In 1971 for grade 9 art class I bought the tandy deluxe starter kit that came with four coasters coin purse wallet kit and a couple of other small leather places plus a wooden mallet swivle knife and 10 basic stamping tools ,I still have them plus I have added over the years constantly learning new things and with the internet the possibilities are endless
Hey Joe it's about time someone came up with a great starter kit your right the one's out there are horrible you buy them ad and ad some more and have a bunch of tools you will never use I watched your beginner videos and wondered why not put the tools you need in the kit instead of having to always upgrade thank you for doing this
Excellent video! I’ve been around long enough to learn that cheap tools, in the long run, are generally more expensive; they break, cause damage to your project and you, and cost you time (which, unlike a dollar, you can never recover). That philosophy is not just for leather work, but also around the house and workplace. Not that you always have to buy the most expensive tool, just make sure you reconcile the price with reviews or recommendations. The most important tool in your kit is the maul. Even if you never take up tooling, you will always need a maul with enough weight to set rivets, snaps, and other fittings. By the way, when I started leather work nine years ago, I bought one of those starter kits from Tandy that included a lightweight, wooden mallet. I knew right away that I would love tooling, but it would never look right without the proper depth. So I invested in a proper maul and practiced.
Good video, wish I got to see it a year ago. I had nobody to show me anything. I just jumped in. That's right, I spent the whole $79 for the 50 piece kit, lol. I'm a retired mechanic. I have a bazillion dollars in hand tools in my garage. I appreciate good tools in a well thought out kit. I've been replacing my starter kit piece by piece as I find a need for them. I've already spent way in excess of what you're asking for your most expensive sets. Again, really needed to see this a year ago!
I think it would be a good idea to do a follow up video doing a nice piece with only the tool2 provided in this kit! Great video, and appreciate all your helpful videos
As a leather tooling noob, I’m making some of my tools. What is your take on this practice? I look forward to getting your deluxe kit to see how I can grow my abilities with quality tools.
It’s been a month, I’m getting better but I struggle with my swivel knife. My first issue was it wasn’t sharp enough. Then I fixed that problem. I practice daily on mainly controlling it. But I’m getting better
I ordered the beginner kit Monday and cant wait for it to come in. I wanted the deluxe but it sold out quick. Thanks for putting out a great beginner kit Joe!
Awesome thank you! Yes those did sell out quick. I’m thinking that I’ll eventually offer an add on package once I get more supply in to allow someone like yourself to turn your basic kit into a deluxe.
You have been a big help to me and I thank you for it. Have a sack full of stamps mostly from Tandy. Serviceable but would like to upgrade some. You have sold me on XX Steep bevelers. My budget will allow getting two at this time. For floral carving which two would be a good mix? The sizes listed are 00,0,1 and 2.
I have a 2 and a 00. The 2 I use a lot while the 00 I only use in extremely tight areas. It would probably be better to get the 2 and 0 if you wanted to get two of them.
@@joemeling3216 wound up getting all four sizes and glad I did. Already found a use for all. Bought the smooth. Only thing I don’t like is I can’t get the smooth rolling line like my more shallow bevelers. Do like the extra depth which is what I was looking for.
Started looking into leather working, after deciding I wanted to craft a sheath to replace the kydex one I have. Currently, at the bike rally, been watching a ton of videos. Went to the site, and found out Joe is here in Pendleton, where I’m at. What a coincidence. Too bad they’re all sold out. I’d ride down to the shop now and buy a kit.
What a great idea Joe! 2 years ago I bought the starter tooling kit from a big national chain we all know. The tools were fair but the worse was the yellow toy hammer. Just like the one you showed here. Haven't been very successful in starting out tooling with it...
The problem I came across is that its difficult to get a hold of good size scrap leather to practice on. Tandy use to have bins of scrap that they sold at a budget price. Not anymore. That's how I got interested in leather. Thanks Joe.
