Proof That Every Tree Maker Does Things Differently

[Rod and Denise Nikkel]

We have built a few duplicate trees lately where they want to use the old leather but on a new tree. To make sure we get it as close as possible, we ask the saddle maker to send us the old tree and any leather that goes back on the tree - basically everything except fenders and strings. First we measure everything up frontwards, sideways and backwards and then we ususally derawide the tree (much easier on some than others) and take it apart so we can use the parts to make patterns and get the shapes exact. Anyway, it sure is interesting to see the differences in how different maker's trees are built. Here are three cantles. The one on the right is ours. We keep the rim of the cantle flat. It is the only piece of outside of the original block of wood we start with that is left when we are done making the cantle. The one in the middle is from a Tenny Hawes tree. The concavity on the rim was more noticable on the tree than it is on the table. The one on the left is an old Standard tree. Not only have they taken down the front corner but they have taken the top back from about 1/2 way up so it makes for a pretty convex rim looking from the side. That one was fun to duplicate!

Edited January 15, 2011 by Rod and Denise Nikkel