seveneves

I've now built a couple saddles and the one I'm currently working on has a high 5 in cantle. I have seen some bindings that look pretty sharp with rawhide and some that warp and don't turn out too well. I know rawhide can be pretty hard to work with. I'm just doing a regular straight binding not Cheyenne roll. How wet should it be, what thread should I use? Do I compensate for shrinkage? (haha...shrinkage). I was going to order some handstitching thread from Weaver Item# 50-1554 page 256. Is that a good thread overall? Thanks.

You know I've never thought about driling the holes myself. Does that work pretty good? Do you just use a drill press?

I forgot to tell you Ben, thanks for taking the time to post that. It makes more sense now. That was the only part I didn't understand.

Thanks Ferg

I have a really handy way of making patterns that works for me. If you could give me a style or example and some measurements you want i could make one for you.

I have some patterns I could sell you but I think it would be better for you to make your own. I love making patterns now. This is how I make a pattern for the skirts. First I take a full sheet of cardboard and put it under the tree and tape it in place. Then starting at point A. I measure the how much material I want in front of the bars as it goes around the gullet. Usually it's about an 1". Just make a mark. Then measure how far you want your skirts to stick out in front of the bars. You might have to reference other saddles. Make a mark for point B. Point C is how much material you want hanging down from the bars. Again you should reference some books or other saddles. Point D. is how far the rear of the skirting should hang down. I think it's usually about 13" for what I like. Point E. Is how far they will be behind the saddle. Now take a pencil and with a loose wrist just connect the marks. This part is important not to be too particular but just get the right flow. Eventually you'll start to see where the lines should be. Then you can go in with a sharpie and firm up the lines. Note: under the gullet can be kind of trick because you need to make a point where the skirts will be fastened under the hand hole. Stohlman books show how to cut this part. For me I like to drive a nail in, then snip it off with some pliers which leaves a sharp point. Then I rub the paper against the nail and it gives me the exact point to measure too. I hope this helps. Almost all pattern making is like this for me. First make the reference points then connect the dots. Hope this helps.

I tried some waxed linen from springfield leather and I had it break on me a couple times. Fortunately I also bought some plain waxed thread http://springfieldleather.com/store/product/4851/Thread%2CWax%2CPureWht%2CHeavy%2C50y/. It looks nice and I've never had it break on my no matter how tight I pull. I think most saddle makers use waxed linen thread around the horn and cantle.

The best way for me to cut circle is to take my compass and draw out my circle. Then I put a small nail through the center point into a board. Then take a pointed knife such as a utility knife, stick it on the perimeter of the circle and spin the letter around. It cuts a perfect circle. The only drawback is there's a small hole in the center.

im selling a nice cs osborne groover. Check out my post on it. http://leatherworker.net/forum/index.php?showtopic=29919&st=0&p=187423entry187423. Thanks.

This is a like new CS osborne scratch compass. Brand new condition. Only been used 3 or 4 times on the smallest blade. The other blades haven't been touched. Only had it for less than 6 months. It's been stored in a protective case. I'm asking 60 plus 4.99 for shipping. Thanks.

I'm from Spanish Fork, UT. Good to have a fellow Utahn on here.

New 1.5.5 Lieuellen. Cheyenne Roll, Rigging 7/8 position. Wood Post horn 3". See www.neveshorses.com for more pictures and info. Stirrups not includes.

Thanks so much for posting that diagram. It explains it really well. I just had one question. How does it connect as it goes around the front bar pad around under the gullet? I'm talking about the top piece of the rigging.

I think it's a personal preference. No matter how much you study the dvds and books, if it's your first saddle you're still going to mess up. I'm on my third and still make little mistakes. The best way to learn is just get in there and start.

I could be wrong but that looks like a cheyenne roll. Maybe it's the same thing?

I've never put in a welt so I was intrigued by this post. I have a question as well. When you first put on the cover do you mark on both sides where you want the welt or rather just one side then transfer it to the other side by folding in half?

Check out the Stohlman Saddlemaking books. It talks specifically about dealing with the twisting of the lacing.

I have his dvds too. I get spazzy sometimes and try to go on my own but I always make mistakes and have to go back and rewatch what he does. I need to just follow along with him. They are pretty entertaining too.

I love this forum cause we get so many diverse opinions. I'm also into ranch roping and wondered if anyone knew of a ranch roping forum? Thanks.

I found my stohlman books and read through them pretty good. Did you make the fender jig like he shows or do you just use the chart shown there? Is that from the floor to the crotch? That seems like a real simple method. Is that pretty reliable?

I'm building a saddle for a guy and I want the fenders to fit him just right and I don't really know how to measure for that. Or if I were to get his inseam measurement, what do I do with it? Or maybe there's a thread in here somewhere that covers this already maybe you could point me in that direction. I want to have the stirrup leathers exposed and I'll be using blevins buckles. Any help is appreciated.

Thanks guys. I'll do that tonight. I also need to oil some spots that have lightened up.

Had a lot of fun with this saddle. Starting to get the hang of it. 15.5 inch Lieuallen on a Timberline tree. Thanks everyone for your help in the forums.

Your looks nice and crisp who made yours?