I wish something like this had been available when I first tried tooling. I got frustrated and didn't tool any of my projects for years. I recently started buying some better tools (still not the best but much better than the beginner kit I originally tried), my tooling is getting better every time I make a project now. I'll recommend your kits to any of my viewers that express an interest in tooling.
Yeah!, Joe i got this basketweave its my favorite!and ill be dam'd if the 2nd one isnt long b4 the head breaks off again..... i guess time to find a new favorite, right. Great video as always, Great info!
Hi Joe, I appreciate your talent and videos. I'm up in Canada and am wondering which number each of the tools you've recommended are (ie A104 beveler etc.) Cheers
Enjoyed your video. Much to think about. I began with 7 Tandy craft tools. Then as I got better I would order B King tools especially a tool that is used a lot. My beveling tools are now excellent. What I need now is good skiving knife. I have but don't like using the Tandy tools with razor blades. They cut well for about a minute then have to be replaced. What would you recommend forf skiving and what blade shape? Thanks, Jack
No shit I just spent 650$ at berry kings .. thought I was going to really get something… but when it showed up I about shit down both legs !!! Wife made me send it back said I way overspent . I kept the maul but sent back the 55$ stamps
Been watching you content for the last 5 hours and absolutely love you way of explaining how the work is created from a-z. Looks like I'm about a month short in starting leather crafting. After watching this last one tonight I noticed how long ago it was posted and I imagine there isn't any tool kits available anymore, if so is there a way I could get the links to by the tools for the Deluxe kit you were offering?
Is there any alternatives out there for the fiebings antique finish?? I can’t get it in California and I am desperate for a good alternative, but haven’t found anything!
No we are still in business. These kits have been very popular and hard to keep in stock. We are just waiting on the delivery of some of the components this month and they will be back in stock and available again.
I know that everything is going up in price the last couple years, but $99 for a basic kit?? It seriously misses the mark, and the point of a beginners kit. The vast majority of people are not going to have $99 (plus shipping and tax I would assume, so closer to $120 total) expendable cash around to spend on something they may not like. The cheap begginers kits out there already are perfect for beginners because they are actually affordable and give people an idea if it's something they like doing. A beginner honestly does not need a maul. They are beginners, they won't even know the difference. I appreciate the sentiment you have here, but it really wasn't thought out very well. You seem to have totally forgotten what it's like to be a begginer. good tools, and good leather doesn't matter because they don't know how to utilize them. beginners are going to make hot mess out of most of their early projects, so it's better to use cheaper stuff until they understand and learn. instead of herman oak pieces, toss in a handful of lower quality scrap pieces. That way they can learn their tooling and stamping without worrying about screwing up that nice leather. do away with the maul, use a rawhide mallet instead, use lower quality leather, and drop the price to $50-65 and then you have a good begginer set. As it is now, it's really tuned and priced more for the advanced hobbyist, but labeled "beginner".
I'm thinking on this more like Joe, I have taught others using my good tools and decent leather. they go home order some amazon tools and cheap leather from hobby lobby and then quit leather work because they think they went backward and they are frustrated. 99-170 dollars for good tools and the enjoyment of using them is cheap. could you buy lumber and tools for a small wood project that cheap?
I appreciate you taking the time to watch my video and provide feedback. It sounds like we have a difference in opinions and teaching styles. There is definitely more than one way to do things and there is no exception when it comes to running a business or teaching a craft. I definitely can’t argue with whatever results you’re getting with your students and business. Im glad you have found a technique and supplies that work for you.
About five years ago I started wood carving. Fortunately, I found a small group of old timers who had a cumulative total of about 500 years of experience. They helped me buy a few essential knives as well as some other accessories, all for less than $100 and I am enjoying myself a lot. So far, I have needed only nine stitches. It seems to me that much of the $99 here is worth the knowledge that I am getting better quality equipment for my money. I could have gone to Fleet Farm to buy a cheap set of carving knives but would spend half my time sharpening them. For $20 I have a high-quality knife now that will last me forever. Plus, I know how to sharpen it properly. In today's economy, most people carry around $100 in their wallets.
