CharlieR

You folks have been tremendous in helping me restore this old saddle. I finally have it all apart and am beginning the restoration process. It was DRY--really DRY--. My question is.....I have been applying the pure neatsfoot oil to it. It is supple, but after it sits for a day or so, it still has that dry look to the finish of the leather.At what point do I stop putting on the neatsfoot. I am planning on using Willams to finish up with. Has anyone had any luck with Pecard's? As this is an old slickfork TexTan, I want to end up with a nice looking antique and want it ti have a cetain amount of sheen. I'm up for suggestions. Will try to post pics when done. Again, thanks for all you help this forum has given. Charlie

Greg--thanks so much for your time and consideration---you have been a great help. Charlie

Greg--thanks a bunch. So, let me ask this now. Some say they work saddle soap into leather without any water, while others soak the leather up and make real soap and suds,wipe it down, then let it dry.. which way do you recommend? charlie

Hey Folks--this is great! Thanks to all. But it has brought up a point that I beleive I have not run across before--"Do Not USe Conditioners on latigos & strings". In all of the repair/restoration threads, there have been lots of advice n conditioners, etc., but there has not been mention of not using the conditioner on the strings/latigo, or at least that I remember. I would really appreciate someone explaining a little more on this subject while we're here....... Charlie

Hey---thanks for all the input. I'' give it a try and see if I can get them apart without breaking one. Booy--love this forum! Charlie

This is a newbie question--I have been asked to remove and replace some old leather conchos that are under silver conchos on an old saddle--BUT --the owner wants to leave the original stirngs on the saddle. The strings appear to be in good shape and supple enough to resist tearing. My question is this--is there a tool you use or have made that you utilize when pulling the strings apart (where they are bleeded topgether)? I hope this makes sense to you?????? Charlie

Rawhider--thanks for the info--Charlie

Alan--thanks a bunch. charlie

Alan--what diameter mandrel do you use for your slides? Thanks, charlie

Hey guys---what diameter mandrel do you use for your slides?? Charlie

Pella--super job. Would love to hear the process you used. charlie

I have never heard of adding olive oil to the neatsfoot--thanks for the tip. charlie

Blake--I'm north of San Antonio and just a tad south of Blanco off 281. Holler if you ever get over this way---and thanks for the info. Charlie

Blake--thanks for the heads up. I may have used the compound before, will go and look at the bottle. By the way, i have lived in Texas for a long time, but have never been to North Zulch-lol

Bruce--thanks for the info. I have tried neatsfoot oil before, but was afraid it was turning the leather too dark--have also tried olive oil, which didn't give me darkness but had heard that it was not good for leather. Also, should I apply TanKote over the paste? Boy, this is what makes this forum so great--I appreciate all you experts do and say to help us newbies.

OK guys--I have recently acquired two old saddles that are close to junkers, so thought this would be the perfect opportunity to learn how to clean and restore saddles. I know there is a ton of info here regarding how to do this, but it gets a little confusing--so, here are my questions. 1) When I used saddle soap to clean a piece of the leather, I soaked the leather well, built up a good lather with the soap, then rinsed with clear water. After several applications of this, the leather was clean, but when it dried, the color of the leather was washed out---NOW, what do I use to restore the color and make the leather appear to have a finish on it. 2) I have used all the following on various pieces of older leather, but never felt any of them gave a good final finsh--Pecard's, Lexol, Black Rock. I usually apply these, then rub them down with a soft cloth. Any suggestions or commments would be greatly appreciated.

Randy--I really hate to sound dumb here, (and this is probably a real newbie question) but what is a jerk needle?

Beautiful job of restoration--do you mind if I ask what you used to recondition and get such a beautful finish on the saddle??

Alan--I'm in south Texas but, depending on time, etc. would be willing to participate. For me summer is the best time as I am in the school business. I have some self tought experience, mostly in kangaroo. Charlie

Anybody know anyone that is conducting braiding classes here in Texas? It seems you can take a class in about anything "cowboy" here, but not braiding--or am I worng?

Mr. Bell-thank you so much for your time and effort in putting this tutorial together. It gives us beginners the inspiration and encouragement to keep at it and just goes to prove that this forum rocks!!

Mr. Bell--as usual, outstanding, neat and clean work. Keep up the good work.

Hey Tim--thanks for the tutorial--I am sure it took quite a bit of time-thanks for the hard work. It is folks like you that take the time and effort to make this forum a winner!

Nice work!

Way to go--another Texan in the Forum! Welcome--and keep up the good addiction--er, work!!