Tandy is always a good place to start. I do most all the leather work I want to do with tools and supplies from Tandy, with few exceptions. About 99% of my tools came from Tandy. My wife manages a store for them, (Memphis), so I'm sort of "connected", I guess you'd say.

Most stores have great, helpful staff who will work with you for lessons, tips, tricks, most anything to help you learn as you're getting into the craft. Plus, there are guys on here who do quite a bit of hide pounding who'd be more than willing to help where we can as well. You can check out my facebook page if you're interested and see some of the stuff I've done:

http://www.facebook.com/home.php#!/L...eather?sk=wall