I think I can do the tilting stand thing. I bought the hydraulic stand for 20 bucks, and found a pivoting, tilting table that I can canabalize to get the joints to build the articulating part of the stand. I should adjust up to 20+ inches, rotate, and tilt.
I just got the first saddle tree I want to work on today so I hope they send the parts for the stand quickly! I am starting with a mexican saddle tree. I ordered it from mexico with mule bars. It seems to fit my mule pretty good. I just cant wait to get started! Course its nothing like the video I bought on saddle construction so I am going to be flying blind! Wish me luck and thanks again for all of your advise. I will post pics of the stand when I get it built.