Where can I get supplies?

[Madfireshot]

Does anyone know where I can find some materials for making a watch I have a somewhat steampunk watch just the part with the actual clock looks steampunk-ish... Anyway I am only 14 with an allowance for my only supply of money so does anyone know an online store where I might find leather and copper parts?

[Professor J. Cogsworthy]

Tandy for the leather  ( or Goodwill stores for old leather clothing to recycle. )

Craft stores for the metal.

[Herbert West]

Welcome aboard!

I guess it would depend on what kind of parts you have in mind. But for simple leather and copper, I'd try Goodwill or Salvation army stores. You can often find old metal bits and pieces you can take apart, and old leather purses and clothes for just a few dollars that you can cut up. Next theres craft stores like Michaels.

 Most large hobby shops (like Hobbytown USA, places that sell plastic models, train sets, and RC planes) sell various thicknesses of sheet and strip copper and brass for a few dollars.
 If you're on a real budget, you could manage with plastic pieces and a good metallic paint.

 Theres also hardware box stores, like Home Depot that sell metal plumbing supplies along with screws and bolts.

 If you need a special type of leather, check and see if your town has a leatherworking store. I know the one here in Seattle has a huge scrap bin where you can get all sorts of leather pieces for something like $10 a pound.

 Hopefully crafter with more experience than I can expand on the above. So til then, best of luck!

[PatronZero]

Of all places, I frequently find things in-on the clearance endcaps of the Meijers big box stores, especially in the Hardware section.  I can't say how many bits I've purchased with an actual 90% markdown over the years !

[Hez]

Hi Madfireshot
Check out the purses in a local thrift shop.  One with a leather shoulder strap would give you a strap with finished edges and the right sized buckle already attached for just a few bucks.  You could even cut up the body of the purse for a wider leather cuff to go under the strap.  A leather belt could also make a wide watch strap just by cutting it to length.  Rivets from a craft store are a great way to attach leather pieces together.

[Madfireshot]

Wo guys, thanks for all the info I can't believe I already have this many replies I can't even get this many on yahoo answers! I already love this forum!

[Madfireshot]

Wow*

[Kittybriton]

Such enthusiasm! I'll wager you still have both eyebrows too? Keep at it!

[PatronZero]

I should mention that thrift/charity shops are also great places to find mechanical clocks for obtaining the gears and bits mentioned as being sought.

[Herbert West]

I should mention that thrift/charity shops are also great places to find mechanical clocks for obtaining the gears and bits mentioned as being sought.

Just be sure to inspect them first. I picked up a nice looking alarm clock for $2 a while back, only to find it was full of plastic gears.

[Lady Toadflinger]

Mr. West,
The same thing happened to me, and I have noticed that the thrift stores in my area want $5 or more for these clocks, even when non-functioning! I gave up on them as sources of clocks.