Thanks Nigel, we're stitching with Tandy irons right this very second. We learned on them, and continue to use them. Tandy really is a God send. Where else are you going to get started if Tandy is gone? We still continue to support Tandy where and when we can, and I mean really support, with dem bones $$. About half the tools we get from them are dysfunctional or sub-optimal, we just take them back, no real questions asked, and we carry on. On a Saturday afternoon, and you're on a deadline, and you ran out of a particular color dye, or need two more solid brass D rings in a particular size... where are you going to? Where? Heck of yes we support Tandy. AND further, Tandy is the only place we can go to put our hands on leather before purchasing, and choosing individual sides for individual applications, knowing we need x amount of pristine grain to fit a particular pattern. Buying leather at $10-12 a square foot, you can still get dud sides, and when they're at $300 with shipping, you're stuck with leather that doesn't meet your needs, despite the brand name on the back. And if you've purchased 4 sides... you're really talking about serious money, at least for us. We haven't found a reasonably priced consistent supplier of quality leather here in the States yet. We shop around and purchase Horween and Wickett & Craig, but still purchase leather from Tandy. Their stock is not fixed, meaning they get specials from this tannery or that tannery, and we've found some real gems, seriously, and at very reasonable prices. AND EVEN further, picking up a slightly furry double shoulder at $40... come on, nothing better to learn on, and still, that double shoulder produces entirely competent sheaths and even holsters. If people want to be snobs about it, let 'em, we'll pick up tools for a quarter of the cost, we'll pick up (some) leather at a quarter of the cost, and let's meet up at the marketplace and see who sells... Holy cow, I'm ranting with you Nigel!
You've got to LOVE the obsession here....a man after my own heart...!! Students learn the required standard of precision from their teacher/master. Nigel is a perfectionist....!
Seriously though. I'm personally a little OCD about certain things, but leatherwork has brought me to a new level of peevishness. Haha! Nigel is right on to be so tight. But then again, there are some western style leather guys where a quarter inch is close enough, and they sell WELL!
Thanks, that was very helpful. I fall into the novice leatherworker, wanting to learn more. The awl method of making holes was a bit too much for me. These stitching irons are accessible at the Tandy store. Thanks for understanding what a beginner in leather needs.
Wow, i was just visiting the Tandy web site and was looking at the very tool you just reviewed. Thanks for helping me make an informed decision. I love your videos and have learned a great deal from them. Just know that you are very much appreciated. I hail from Baltimore, Maryland..
About 18 months ago I stopped using a stitching groover and started using dividers, as you show. I got a pair from a secondhand tool stall at my local market for £2-50 and they work well enough I also changed from Tandy 'big eye' needles to John James 002, about £4 for a packet of 25 These two simple & cheap changes mean my stitching is noticeably improved
I am just starting off and bought these I love them. One day I will upgrade I buy all my tools from Tandy since I am new and they have good prices. Thank you for all the videos I have learned so much from your channel.
Another super evaluation, Nigel...what a great study of the Tandy tool. I appreciate your expertise, and I will be more likely to order this as a result of your exhaustive study. Polishing the tool is a great suggestion, we need to realize that to get the most out of the tools we purchase, and little care and "tweaking " may be helpful. Again, thank you for your time and expertise, and I look forward to seeing additional video lessons from you soon!!!
I use Tandy Craftool and Craftool Pro pricking irons/stitching chisels, as sown in this video, but I don't have a power bench polisher Instead I made some small files or 'wands' by gluing 600 & 1,000 grit wet & dry paper to lollipop sticks, and polishing the prongs with them It took a while but the results were much improved
It's worth noting to those watching today: At least in the US, Tandy Leather has done away with the Elite/Gold/Standard Membership scheme - they now have flat pricing and most things seem to be more reasonable in price. I was a Gold Member before they did away with that system and I'd say their flat prices are what I paid or better.
If I can go off on a tangent here... You mentioned that there are significant differences between a handbag and saddle & tack. As far as the thread grabbing in the hole, safety issues, etc. I've never worked with saddlery, so my knowledge is severely limited. Would you be willing to expand on what you mean by all that? (or any viewer who has the knowledge & experience) I mean, I appreciate that a saddle has to hold the full weight of a grown man, but what does awl size have to do with it?
That is a bit of a weighty question and one that will require more space than we have here. It is advanced stuff and a long way down the lone for many. Email me Craig and I will offer an insight albeit brief.
I have spent far too much on irons as it is,. If they would like me to add them to the review, I would be more than happy but I am reticent to pay for yet more irons.
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Thanks Nigel, we're stitching with Tandy irons right this very second. We learned on them, and continue to use them. Tandy really is a God send. Where else are you going to get started if Tandy is gone? We still continue to support Tandy where and when we can, and I mean really support, with dem bones $$.
About half the tools we get from them are dysfunctional or sub-optimal, we just take them back, no real questions asked, and we carry on. On a Saturday afternoon, and you're on a deadline, and you ran out of a particular color dye, or need two more solid brass D rings in a particular size... where are you going to? Where? Heck of yes we support Tandy.