In 1971 for grade 9 art class I bought the tandy deluxe starter kit that came with four coasters coin purse wallet kit and a couple of other small leather places plus a wooden mallet swivle knife and 10 basic stamping tools ,I still have them plus I have added over the years constantly learning new things and with the internet the possibilities are endless
I just found this video and checked your website. There are no kits available now. Do you have plans to make more kits available soon?
Hey Joe it's about time someone came up with a great starter kit your right the one's out there are horrible you buy them ad and ad some more and have a bunch of tools you will never use I watched your beginner videos and wondered why not put the tools you need in the kit instead of having to always upgrade thank you for doing this
I have purchased the deluxe kit and it is fantastic. Shipped to UK as no comparison here
I think I speak for a lot of people when I say you are one of if not the best lether working chanl on RUclips.
Thank you, I really appreciate that.
Thanks for talking about how a starter kit should be good(ish) but not pro. Appreciate you understanding that and doing something about it!
Great idea! You are one of the best people to ensure all the beginner bases are covered!
Wish you did this when I was starting, heheh.
Thank you I appreciate that. I wish I had this before as well!
Excellent video! I’ve been around long enough to learn that cheap tools, in the long run, are generally more expensive; they break, cause damage to your project and you, and cost you time (which, unlike a dollar, you can never recover). That philosophy is not just for leather work, but also around the house and workplace. Not that you always have to buy the most expensive tool, just make sure you reconcile the price with reviews or recommendations. The most important tool in your kit is the maul. Even if you never take up tooling, you will always need a maul with enough weight to set rivets, snaps, and other fittings. By the way, when I started leather work nine years ago, I bought one of those starter kits from Tandy that included a lightweight, wooden mallet. I knew right away that I would love tooling, but it would never look right without the proper depth. So I invested in a proper maul and practiced.
Good video, wish I got to see it a year ago. I had nobody to show me anything. I just jumped in. That's right, I spent the whole $79 for the 50 piece kit, lol. I'm a retired mechanic. I have a bazillion dollars in hand tools in my garage. I appreciate good tools in a well thought out kit. I've been replacing my starter kit piece by piece as I find a need for them. I've already spent way in excess of what you're asking for your most expensive sets. Again, really needed to see this a year ago!
I think it would be a good idea to do a follow up video doing a nice piece with only the tool2 provided in this kit!
Great video, and appreciate all your helpful videos
Absolutely! There will be several follow up videos like that.
As a leather tooling noob, I’m making some of my tools. What is your take on this practice? I look forward to getting your deluxe kit to see how I can grow my abilities with quality tools.
It’s been a month, I’m getting better but I struggle with my swivel knife. My first issue was it wasn’t sharp enough. Then I fixed that problem. I practice daily on mainly controlling it. But I’m getting better
I ordered the beginner kit Monday and cant wait for it to come in. I wanted the deluxe but it sold out quick. Thanks for putting out a great beginner kit Joe!
Awesome thank you! Yes those did sell out quick. I’m thinking that I’ll eventually offer an add on package once I get more supply in to allow someone like yourself to turn your basic kit into a deluxe.
@@joemeling3216 that would be awesome!
You have been a big help to me and I thank you for it. Have a sack full of stamps mostly from Tandy. Serviceable but would like to upgrade some. You have sold me on XX Steep bevelers. My budget will allow getting two at this time. For floral carving which two would be a good mix? The sizes listed are 00,0,1 and 2.
I have a 2 and a 00. The 2 I use a lot while the 00 I only use in extremely tight areas. It would probably be better to get the 2 and 0 if you wanted to get two of them.
@@joemeling3216 wound up getting all four sizes and glad I did. Already found a use for all. Bought the smooth. Only thing I don’t like is I can’t get the smooth rolling line like my more shallow bevelers. Do like the extra depth which is what I was looking for.
