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/diy/ - Do It Yourself

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114889 No.114889 [Reply] [Original]

Any leathercrafters here? I want to get started and it's been suggested to go to a Tandy Leather Factory, but the closest one is an hour and a half from me so since I don't have a car, it's kind of hard for me to get there. I can get the tools online but I was wondering where I could purchase scrap leather (offline and online) that I could begin with. I live in Providence, RI.

>> No.114899

http://www.tandyleatherfactory.com/en-usd/home/department/Leather/4998-59.aspx

I was wondering if this would be a good purchase for me to start with? I don't care about the quality of leather right now, I just need some to practice on and I want to try to make small things like a wallet, a knife sheath, pouch, etc.

>> No.114906

Tandy is the store you want.

The retail stores have been closing down left and right over the last 10 years due to the decline in the popularity of the hobby and increased online sales.
I doubt there are any saddle/horse tack shops in your area, but that is a good place to find scrap.
Otherwise, just order online.

>> No.114908

>>114906
Any online websites you suggest to purchase the leather from? And what kind of leather should I be buying to start off with?

>> No.114910

>>114899
Good for a pouch, not for sturdier items like a wallet or knife sheath. Upholstery leather is soft and pliable.
http://www.tandyleatherfactory.com/en-usd/home/department/Leather/Remnant-Bags/4425-01.aspx
or
http://www.tandyleatherfactory.com/en-usd/home/department/Leather/Remnant-Bags/99500-02.aspx

will both be better for you, depending on how thick you want your work.

>> No.114914

>>114910
Great stuff, one last question for now: I heard Tandy doesn't make the best tools, should I start off with their leathercrafting kits (http://www.tandyleatherfactory.com/en-usd/home/department/Beginning-Leather-Kits/55510-00.aspx)) or would I be better off buying tools from other companies and getting some Stohlman books?

>> No.114916

I can't speak to that, the leather tools I've used were 1950-70s vintage.

I've never heard anybody say they were junk though.

>> No.114918

tulsa leather craftsman reporting in, tandy is the shit.

might go pic up some stips today need to ake a sling for y shotgun i just bought in town.

>> No.114921

>>114918
Would you recommend me buying one of their beginner kits (such as http://www.tandyleatherfactory.com/en-usd/home/department/Beginning-Leather-Kits/55510-00.aspx)) or to buy my own tools elsewhere and pick up some leather and a Stohlman book from them? I'm not that interested in stamping and I'd much rather make my own items from scratch, as opposed to the Tandy kits which seemed to have the items already premade.

>> No.115018

>>114889
Their beginner kits seem to be very focused on carving/stamping, which is fine if that's what you want to do. I didn't. I ordered and feel mildly retarded for not having done more research. I'm going to purchase the Stohlman books and tools now.

The kit IS useful in seeing how a final piece is put together, so there was that at least.

>> No.115081

>>115018
That's how the kit seemed to me, thanks for the input, I'm going to go ahead and look into tools I need, leather, and some Stohlman books.

>> No.115098

is it the one in chelmsfield mass? It's a great store! they offer free classes for members in everything from basics to sheaths to whips, and the membership gets you a HUGE discount on hides and tools. I drove there once, and spent 200$ on what would have cost 400$ elsewhere with the 30$ membership. And that's for the top shelf tools too! it's a great store and all the free classes with the membership are way worth it. I wouldn't get the kits, it'll be cheaper, AND you'll get better tools if you pick out only the nice ones that you need with a membership. most people don't need all those stamps, and it's really easy to machine them yourself, and you dont even have to use tool steel or temper them for leather. I just cast a bunch in iron and they'll last forever.

they have a great website too and all their stuff usually comes next day to me (in boston).

My advice is to try to make it to the store at least once. the first time I went there the guy spent 2 1/2 hours showing me everything i needed to know, and even wrote me a bunch of notes.

>> No.115115

>>115098
Yea that's the store, looks like I have to try to get there lol.

>> No.115131
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115131

I have done some armor-making for both combat and festival wear. I have only made 2 or 3 knife sheaths and wrapped one knife handle with pigskin. I have also made 2 special-fitted bags for books, as well as a couple of pouches (one sewn and one riveted) and a gun holster for a .44 that was willed to me.

Last thing I did was a pair of bracers in green with carving and gold-painted accents along the edge. Thin leather for my tiny-framed girlfriend, turned out nicely for being my first project in 2 years. Pic related.

>> No.115139
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115139

>>115131
That's awesome

>> No.115150

>>115131
Sweet, do you have any tips for someone that wants to learn the trade? Resources, what tools and brand to buy, how I can learn, etc.

>> No.115236

tandy is kinda limited because the stuff they have is standardized across all their stores

where I am (St Louis) there is a local place that looks more cluttered, but has a lot more stuff, and does special orders for just about anything they don't have on hand.

in particular, i wanted some kangaroo hide for trying whipmaking. Tandy couldn't get it at all. this other place had two colors on hand and could order more. plus their prices for lots of stuff was cheaper (particularly scrap leather)

>> No.115240

>>115236
How did you find the local place? Also, any tips for a beginner?

>> No.115253

As an aside, anyone in Melbourne interested in leather* should look at Leffler: http://www.leffler.com.au/

* http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pZr8bbKxYrE

>> No.115256
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115256

>Tandy

...

>> No.115259

>>115256
Yep, that's the same Tandy.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tandy_Corporation

>> No.115262

>>115259

From leather to Radio Shack.

Talk about diversifying.

>> No.116100

Is it good idea to use felt as lining material in leather bags? Just like these guys http://www.hardgraft.com

>> No.116119 [DELETED] 

leathersupply(dot)com; used to use these guys when I was making S&M supplies. They have a HUGE selection, pretty much anything you need. At the time, they were priced WAY better than Tandy. Tandy was best for odds and ends.