Saddle Construction
Learn from experts about the art of building a good saddle.
664 topics in this forum
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- 8 replies
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Hi everyone, starting build for the first time. I'm going over the tree and there are some fairly craterey holes from the nails in the rawhide around the base of the forks and a few other places. I was going to start laying some leather strips in to smooth out the areas but I was wondering if I could put a filler in the deepest holes first. I feels a little sacrilegious to use bondo but I saw someone using it on here before. Also found plenty of proud nails in the seat I need to hammer down too. Thanks!
Last reply by Goldshot Ron, -
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So, I build western saddles, but I'm living in English saddle country right now. I'm getting ready to replace some billets (Double butt of 5mm chrome billet leather). I've got some extra falldown staples and nails. I've got some close-up photos of up under the flap, but I'd really appreciate a few photos at a bit wider angle of a panel unstitched and dropped. I can just dive in, but a bit of a better idea would be better I reckon. I've seen one thread here about the subject, but it was again pretty zoomed in. Any help would be appreciated.
Last reply by FlyinBP, -
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So, I'm a novice saddle maker, currently have 8 Wades under my belt. I worked under a master maker for my first one, but have pretty much been slogging it out on my own since. The more I learn, the more I don't know. One thing I'm looking at changing up is my thread choice. Currently using 207 nylon for everything except my cantle binding and horn, which is 277 nylon. Yes, the 277 is a pain to hand sew with. I'm looking to find a type/size that is a little more universal for both machine and hand stitching on working ranch saddles. Braided, nylon, linen? Recommendations and tips greatly appreciated!
Last reply by FlyinBP, -
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I notice the 550 rings and similar versions, listed as inskirt rigging. The only ones I see for flat plate are the 5053 style. Is there a reason you couldn’t use the inskirt rings on a flat plate?
Last reply by EdOdgers, -
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- 9 replies
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i remember reading somewhere on here, where someone was discussing the cantle height and width should be considered when deciding wether to go with a Cheyenne or a straight up binding. I don't remember who it was, but I got yo thinking about my saddle I am building. I was planning on a straight up cantle, but I ordered the tree 4” x 12.5” cantle. Is this going to look out of place with a straight up cantle?
Last reply by DirtyDusty, -
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Anyone ever line your flat plate rigging with raw hide? I saw a custom saddle one Facebook that said the plate rigging was rawhide backed. Just wondering what the pros and cons would be.
Last reply by EdOdgers, -
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I am working on building my first saddle. I am following Stohlman's encyclopedias and I'm working on making the "Stohlman Fender Gauge". Please take a look at the pictures of how far the posts on the blevins buckle sticks out. It just doesn't seem like there is enough post left to protrude into the stirrup leathers. Not sure what I am doing wrong? Thanks for looking, Rich
Last reply by BigSiouxSaddlery, -
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I’m starting my first saddle and plan on a 1/4 tooled 58 Wade. I want to put the Fender straps on the outside so I can tool them. I’m curious about the length of outside fender straps vs the length of typical inside fender straps? Does the outside fender straps need to be longer? thanks Butch
Last reply by Butch, -
- 3 followers
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I am in the process of making my patterns. In the stohlman book it shows the fender leg departing at a forward angle, If the fender was hanging down. Is this normal or is it one of their designs they preferred to use?
Last reply by keplerts, -
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I have seen several comments, on different videos and posts, that say the angle of the rise is usually determined by what the customer wants. Looking at some pics of custom saddles, most I have looked at have a low, gradual rise. While I have seen production saddles that are steep rise abruptly. What are you thoughts on the pros and cons of the rise on the ground seat.
Last reply by oltoot,