I got your course and it helped me A LOT for my second piece 🤩🤩🤩🤩 THANK YOU 🙏🏻😊
Excellent! I’m so happy to hear that!
Started looking into leather working, after deciding I wanted to craft a sheath to replace the kydex one I have. Currently, at the bike rally, been watching a ton of videos. Went to the site, and found out Joe is here in Pendleton, where I’m at. What a coincidence. Too bad they’re all sold out. I’d ride down to the shop now and buy a kit.
Joe, This is awesome. Great way to grow our craft.
Thank you
What a great idea Joe! 2 years ago I bought the starter tooling kit from a big national chain we all know. The tools were fair but the worse was the yellow toy hammer. Just like the one you showed here. Haven't been very successful in starting out tooling with it...
Yes, the yellow hammer just really gets me!
The problem I came across is that its difficult to get a hold of good size scrap leather to practice on. Tandy use to have bins of scrap that they sold at a budget price. Not anymore. That's how I got interested in leather. Thanks Joe.
Guy messaged me today asking me to teach him. Great video to show him and have gum order
Thank you for passing it along!
Hey Joe, wondering what size and make is the maul you’re using? Great video!
I wish something like this had been available when I first tried tooling. I got frustrated and didn't tool any of my projects for years. I recently started buying some better tools (still not the best but much better than the beginner kit I originally tried), my tooling is getting better every time I make a project now. I'll recommend your kits to any of my viewers that express an interest in tooling.
Thank you! I really appreciate you passing it along!
Cake to hear about casing leather. Missed it, by thatttt much! 😀
I leapt into LW head first lol bought a bag/satchel kit and the tool to do that bag. And went from there.
Thanks so much for doing this! I just preordered mine!
Please offer more deluxe kit!!! I need one bad!!!
Is your deluxe kit coming back in stock soon?
I want to design my own wallet patterns. How much extra space do I need to add to the edges of my wallets for stitching?
Yeah!, Joe i got this basketweave its my favorite!and ill be dam'd if the 2nd one isnt long b4 the head breaks off again..... i guess time to find a new favorite, right. Great video as always, Great info!
Thank you!
Hi Joe, I appreciate your talent and videos. I'm up in Canada and am wondering which number each of the tools you've recommended are (ie A104 beveler etc.)
Cheers
Great idea ! Those are great price points too.
Thank you!
Enjoyed your video. Much to think about. I began with 7 Tandy craft tools. Then as I got better I would order B King tools especially a tool that is used a lot. My beveling tools are now excellent. What I need now is good skiving knife. I have but don't like using the Tandy tools with razor blades. They cut well for about a minute then have to be replaced. What would you recommend forf skiving and what blade shape? Thanks, Jack
I have an old skife that I use and get along really well with. I agree that you do need to change the blades out often.
I’m so excited!!
When will these be back in stock? I've checked a few times and always "Sold Out", ty
I hate you…I wish this video was out two weeks ago…before I bought my Tandy kit…
Also, thanks for all the great videos!
No shit I just spent 650$ at berry kings .. thought I was going to really get something… but when it showed up I about shit down both legs !!! Wife made me send it back said I way overspent . I kept the maul but sent back the 55$ stamps
Wish i would have had this kit when I started
Me too
Sold out…restocking any time soon?
Yes, should be back in stock this month. This has been a very popular kit and hard to keep in stock.
Do you still have this tool kit ? And how much are thay today?
What weight mallet do you use?
Been watching you content for the last 5 hours and absolutely love you way of explaining how the work is created from a-z. Looks like I'm about a month short in starting leather crafting. After watching this last one tonight I noticed how long ago it was posted and I imagine there isn't any tool kits available anymore, if so is there a way I could get the links to by the tools for the Deluxe kit you were offering?
Hey there! That’s exciting that you’re ready to get started! Stay tuned as I’m working to get the kits restocked very soon.
