Hi Lionel
The Leatherworkers Guild is a NSW based group but I think their Facebook group could be a good resource.
I really like Birdsall as a supplier. Mail despatch is a big part of what they do well and they always pick up the phone when you call them. A refreshing difference in this day and age. They will give you advice as well. They have good dyes.
as for tools, yes they can be quite expensive like Osborne is. Great quality though. However, you can start with cheaper stuff for your hobby work. Just be prepared to sharpen things like punches and more often. A Stanley knife is fine for cutting. A cheap nylon headed hammer is fine for metal punches. A cheap rotary hole punch is fine. Just learn how to sharpen with rolled up emery paper.
for oblong shaped strap holes, punch a round hole at each end and then cut the gap between the holes with a cheap sharp wood working chisel of the right size. A cheap wooden hammer will be fine.
to make your pieces looked “finished” an edging tool is a good investment. Once again, learn how to sharpen it.
very rewarding. Have fun.
jeffoir.
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