only to have to restitch a pouch or sheath.

D. Taylor Sapergia · « **Reply #14 on:** April 18, 2015, 01:33:46 AM »

Moose hide is no good for making knife sheathes. You need 9 - 10 oz. veg tan cow hide for that. And you will need an awl that is ground like a miniature sword, and sharp. Pierce the leather along the edge spaced groove into a block of soft wood...I use a piece of end grain cedar. TC Albert has a wonderful little book on working leather ... I highly recommend it.

moleeyes36 · « **Reply #15 on:** April 18, 2015, 02:30:13 AM »

Quote from: D. Taylor Sapergia on April 18, 2015, 01:33:46 AM

Moose hide is no good for making knife sheathes. You need 9 - 10 oz. veg tan cow hide for that. And you will need an awl that is ground like a miniature sword, and sharp. Pierce the leather along the edge spaced groove into a block of soft wood...I use a piece of end grain cedar. TC Albert has a wonderful little book on working leather ... I highly recommend it.

Taylor,

Would this be Recreating the 18th Century Hunting Pouch - by T.C. Albert ? If it is, i'll order it. I'm just trying to learn how to make a presentable bag and a a few knife sheaths for my own use. I would like to do it right the first few times because I don't intend to make a lot of them. Thanks.

Mole Eyes

D. Taylor Sapergia · « **Reply #16 on:** April 18, 2015, 04:38:12 AM »

up- that's the book. But I'm telling you, moose hide will make you some serviceable leggin's or gaters, and a decent rifle case, but very poor and dangerous knife cases.

T.C.Albert · « **Reply #17 on:** April 18, 2015, 04:51:43 AM »

Yes...just like Taylor says, I agree 100%...however, if you do insist on using the moose hide for a sheath, at the very least you will need to make a hard full thickness raw hide liner for it first...this enters the realm of Native American style leather working and isn't exactly a beginner trial and error project...but then you have to start somewhere...

Not that its worth much, but a few issues back I did a "Doin' it Yourself" how to article for Muzzleloader about making sheet brass reinforced leather knife sheaths...but you will still need vegetable tanned cow hide to follow along with that...if you don't have that copy, back issues are available from the publisher.

Tandy waxed linen cord used to be good, but was pretty pricey if I recall correctly...
tc

J I · « **Reply #18 on:** April 18, 2015, 05:10:59 AM »

Quote from: T.C.Albert on April 18, 2015, 04:51:43 AM

Tandy waxed linen cord used to be good, but was pretty pricey if I recall correctly...
tc

Thank you,
It was on the pricey side when I checked. I think I finally learned enough lessons the hard way and decided to not go cheap. I have done that too often and ended up reworking a project only to pay more in the long run.

moleeyes36 · « **Reply #19 on:** April 18, 2015, 02:42:05 PM »

Quote from: T.C.Albert on April 18, 2015, 04:51:43 AM

Yes...just like Taylor says, I agree 100%...however, if you do insist on using the moose hide for a sheath, at the very least you will need to make a hard full thickness raw hide liner for it first...this enters the realm of Native American style leather working and isn't exactly a beginner trial and error project...but then you have to start somewhere...

Not that its worth much, but a few issues back I did a "Doin' it Yourself" how to article for Muzzleloader about making sheet brass reinforced leather knife sheaths...but you will still need vegetable tanned cow hide to follow along with that...if you don't have that copy, back issues are available from the publisher.

Tandy waxed linen cord used to be good, but was pretty pricey if I recall correctly...
tc

Thanks, I read that article in Muzzleloader and enjoyed it. I don't know anything about working with leather, but I know enough to listen to the advise of people that do. You and Taylor told me to stay away from the commercial tanned moose hide for knife sheaths and that's what I shall do. Now I need to locate a source of good quality vegetable tanned leather that doesn't require a minimum purchase of a lot of leather. Any suggestions?

Mole Eyes

LRB · « **Reply #20 on:** April 18, 2015, 03:45:21 PM »

Tandy's quality varies from time to time, but recently they have had some pretty decent shoulders at very reasonable prices.
For most sheaths I use 6/7oz vege-tan, 5/6oz for small knives, 7/8oz, even 8/9oz for large ones.

moleeyes36 · « **Reply #21 on:** April 18, 2015, 04:01:36 PM »

Quote from: LRB on April 18, 2015, 03:45:21 PM

Tandy's quality varies from time to time, but recently they have had some pretty decent shoulders at very reasonable prices.
For most sheaths I use 6/7oz vege-tan, 5/6oz for small knives, 7/8oz, even 8/9oz for large ones.

LRB,

What weight would you use for a hunting bag? I also see you live nearby to me, do you get the leather from the Tandy store in Orlando or is their selection in the store not good enough to bother driving over there to look? Thanks.

Mole Eyes

LRB · « **Reply #22 on:** April 18, 2015, 07:19:16 PM »

I would think 3/4oz would make a good bag. I go to the Orlando store. It is always best when you can hand pick, I only go there once or twice a year. I can usually find enough of what I want to last for a while. Last trip over, they had good quality and good prices in shoulders. Trip before that, maybe 6 or 8 months before, I looked though the piles of leather for about an hour, got disgusted and left empty handed. The quality was the worst I've ever seen them offer, and they wanted premium prices. You might call them and if they have a new shipment in before driving very far, and ask about the quality. They may or may not tell you the truth, but you could try. In years past, I have always been able to find enough decent leather there for my needs. It was just that one time I left without anything. Hopefully that time was just a fluke, but I would have to be desperate before I would mail order leather from them.

moleeyes36 · « **Reply #23 on:** April 18, 2015, 08:42:29 PM »

LRB,

Thanks. I'm getting ready to do a little camping and some pig hunting, so I'll go over to Orlando when I get back. I'll read TC Albert's book before I do any work on anything. Hopefully that will help me avoid some potential problems.

Mole Eyes

J I · « **Reply #24 on:** April 19, 2015, 01:34:22 AM »

The store in Orlando is not big, but they have always been frinedly when I went in or called.

LRB when you say bad quality do you mean thin spots and holes or is there something else I should look for too? Thanks for the heads up with ordering I guess I have been lucky so far with ordering leather from them online.

Moleeyes Tandy also has an email flyer they put out about once a month and they almost always have leather on sale. You can go in or order online usually. If you plan on buying enough I would suggest their buyers club. My first purchase paid for itself. They also have tools and dyes on sale quite a bit. They had a black friday sale (it was really 2 days back in November). Good luck on your hog hunt.

News:

Author Topic: Advice on leather working tools to get (Read 12542 times)