Little John

Seems like everyone forgets a rigging gage. The best sorce for a complete starter set of saddle building tools can be found in the Stolhman Saddle Making Encylo. Vol 1 and 2. Also includes plans for building what can't be bought. I find "Old George" to be invaluable for tooling swells. I believe there is an articulating draw down stand that can be had for a very high end substitute. I made my own chinaman, smashers, welt jigs, ground seat jig, rigging gage and many more that I can't think of at present. I modified many existing marketed tools, and found a lot of stuff at flea markets and used tool outfits that can be reworked to suit a need. Being a fabricator by day time trade does help. My machining skills have served me well in tool making efforts. I would highly recommend the Stolhman books to anyone just getting started.

Have not made many but I do make them. Would love a full time job of it. lj

I do not know if I am replying to this correctly but I hope so. I do not plug any of my holster work. Plugs are apt to allow junk to build up in the bottom of the holster and serve no purpose. Just allow for the barrel length and leave a good 1/2 inch of holster to extend past the end of the piece. Little John

Looking for the thin plastic sheeting that is used to make craftaids. Any idea where I might buy some. lj