AND further, Tandy is the only place we can go to put our hands on leather before purchasing, and choosing individual sides for individual applications, knowing we need x amount of pristine grain to fit a particular pattern. Buying leather at $10-12 a square foot, you can still get dud sides, and when they're at $300 with shipping, you're stuck with leather that doesn't meet your needs, despite the brand name on the back. And if you've purchased 4 sides... you're really talking about serious money, at least for us.
We haven't found a reasonably priced consistent supplier of quality leather here in the States yet. We shop around and purchase Horween and Wickett & Craig, but still purchase leather from Tandy. Their stock is not fixed, meaning they get specials from this tannery or that tannery, and we've found some real gems, seriously, and at very reasonable prices.
AND EVEN further, picking up a slightly furry double shoulder at $40... come on, nothing better to learn on, and still, that double shoulder produces entirely competent sheaths and even holsters. If people want to be snobs about it, let 'em, we'll pick up tools for a quarter of the cost, we'll pick up (some) leather at a quarter of the cost, and let's meet up at the marketplace and see who sells...
Holy cow, I'm ranting with you Nigel!
You've got to LOVE the obsession here....a man after my own heart...!! Students learn the required standard of precision from their teacher/master. Nigel is a perfectionist....!
Thank you Kianu.
Seriously though. I'm personally a little OCD about certain things, but
leatherwork has brought me to a new level of peevishness. Haha! Nigel is right on to be so tight. But then again, there are some western style leather guys where a quarter inch is close enough, and they sell WELL!
Thanks, that was very helpful. I fall into the novice leatherworker, wanting to learn more. The awl method of making holes was a bit too much for me. These stitching irons are accessible at the Tandy store. Thanks for understanding what a beginner in leather needs.
Wow, i was just visiting the Tandy web site and was looking at the very tool you just reviewed. Thanks for helping me make an informed decision. I love your videos and have learned a great deal from them. Just know that you are very much appreciated. I hail from Baltimore, Maryland..
One of the best videos I've seen on pricking and stitching and I've seen a lot of them lol Two thumbs up!
Glad you found the video useful. Regards Nigel.
About 18 months ago I stopped using a stitching groover and started using dividers, as you show. I got a pair from a secondhand tool stall at my local market for £2-50 and they work well enough
I also changed from Tandy 'big eye' needles to John James 002, about £4 for a packet of 25
These two simple & cheap changes mean my stitching is noticeably improved
I am just starting off and bought these I love them. One day I will upgrade I buy all my tools from Tandy since I am new and they have good prices. Thank you for all the videos I have learned so much from your channel.
Another super evaluation, Nigel...what a great study of the Tandy tool. I appreciate your expertise, and I will be more likely to order this as a result of your exhaustive study. Polishing the tool is a great suggestion, we need to realize that to get the most out of the tools we purchase, and little care and "tweaking " may be helpful. Again, thank you for your time and expertise, and I look forward to seeing additional video lessons from you soon!!!
Thank you Ron, more coming soon.
Nagel, Would be nice if you show us how you polish your pricking irons. What you use and all. Thanks
Thank you I never thought about using wood to help pull the tool out
Nigel I would love to see you do that same type of reviews for edgers. Pretty please
I use Tandy Craftool and Craftool Pro pricking irons/stitching chisels, as sown in this video, but I don't have a power bench polisher
Instead I made some small files or 'wands' by gluing 600 & 1,000 grit wet & dry paper to lollipop sticks, and polishing the prongs with them
It took a while but the results were much improved
It's worth noting to those watching today: At least in the US, Tandy Leather has done away with the Elite/Gold/Standard Membership scheme - they now have flat pricing and most things seem to be more reasonable in price. I was a Gold Member before they did away with that system and I'd say their flat prices are what I paid or better.
I think it would look great with green thread.
Wrong... just wrong.
First it'll be colour, then before i know it, I'll be adding rivets.
tandyleather.eu Item #11359-05 :)
come on Nigel, its not professional if it doesn't have crystal rivets. ;)
What size motor are you using for your buffer and burnished? Do you like it? Would you do something different?
If I can go off on a tangent here... You mentioned that there are significant differences between a handbag and saddle & tack. As far as the thread grabbing in the hole, safety issues, etc. I've never worked with saddlery, so my knowledge is severely limited. Would you be willing to expand on what you mean by all that? (or any viewer who has the knowledge & experience) I mean, I appreciate that a saddle has to hold the full weight of a grown man, but what does awl size have to do with it?
That is a bit of a weighty question and one that will require more space than we have here.
It is advanced stuff and a long way down the lone for many.
Email me Craig and I will offer an insight albeit brief.
Armitage Leather
Will do shortly. Thanks for taking the time.
Hello sir, i want to buy a dixon pricking iron, pls send to me a shop, web to buy :D tks
Great review!
You should have a look at Wuta pricking irons. They look pretty good! Their on eBay don't have the link to hand, but should be easy enough to find.
I have spent far too much on irons as it is,.
If they would like me to add them to the review, I would be more than happy but I am reticent to pay for yet more irons.
Haha. I can only imagine. I've just ordered a set myself, hoping they work well. Cheers for all the great videos!
bom