CharlieR

OK folks--I'm working on my first set of braided reins-kangaroo. Am braiding around a leather core and everything is looking fine so far. My questions is this--when you are braiding long projects, such as reins or reatas--how/what do you use to hold them as they get longer? There must be a dozen or more ideas on this subject--how about sharing a few. My procedure is rather simple so far--I use a small, narrow table and as the reins get longer, I just wrap them around the table when they get enough length--but there HAS to be a better way.

Alan--thnanks for the tutorial. This forum is great for beginners like myself to see how many different things are done. You mewntioned the braiders roundtable--is this a yearly event and would it be possible for beginners to attend or obtain infomration?? Thanks for all you have contributed to theis forum. Charlie

HorsehairBraider--thanks for the comments. I can see that someone could try to solve a problem by braiding over something round to compensate for a crummy foundation. I am sure that is what happened in this case. Mr. Bell, as always, I appreciate your comments also. It is a great help for folks like both of you to share with us newbies in this subject and try to keep us informaed of how the pros do it. Thanks loads to both of you and keep those comments coming.

Was at a trade show just the other day and spotted a hand braided bolo tie. Upon looking at it,the last buttons on the tips were perfectly round. Now my questions is this--I am in no way saying that some of you expert braiders aren't capable of braiding perfect round buttons, but this bolo, judging by the rest of the braiding and the smller knots, looked like it was done by a semi-beginner and the perfectly round buttons on the end looked out of place----do any of you braiders out there use any round objects (marbles. round wooden balls,etc.) as a foundation and braid over it to give a perfectly round knot or button? I see where using something of this nature might save a lot of time in building up a foundation, but was wonering if it is ever done??? I hope this isn't a stupid question or that it sounds as if I am bashing someones work--it is certianly only asked out of ignorance of some techniques .

Yes,, would be interested in seeing a pic of this.

Luke--I appreciate your input and will give it a try. Thanks again.

I was doing an edge lacing on a pair of spurs straps using some calf that I acquired from Tandy quite some time ago--it is nice lace with thin edges that make a nice looking job. As I was getting low on my supply, I ran down and bought another spool (not from Tandy) but the edges are square and make an ugly lace--anybody know if you can still get the nice stuff anymore????

Hey guys--thanks for the input. It is never easy to lay out a sizable investment on equipment when you have NO idea of which direction to go. It is always nice to hear from the guys that actually use it. Your input is appreciated.

Mike-great looking bracelet--I like the rawhide/roo combination. Probably with wear and use, the combo will even look better. I'm with the rest of the guys here--good to see smaller strings, great work. Are the knots built up or over a core?? Charlie

I have been looking at purchasing a leather splitter--have looked at the ebay auctions, at catalogs and at the suppliers. So what would be the advice you could give to direct me to buying this piece of equipment. I will use it mainly for splitting strings, rawhide in my braiding work. Have noticed the Osbornes are pricey, but have also seen the 'new high tech models. AM TOTALLY ignorant on this subject. A little help would be greatly appreciated.

Rob--nice job. May I ask a question---what is the length of each loop?? Secondly--defintely NOT for the dogs!!

Randy--nice looking pair of boots.Glad to see that there are those that continue to pursue this craft. Down here in Texas, the custom bootmakers are becomng scarce, so it's good to see craftsmen keeping the craft alive.

Sure enough---thanks for the info. Charlie

Where do you find Hall's books?

Good looking bosal--he should be proud to get it. I really like the way the darkened rawhide turned out--good contrast! Charlie

Sidney--I went to your site--I can tell this will take a little work and concentration. After I study the site for a while, I'll holler with questions. Thanks for the info. Charlie

Chuck--welcome aboard. This is a great friendly place to be. Send pics of your work!

You know the old saying about more than one way to skin a cat....................that really applies to braiding I believe. I learned to tie a knot on a mandrel, then transfer to the piece I'm working on then tighten. Others tell me they tie the knot directly on the piece--I tie then tighten, others say tie then add if needed. This truly is a learners forum with so much help and advice--ain't it GREAT! I love this place!!!!! Now, it's hi-ho, hi-ho, it's off to Amazon I go. thanks guys for the advice, it is appreciated! Charlie

This is where my experience is severely lacking--if I braid a 6 bight button with an interweave, I don't know how to 'add' more to the button. I jsut braid a button, do the interweave, then tighten. I learned my very basic braiding skills form a video--but the video didn't show how to add---guess I need to find another video, huh? There is so much to learn, cheeez!

I still struggle when tying knots for my bolos. I have tried a couple of methods for making a foundation for the sliding knot. I have used a smaller knot, then I have tried a small rawhide knot, then I have tried a pice of leather. My problem is this--whenI tighten the knot around the foundation, too many times my foundation is too large for the knot--orI tighten my knot too much so that part of the foundation is visible. Is this a problem that will diminish with experience, or am I being a real dumby here and just not doing something obvious. If I ever figure out how to post a pic, I will try to show you my mess ups! Charlie

Johanna--I have been kind of hanging around a bit, asking a question or two here and there. But this seems to be one of the friendliest forums going. Thank you--for your work here, for your encouragement and your tenacity in life.

I like it very much--the backgrounding and border go together very well--good job!

Rawhider--great looking straps! But for the non-horse folks out there, maybe we shouldn't mention the bucking rolls!! What kind of mental image would that bringout! Keep up the good work!

Looking good---is that a stained rawhide?

CWR--I'm still buying my string by the spools--haven't had the nerve to try to cut up a skin yet! I guess that's my next move--then I plan on trying some rawhide. What part of Texas you from? I'm near San Antonio.