Tree Making Design Question

[GrampaJoel]

Hello tree makers.

I am wondering when a tree is built for a customer, if the thickness of the leather being used that will go into the stirrup leather slot is taken into consideration when cutting the stirrup leather slots in the tree bars?

Thanks

Joel

[GrampaJoel]

Thanks for the looks folks. I have my answer.

Joel

[Rod and Denise Nikkel]

Joel,

We have never had anyone ask for a specific depth to the stirrup groove. We cut ours 1/4" deep and nail both the front and the back. We have seen some similar to ours and others a lot shallower. We have seen and heard of ones that have a full stirrup slot but it isn't nailed at the back (to prevent breakage?) but that means the rawhide bridges there and makes it shallow at the back. An Arizona bar has no back stirrup groove, as you know. When you look at skirts that have been used, you can generally easily see where the stirrup leathers contact the skirts. When weight is put into the stirrups, that pulls the stirrup leathers away from the bars and probably accounts for at least some of that indentation on the skirts. But, of course, if the stirrup slots are not deep enough the leathers will protrude below the bars. Interesting question we haven't been asked before.

[GrampaJoel]

Thank you for your reply. I guess folks are beginning to see what a knowledge hog I can be at times.

I ask questions like this of everything I do.

So my question to you Rod, or Denise, whomever was kind enough to answered above.

Would you cut to a depth requested if it didn't put in jeopardy the tree design and strength?

It seems to me if a tree is cut to match the weight of stirrup leather being used, that the mechanics of the whole saddle might improve, or at least remove what appears to me to be a potential problem spot. Of course I could be way out in left field here.

Thanks for all the help you have given me over time here.

Joel

[Rod and Denise Nikkel]

Joel,

We can't see a stirrup slot needing to be deeper than 1/4". You want the stirrup leathers to be able to move with the rider's leg and be changed out, etc. so you don't want them too tight. I guess if someone asked us for something special we would want to understand what and why so we could decide to do it or not.

[kseidel]

1/4" is 16 oz leather thickness. Unless you are lining your stirrup leathers you would not bet them thicker than 16 oz. If you are making a saddle with full double stirrup leathers, you may encounter a need for slots a bit thicker. otherwise leather is not available thicker.

Keith

[GrampaJoel]

Keith, Rod and Denise Nikkel,

Thanks for the replies.

Yes, I agree 1/4" would be deep enough for sure.

Thanks again

Joel