Hi guys, brand new to the forum but not to the art of leather work.
I started back when I was 10 never done anything extreme, here lately I have gotten really caught up into braiding. I'm a professional bull rider for a living so building my own bull ropes became a great way to save some money (atleast after the first dozen I attempted)
Wanting to build a saddle, brothers are ropers it will either end up being a barrel saddle or practice saddle...if it turns out good enough it's staying in my house on a saddle rack lol
First question:
What kind of tree should I go with? I have rode many saddles but know very little about them. I will of course will be wanting it to be a roping saddle...is there a honest difference? I know all you people that have built thousands of these are rolling y'all's eyes by now but I'm willing to learn.
I don't plan on buying a kit (outrageous price) I have access to great leather. Can I get patterns for saddles, if so where? I have a old ranching saddle I'm gonna be talking apart and what not for a reference.
I have a great amount of tools, most likely but what I need as I go. This will be a drawn out build, I will be doing it when I have the time and energy in between rodeos. Thanks guys and any and all responses are appreciated.