Sandy Robbins

I know the feeling. I am 5'4". My gelding is 6.1 hands. There is no way i could ever mount him from the ground. I use a 3 step mounting block. But since you will be out in the woods why not teach him to bow. Then you will be able to mount from the ground. This is what i plan on doing. If you have looked at the stirrups that drop down it just lowers the stirrup....you still have to pull your self up into the saddle. Sandy (vertically challenged)

http://www.saddlemakersshopmanual.info/Introduction.html I googled his name and found this. Hope it helps! Sandy

You have to call his daughter. Harry has passed. I am at work and don't have it with me. Maybe someone else out there can access it quicker. If not i can get it for you this evening. Sorry. I believe they are around 85.00 more or less. But a very good buy. Sandy

The best reference i use is the Harry Adams manual. This is what is was basically taught from. I agree the Stohlman's are a bit confusing sometimes. Sandy

Buddy, The Al Stohlman saddle making books are a good resource. It is more complicated to just show you with pictures. There is alot of measuring to do. Each tree is different. There are many saddle making dvds also. Good luck Sandy Robbins

You should be able to alter this pattern to fit. I found this one on Tandy's web site. http://www.tandyleatherfactory.com/en-usd/home/department/Leather-Craft-Patterns/6015-08.aspx Good luck. Sandy

That saddle looks like it rode good!! Really nice. I bet he was happy when you cleaned it up for him. Please let us know more about it when you find out.

That's good to know about the Bar Keeper's Friend. You can also use 1/2 lemon rubbed on certain spots too. I am glad you found something to work for you! Sandy

Hosscomp, Did you ask the pharmacist? If they don't know i would try another....oxalic is the correct name. It is a white powder you mix with water. You may want to call first....it helps clean any oils or lightens stains left on the leather....make sure you rinse thoroughly. Good luck! Sandy

Tina....these are really beautiful! I would love to see more of this book. You are very lucky to have such a find. Good luck with it! Sandy Robbins

I am glad you aren't discouraged. I think i have every saddle making dvd and book made. Let me say there are very few i don't have I guess i am a leather info junkie. Jeremiah Watts dvd is great but if you are on a budget may i suggest first the Stohlmans books, Harry Adams manual (this is what my teacher used alot because when it was over my mind was so full i needed something to refer back to) Bruce Cheneys dvds...then go for the more expensive ones like Dale Harwood and Jeremiah Watts....these are all great resources. This is just a few i have in my collection. Enjoy the ride and may god bless. Sandy

Hi Scott, Before you start your grocery list I think you should do your research first. Check in the Saddle Reference Books and DVD's and invest in some of these references first. Study them over and over. It is not as easy as it looks. It is definitely more involved. I have alot of books and Dvd's i have studied and then ended up going to a saddle making school but that does not make me a 'Saddle Maker' by any means. You earn that title by years of experience and mistakes. I do not know how long you have been doing leather but even if you have repairing saddles it is still different. Buying a good tree, building a good ground seat, swells , cantle, etc.... the list goes on....along with your grocery list. I am definitely not here to discourage you but to encourage you in being prepared. Read and study different resources...everyone will do it a little different but end up with the same result. You will learn which way suites you best. Good luck with your saddle...making your first is definitely the biggest thrill!!! Take care, Sandy Robbins

I use Duall #88 cement. I got mine from Siegels of California.

http://www.geocities.com/Heartland/Plains/4743/fonts.html here is another font site

I have a friend that gave me an old saddle that the leather was pretty well dry rotted. So i stripped it down to the tree and patched the holes and put a few coats of a waterproof sealer on it and it seams pretty sound now. I dont know what kind of tree it is. But it has huge swells on it and it is a little intimidating to me since this is only my second saddle. What possessed me to try this i dont know but i will give it my best! My 1st was a SF Bowman. I am definitely saving the earlier posts for references. Any other suggestions or advise are more than welcomed!! Thanks in advance!

I know i am a little late replying. But I think you did a beautiful job! This was a hard one for your first time. I am anxious to see the second one! Keep up the good work!

Jason, That is a strop for my edgers. I got that from Weaver Leather. They are individual pieces of leather that have been cut to fit the grooves. You just put the polishing compound on them and you are good to go. Sandy

Bob, One thing i really like is the magnetic tool holder strips. I found them at my local Lowes. Here is a picture of my little work bench. The pic is a little crooked. Whatever bench you make or use...it has to be STURDY!! You are sooooo right. Peter Main has the ultimate shop!!!

Thankyou Pete, I am always looking for different patterns. Especially the artistically challenged ones like me!!

This is my first saddle. Here it is not quite finished. Sandy

Thanks Johanna...brain fart....for some reason I keep putting him in Ohio (sorry Ron). I dont think he does take on apprentices but he ...if anyone...would know of other saddlemakers in the area. I think he knows everyone! And is extremely knowledgeable...if i only he his brain!!! Thanks, Sandy

Hi Rob, I dont know if you are a member of International Internet Leather Guild or not... www.######.net . The President, Ron Ross is a saddlemaker in Ohio. That much i do know. Sorry I am in Florida and the saddlemakers here won't share. I have tried!! Believe me i know what you are going through. I think i have every saddlemaking video and book there is. I finally broke down and went to an individual out of state....but that was only for 2 weeks. You cannot learn hardly anything in that amount of time!!!! Believe me!!!! I am working on it!!! I dont know if you have Bill Gomer, Cheney tapes, and Harry Adams book....these have helped me more than anything. I am working on my 2nd saddle....it is definitely a slow process by yourself!!! But I WILL DO IT....come hell or high water....!!!!!!!!!! Good luck to you. Sandy

In the 3rd picture. What is the purpose of the "woolie"? Is it just for show or does it have a purpose? Sandy

I really like the stamps you used...are they seeder type stamps or a combination? Sandy