Elton Joorisity

Contact Darin Alexander at Art Cords. They have two dvd's and all the supplies needed to get you started. We make our own cinches here in the shop as well. I think the website is www.artcords.com

First of all, thanks to everyone for the compliments. It's great to have the shop up and running in full swing and I will be sure to post pics. Bruce, I'm still using the stainless 1 1/2" loop and ring set up from Weavers. I will use bolts only if I'm asked. Weaver could stand to use a bigger ring on that set up. I've made my own before by cutting an inch n a half dee at the weld, putting on a 2" ring and re-welding them.

Hey all, I'm back in action after moving to the new place and setting up the shop. Here are a couple award halters that I finished earlier this week

Weezy, I do a lot of filligree in my shop and hardly use a knife. I have simply bought Craftool veiners in different sizes and ground them into curved chisels. I think I have 5 plus a straight carving chisel. Usually I only need a knife in the corners. I also use hole punches both oval and round where I can, ie. the scallops in petals and leaves. One day when I finish organising the new shop, I will post pics of the tools.

brown paper (grocery sacks) works great to burnish the wax into the thread as well.

The good poly comes from Hoovin- Allison and for certain colors you need to buy a lot of feet. It is identical to poly baler twine and some companies offer that in a buncha colors. I get my 3 ply sisal from Acklands up here in Canada. I make a bunch of bronc halters and used to make even more bronc reins, but there wasn't enough money in building them. Made a few riggin pads, tail pads and handle pads for a while too...same deal was not enough money and didn't see a point in tryin to compete with outfits that sold Barstow, CLG, or Saddle Barn gear.

I have bought pre-made welting on eBay and have had a lot of luck with it. It comes in four or five colors and a few sizes. I'll dig around and find who I bought it from.

Steve is telling you what you need, not what will get you by in a pinch. He's one of the best tech's in the business.

When my dad's company was still in full force, we built a few sets of weighted reins. The pair we tore apart had buckshot glued between the layers so that's what we used.

Sorry rdb but it's not a bronc saddle. bronc saddles are traditionally rigged in 3/4 position and have rear rigging that allows the rear cinch to angle back towards the flank of the horse. Another feature on a bronc saddle is a wide fork, this saddle has a very narrow fork. It almost looks like some form of endurance saddle to me.

PUNCHY!!

I know I need to Bob, but the holiday rush tends to be a little hectic and they save time

Machine stitched on a Nakajima 280L

Don't forget a recently stitched cantle bind Brent. Or people that lift seat Jockey's to look under them.

My sign says..."There are tools on this bench sharp enough to remove fingers...Don't believe me?? Just try picking one up!!!" I have a sick sense of humor but it seems to work

And Bob smacks another one out of the park!!! Looks fantastic as usual Bob!!

And if you are headed to Rod and Denise's you have to drive RIGHT past my place. I'll even try to round up a jar of vegemite that might be hiding on a store shelf to make you feel at home. I'll let you drink root beer until you float.

Sounds like a McMillen stamp to me. They can be contacted by phone at (573) 374 7880

Four Strands Of Rawhide is also a great dvd to purchase on reatas. You get to hear lots of good stories from Mr Bill Dorrance.

Thanks guys. Brent, I'm sure that it is only #4. The ground seats are started on # 5 and 6. I've had help from many members of our wonderful forum. I'd also like to especially thank Steve Mason for the one on one help he's given me along the way. He's a great friend and even better saddle maker!!!!

Bob, if I put my dees that low, it wouldn't work with a Martingale/ choker style breast collar and that's why they are where they are!!!

You might want to find some examples of Monte Beckman's work. It looks a lot like gun engraving and is all scroll work.

Thanks everyone. Dually, yes this is the saddle that I won Kamloops with. I had finished it the night before we left for the show.

I finished this saddle about 4 days ago. It's a 16" wade built on a Bill Bean tree. Let me know what you don't like.

I buy mine from Sheridan Leather. The stuff I get is close to 5/6 oz and is pretty stiff for chaps but I think they carry two weights.