Ronny

I too would like a copy of the patterns. Thanks a lot. rlmartinsaddlery@gmail.com

Bob Booth lives in Nocona, Tx and has a lot of used machines. Most anything you would need or want. He is an artist when it comes to rebuilding them, from awl and needle to walking foot machines. I've sent 2 people to him in the last few months and they were really satisfied. He is very reasonable on his prices and his repairs. I think bob is the rural post delivery and he and his son do this on the side. He is also a very good saddle man. I don't have his phone number handy but, I'm sure he is listed in Nocona. If you can't find his number I will try and post it later. Ronny

This is metal and it is used on cantles of saddles with the loop roll. I can't think of any way to braid it. Sorry, Ronny

I'm replying about the 1/4" ss lace. I bought out a saddle maker and got a huge roll of it. Supposed to be about 4oo feet or yrds.(?) Anyway lots of it and I don't think I'll need it all so if anyone needs some let me know. Ronny

Tell me about the splitter. Ronny

The decker tree has been sold. Thanks, Ronny

I was thinking around $150. What were you thinking? Ronny

I have an excellent decker tree made by Ray Holes Co in Grangeville,Id. We built a lot of pack saddles while in Idaho but haven't had any interest here in Oklahoma. This tree has hung on the wall for a long time but is just like new.(unused) All packers know the Holes trees as there aren't any better made. It has bronze arches and is their combination tree that is designed to fit either a horse or a mule. It is for sale but I would just as soon trade it for something else I could use now. If interested, let me know what you have to trade as long as it doesn't eat. If it does eat I would have to think about it pretty hard. Anyway some one needs this more than I do . Lets talk!! Ronny

I have a good Ray Holes decker tree I would like to trade or I would sell. It has bronze arches and is their combination tree they build that fits either a mule or horse. I used to build a lot of pack saddles when I was in Idaho but there isn't much interest here in Oklahoma. It has been hanging on the wall for a long time but it is still like new.(never used) Most packers know about these tree as there aren't any better made. If interested let me know what you have to trade. Ronny

I don't mind telling my age because I'm proud I lived as long as I have and lived when I did. I'm 68 years young! Ronny

Once again I'm very impressed!!! But, we expect good ones from your bench! Ronny

Ben, I didn't take offense at what you said at all. Just explaining myself. Later, Ronny

I don't know if these are shaped right or not, I just tried them and they seem to be okay. Not like a good hand decorative cut but if he doesn't like them he can send them back. I sure wouldn't expect a person to keep something that doesn't work for them. That's not me. Ronny

I have a complete set if I can find them. Grand kids are the only one that ever used them. Probably 25-30 yrs old. Should be in excellent condition. Email me. Ronny

These small bags are what we call day bags when we decorate them and use slightly lighter weight leather. These are 8-9 oz. They are 9x8" with a 4"gusset. Our work bags are the same size but use 10-12 oz with a heavier gusset. They are the right size to carry for a day ride. Later Ronny

I use the flexible steel rulers with the cork on the back. I use a 16" one and take the cork off, slide it into the stirrup slot then the stirrup leather will slide right on top. Very easy. Ronny

DITTO!!! Ronny

Has anyone ever heard of frying a saddle? Years ago while working for a saddle shop in Ariz. we had an old Cogshall saddle come in for repairs and the skirts were dry and the corners rolled up. I oiled the skirts pretty heavy and clamped them flat. I set the skirts outside the door and went to lunch. A customer showed up and informed us there was some leather on fire outside. The leather was actually smoking! After dunking it in a water tank, it was like over fried bacon . You could break off pieces. Bill said it wasn't uncommon in the summer to go by the sale yard and you would see smoking saddles tied to the sides of trucks in the parking lot, because people would put excessive oil on their saddles and leave them in the hot Ariz sun. Sometimes less is more. (I had to put new skirts under the great old saddle. Not a happy customer!) Ronny

I am a semi-retired saddle maker and horse shoer, who is also a rope aholic. Been building and repairing saddles since 1975. Still love it. Truly the Lord has blessed me with the ability to earn a living doing something I truly love. Great wife for 45 years, great kids, and grand kids, good horses.WOW! Life is good. Ronny

Tell me more about the CDs "Celtic Thunder" please. That sounds like something I might like to listen to. I never get tired of "Irish" music. I can listen to the same one over and over and over and over. Well, you get the picture? My wife is not as fond of it as I am. I bought a new one the other day for $2.00 called "Celtic Moods" performed on the panpipes. Very good!! Later Ronny