Want to start looking into making my equipment. Where’s a good place to start?

[Teliliad]

So I want to make my own bags and powder horn and stuff. Where’s a good place to start looking at tools, reading material, and supplies and such? I definitely want to do my research before I invest. But I also want my stuff to have some appearance of authenticity.

 

[Larry (Omaha)]

Look at books and magazines to see what you want first. When you decide what you want, then purchase what you need for that project. Starrt small and grow as you need. Your equipment post could be very broad.
Larry

 

[rusticbob]

Leather workers forum, or right here.

 

[Omahkapi'si]

https://thebuckskinners.com/making-a-powder-horn/

 

[Daveboone]

Keep it simple...the old mountain men didnt have much to start with. A good awl is essential, some good heavy leatherworking needles and appropriate thread, leather punch...
I used an Exacto knife alot. Short starters, ball boards, primer holders, ball bags, flint wallets there are a zillion fun quick easy projects to start with. Find out if there is a Tandy Leather shop near you. Remember, most of this stuff was home made , simple and no rules for what it had to be...just had to do its job.

 

[Teliliad]

Keep it simple...the old mountain men didnt have much to start with. A good awl is essential, some good heavy leatherworking needles and appropriate thread, leather punch...
I used an Exacto knife alot. Short starters, ball boards, primer holders, ball bags, flint wallets there are a zillion fun quick easy projects to start with. Find out if there is a Tandy Leather shop near you. Remember, most of this stuff was home made , simple and no rules for what it had to be...just had to do its job.

So what would be a good piece to start with? I’m thinking about a powder horn cause I’ve made a bull horn rack for a friend before, so I know a little bit about working with the horns. I also made a leather knife pouch in the scouts when I was like eight. Wish I still had it.

 

[Daveboone]

Horns are a fun project. Lots of stuff on line about making them...remember...you cant do it wrong. I made a '" possibles bag " early on. It was easier than I anticipated. Same thing, lots on line. I made a pattern out of paper to get it together in my head, and went from there. The leather makes it a bit more expensive a project, but I bought a couple deer hides at a garage sale for five bucks apiece. A stitching awl is very helpful too. Look online for knife kits. Building up your own knife from a blank blade is a quick and fun project, then you can make your sheath for it. Dont be intimidated...most all of these projects are quite easy, and require minimal tools. I got better with my horns buildli

 

[Teliliad]

Horns are a fun project. Lots of stuff on line about making them...remember...you cant do it wrong. I made a '" possibles bag " early on. It was easier than I anticipated. Same thing, lots on line. I made a pattern out of paper to get it together in my head, and went from there. The leather makes it a bit more expensive a project, but I bought a couple deer hides at a garage sale for five bucks apiece. A stitching awl is very helpful too. Look online for knife kits. Building up your own knife from a blank blade is a quick and fun project, then you can make your sheath for it. Dont be intimidated...most all of these projects are quite easy, and require minimal tools. I got better with my horns buildli

Believe me, I’m not intimidated. I’ve built AR-15s, I’ve made bull horn racks, I do my own auto mechanics for cars and motorcycles, I’ve made my own custom bike parts, I’ve carved electric guitars and I’ve repaired wood furniture and gunstocks… I’m actually thinking about tackling something rather ornate on my first go with this horn. That said I do want to approach this as a pupil. I’m not trying to come across as all knowing. I’ve just done so much DIY stuff that I’m not scared to try something new or to be bold and over reaching on my first attempt. As ornate as I try to make it I may end up messing it all to heck and that’s ok. Honestly, I’m afraid of success more than I am failure, lol. All I can do is research, ask questions, and plan and take my time and hope I don’t make an ever loving fool of myself.

 

[Cruzatte]

Sounds like you've got the chops. Get a hold of Recreating the 18th Century Powder Horn by Scott & Cathy Sibley.

 

[Teliliad]

Sounds like you've got the chops. Get a hold of Recreating the 18th Century Powder Horn by Scott & Cathy Sibley.

Ok.

 

[waarp8nt]

I buy a lot of equipment, books, tools, muzzleloaders and muzzleloader parts from the online auction known as www.hibid.com You can search the area near you and bid on items accordingly.

If your already working on stuff then you know the value of good tools. I would rather have a quality made used tool than a new mediocre tool. My wood chisels, files, vises and some power equipment for the most part came from www.hibid.com

 

[Teliliad]

Sounds like you've got the chops. Get a hold of Recreating the 18th Century Powder Horn by Scott & Cathy Sibley.

https://www.crazycrow.com/powderhor...ecreating-the-18th-century-powder-horn-sibley
Is this a reputable place to buy?

 

[waarp8nt]

Examples of stuff you may be looking to buy.

Wilton Wood Vise $33

Arbor Press $18

Leather workers vise $30-$35 (Don't remember)

 

[Cruzatte]

https://www.crazycrow.com/powderhor...ecreating-the-18th-century-powder-horn-sibley
Is this a reputable place to buy?

Yeah, Crazy Crow is pretty good to deal with.

 

[Teliliad]

Yeah, Crazy Crow is pretty good to deal with.

Ok thanks! I get paid Friday!

 

[Grenadier1758]

Be aware that good saddle stitching is very different from the lacing stitching we used back when we were boy scouts.

 

[Hermit Tim]

So what would be a good piece to start with? I’m thinking about a powder horn cause I’ve made a bull horn rack for a friend before, so I know a little bit about working with the horns. I also made a leather knife pouch in the scouts when I was like eight. Wish I still had it.

I bought a book on eBay called Making Powder Horns. Or something like that. Covers all the basics plus some fancier techniques. Also there are several good YouTube videos about horn making. A couple years ago Nathan Jefferies on YT did a couple videos showing how to make a basic horn. Might be worth looking at.

 

[oldwood]

Get the Crazy Crow paper catalog. It's great reading while sitting on the throne, as well. Another catalog is the Log Cabin m/l Shop. They have a large selection of most anything concerning Black powder sports. They are friendly to newbee's w/ questions. I've dealt w/them since 1970 , good folks.

 

[Hermit Tim]

I bought a book on eBay called Making Powder Horns. Or something like that. Covers all the basics plus some fancier techniques. Also there are several good YouTube videos about horn making. A couple years ago Nathan Jefferies on YT did a couple videos showing how to make a basic horn. Might be worth looking at.

Correction: Nathan Jeffery is the name of that YouTube channel. Spelled the way I originally said it gets you a real estate guy.