leatherworking tools help

[Rob Tangtent]

hey folks. As its the easter holidays i thought i might start some leatherwork, trouble is on the websites i have seen there are so many tools im not sure which ones are really necessary for the jobs im doing
ill probably be trying sheaths, a pouch or a leather diary case.
basically can anyone write me a minimalist list of the necessary tools.
Also a link to a website where i could buy them would help, and also a site that sells leather.
thanks alot guys,
Robin

 

[kimbo]

I am in the same boat as you mate and have found Leprevo (google them) have EVERYTHING and are good with advice.

Kim

 

[wasteoid]

Hi buddy, I was in the same boat a year or so ago. I have managed to make some good stuff, just with the following:

1 Edge bevel
2 Adjustable groover
3 Auto Stitch Awl - although I have since made a diamond awl out of a bradawl and i stich with 2 needles saddle stitch.
4 Cheap disposable snap knives
5 home made smoother (flat piece of wood carved smooth and polished to a shine)
6 stitch marking wheel from hobby craft (sewing department)

All my bits came off ebay (if you use the names above you will find them on a search) and I have been very happy with them. You don't need much more than the edge bevel, and a groover to make a really professional job.

I started with a 1mm drill bit to make the holes using a cordless drill.

Have a go and see what happens.

Chris

 

[Rob Tangtent]

thanks you very much!
perfect

 

[brancho]

You do not need and automatic stitch awl just an awl and some people use a drill instead ( I use an awl)

 

[Rob Tangtent]

You do not need and automatic stitch awl just an awl and some people use a drill instead ( I use an awl)

would a clickers scratch awl be ok for the job?
also which leather should i buy from leprevo as there is many differnt kinds. veg tanned right? but which cut
thanks again
Robin

 

[Kerne]

Being a tool junkie, I bought loads when I started. The ones I actually use regularly are:

Awl
Saddler's needles
pricking wheel
edge beveller
bone folder

I use a stanley knife to cut the leather.

 

[brancho]

would a clickers scratch awl be ok for the job?

Thtas what I use all the time.
You may want a diamond shaped awl for some types of sewing althought I dony have one

 

[Rob Tangtent]

i just have a problem with the leather, can anyone tell me where to find the wright stuff
on leprevo there is thousands of differnt bits, which am i after
thanks again, sorry to be such a pain
Robin

 

[rancid badger]

i just have a problem with the leather, can anyone tell me where to find the wright stuff
on leprevo there is thousands of differnt bits, which am i after
thanks again, sorry to be such a pain
Robin

What do you want to make?

Once you decide that, we can advise on what leather to purchase.

The alternative is to ring Leprevo and speak to Dave, Jez or Ben, tell them you are a BCUK member and explain what you have in mind and they can point you in the right direction.

They really are a brilliant bunch in there and they'll give you honest advice.

good luck
atb
Steve

 

[Chainsaw]

Good thread here, don't forget to post what you get up to!!

Cheers,

Alan

 

[Kerne]

The alternative is to ring Leprevo and speak to Dave, Jez or Ben, tell them you are a BCUK member and explain what you have in mind and they can point you in the right direction.

They really are a brilliant bunch in there and they'll give you honest advice.

I can vouch for this. I got great advice when I was looking for goatskin for a project.

 

[dwardo]

What do you want to make?

Once you decide that, we can advise on what leather to purchase.

The alternative is to ring Leprevo and speak to Dave, Jez or Ben, tell them you are a BCUK member and explain what you have in mind and they can point you in the right direction.

They really are a brilliant bunch in there and they'll give you honest advice.

good luck
atb
Steve

Another vote for just giving them a call, lovely helpful people. Just be honest and explain what your trying to do. When i first started they did everything besides come to my house and make it for me

 

[Rob Tangtent]

Another vote for just giving them a call, lovely helpful people. Just be honest and explain what your trying to do. When i first started they did everything besides come to my house and make it for me

ah alright, will do
thanks everyone