The tools you need to start leather working

So, you’re thinking about getting into leather working? It’s a rewarding hobby that lets you create beautiful, functional items with your own two hands. But before you start, you'll need the right tools. Based on a great video by Tony See Patterns, here is a breakdown of the essential tools to get you started.

1. The Box Cutter

You might be surprised, but the most important tool according to Tony is a regular box cutter [06:34]. With a proper blade that you can sharpen, this versatile tool can cut through almost anything. While it’s a simple tool, be careful—it’s also easy to get a cut, so always use caution.

2. Hole Punches & The Punching Mat

A rotary puncher is a must-have if you don't have a dedicated set of hole punches [02:29]. It's a convenient tool that allows you to quickly choose from different sizes to create rivet and eyelet holes without making a lot of noise. Additionally, a simple 1.5mm hole puncher is cheap and efficient, but it's crucial to use it with a punching mat made of high-density plastic to avoid destroying the tip of the tool [05:28].

3. The Arbor Press

This is a tool that Tony calls "the best 90 euros" he ever spent [02:56]. The arbor press is great because you can buy different heads to perform various functions, such as punching holes or setting eyelets and rivets. He advises staying away from the smaller size and getting the standard one for the most versatility.

4. The Mini Anvil

A mini anvil is another highly recommended tool [01:57]. It's not too big or too small and can be easily moved around your workbench as needed. This tool is perfect for tasks that require a solid surface for hammering or punching.

5. The Scratch Awl

A scratch awl is excellent for marking and scratching your leather [01:22]. The handle is an important feature, as a well-designed one will make the tool more comfortable to use for longer periods. You can find similar, less expensive tools, but a quality scratch awl is a joy to use.

6. A Good Knife

For cutting tight curves, a precision knife is an amazing tool [00:07]. The blade is perfect for detail work, but as with all cutting tools, you must keep it super sharp. Another option is a custom-made hammer, or as Tony calls it, a "Frankenstein hammer," [04:15] which he created by combining a handle he liked with a head he preferred.

Honorable Mentions

While the above are some of the most important tools, a few others are worth noting:

• Palo Santo Edge Bevelers: These are a bit expensive but are a pleasure to use for beveling the edges of your leather [03:41].

• Felt Polishing Pad: This is great for applying an amazing patina to your leather on the fly [06:05].

• Hand Drill: With the right attachment, a hand drill can be used for sanding and polishing edges [06:14].

• Pin Cushion: A simple but effective tool for keeping track of your stitching needles [05:50].

Starting with a few of these essential tools will allow you to learn the basics and begin creating. As you become more experienced, you can expand your collection.

URL: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rhhTz_lauF8