@@joemeling3216 thanks 😊
Any idea when the next round of pre-orders will be available?
I will be stocking 40 more deluxe kits tomorrow actually
Awesome idea. What weight maul comes in the kit?
I need to put it in a scale to get an exact weight but it feels slightly lighter than the 20oz I use everyday.
Will the kits be available for order again?
Yes, they should be coming back in stock this month
Joe, what brand are the tooling stamps? I can’t imagine they would be Barry King for this price.
I wish I could offer Barry kings at this price, but no. I get them from a US distributor but they are made over seas.
I’ve bought some made in Japan that are not to bad for quality. Better than some of the craftool ones I have.
I'm probably being blind but can you point me at where to order please?
No problem.
twentythreeplus.com/products/beginner-tooling-kit
Is there any alternatives out there for the fiebings antique finish?? I can’t get it in California and I am desperate for a good alternative, but haven’t found anything!
That’s one I don’t have a great answer for yet.
Good common sense. Thank you.
Thank you
No kits on your site did you go out of business?
No we are still in business. These kits have been very popular and hard to keep in stock. We are just waiting on the delivery of some of the components this month and they will be back in stock and available again.
Where can I order the deluxe kit
twentythreeplus.com/products/beginner-tooling-kit
There is one pre order deluxe kit left right now.
I wish I had seen this video $1000 ago.
I know that everything is going up in price the last couple years, but $99 for a basic kit?? It seriously misses the mark, and the point of a beginners kit. The vast majority of people are not going to have $99 (plus shipping and tax I would assume, so closer to $120 total) expendable cash around to spend on something they may not like.
The cheap begginers kits out there already are perfect for beginners because they are actually affordable and give people an idea if it's something they like doing. A beginner honestly does not need a maul. They are beginners, they won't even know the difference. I appreciate the sentiment you have here, but it really wasn't thought out very well. You seem to have totally forgotten what it's like to be a begginer. good tools, and good leather doesn't matter because they don't know how to utilize them. beginners are going to make hot mess out of most of their early projects, so it's better to use cheaper stuff until they understand and learn.
instead of herman oak pieces, toss in a handful of lower quality scrap pieces. That way they can learn their tooling and stamping without worrying about screwing up that nice leather. do away with the maul, use a rawhide mallet instead, use lower quality leather, and drop the price to $50-65 and then you have a good begginer set. As it is now, it's really tuned and priced more for the advanced hobbyist, but labeled "beginner".
I'm thinking on this more like Joe, I have taught others using my good tools and decent leather. they go home order some amazon tools and cheap leather from hobby lobby and then quit leather work because they think they went backward and they are frustrated. 99-170 dollars for good tools and the enjoyment of using them is cheap. could you buy lumber and tools for a small wood project that cheap?
Maybe should find an interest they can afford then. Could try sailing or bass fishing maybe. Oh, I need a boat. How much is that?
I appreciate you taking the time to watch my video and provide feedback. It sounds like we have a difference in opinions and teaching styles. There is definitely more than one way to do things and there is no exception when it comes to running a business or teaching a craft. I definitely can’t argue with whatever results you’re getting with your students and business. Im glad you have found a technique and supplies that work for you.
About five years ago I started wood carving. Fortunately, I found a small group of old timers who had a cumulative total of about 500 years of experience. They helped me buy a few essential knives as well as some other accessories, all for less than $100 and I am enjoying myself a lot. So far, I have needed only nine stitches. It seems to me that much of the $99 here is worth the knowledge that I am getting better quality equipment for my money. I could have gone to Fleet Farm to buy a cheap set of carving knives but would spend half my time sharpening them. For $20 I have a high-quality knife now that will last me forever. Plus, I know how to sharpen it properly.
In today's economy, most people carry around $100 in their wallets.
Joe, im just starting in to leather tooling. Is it still possible to get a deluxe starter kit.