JinxedDream

Good to know. And I know, I meant more than the week or so it takes Tandy to ship something. And I can wait... I have stamping tools to practice with for now.

Thanks so much! So happy to hear that this is the case. I have to order online anyway so even if I have to wait an extra couple of days, I'm happy to know that the wait will be worth it!

Thank you. I think I will try them as the prices are good and they offer a good selection as well.

Just wanted some thoughts on the Goods Japan tools. Anyone use them? Compared to Tandy, are they a decent starting point? I'm just looking for some decent tools that will last me a while and that don't break the bank. So far I've liked what I've found on their site, just wanted to know if anyone had any experience with the tools?

Was going to agree with this. More and more people are trying to find an ultimate "perfect" fit for their horse. In my case, I switch horses more often than I switch saddles. I've actually sold horses that didn't fit the saddles I had. Why? Horses are cheap, saddles aren't. So like oltoot said, pick a "type" of horse you most commonly ride and start there. There is also the Chicago Saddle Tree Co and Double H Ranch Saddle Shop.

Looks really great! I like the fact that its tooled but looks very practical at the same time.

Thank you for explaining that. It does make sense. Form to function and all of that. I do really like how you used the rawhide on the poleys, its a preferable look to those that were done in a 3-piece and have welts. Did you handstitch all of that detail? Because I'm impressed with it, definitely different (and probably easier to clean than carved leather!).

Awesome, like the other ones! You're killing me here... I'm still saving my pennies Question, have you ever covered the poleys in a single piece with welts (basically like covering a pommel without the horn)? I saw it on a Blue Creek Saddle once but haven't found anyone else that does that.

Exactly. This has happened with several brands including Western Rawhide, High Horse, Big D and Billy Royal. Oldtimer, it isn't Biothane, I'm 100% certain of that. Its marketed as 100% leather. But it doesn't feel like that. And it will not absorb oil or conditioner. I have an Indian-made saddle, not the best quality but even the leather on that is better than what I find in tackstores now.

I'm been running into an issue with purchased tack lately. The leather feels "painted," like it was done with acrylics. It feels a bit like plastic and it will not absorb oil, it just wipes off. It does not feel like my older leather tack or the custom made stuff does. Any ideas? Would a deglazer be used in this situation?

Yep, that's how I got them! They are out of volume 3. And for anyone else that finds this thread, I got the ebook of volume 3 (also on sale) and had it spiral bound and printed for $28. Works really well and is much easier to deal with than the hardcovers. Just putting that up for consideration.

Just wanted to say I've found what I was looking for!

Looks like every other 50's economy saddle I've come across but you wouldn't really know until you can actually look at it. I sold a saddle very similar to that one (in black) for $100. But this one looks like its in better shape. Depending on what the tree is made out of and a better inspection... probably closer to $200. As said, this is ball-park and based off a photo.

Thank you both. I will then definitely get the Al Stohlman books. I'm fine with patterns, I re-designed a lot of patterns for my dresses, so I'm not too concerned in that aspect. Keplerts, thanks so much for that tree link! I really like it. I have been looking at the LaPorte trees (http://www.literidetree.com/Saddle_Trees.html) because I like the cable rigging but those trees are also nice. I ride in a half-breed right now and wouldn't trade it for anything. I'm not so sure about the stirrup bar, I find it places my leg in an awkward position. But it looks like that bar might be better placed. Bob Wattus also makes trees, custom. Kent Saddlery uses them. And there's someone in the USA that has a connection to that maker. I'd love to know what tree is used by Blue Creek Custom Saddles.

As the typical broke university student, building a resource library is difficult. I have a very specific goal in mind, to build an Australian half-breed or stock fender saddle. I've read over all the other threads on books and DVDs. And I'm having trouble deciding which route to go. I know what my learning style is for the most part so I'd like some advice. I'm definitely getting Ron Edward's book "Making a Stock Saddle." Now I'm trying to decide between the Al Stohlman books and Harry Adams' book and Bruce Cheany's DVD or Jeremiah Watts. I'm a bit leary of getting the DVDs because I have never ever sat through an entire movie, TV show, or anything else that came on a tape. I taught myself how to sew dresses from books. I also taught myself hoof-trimming and much of my riding skills also come from books. In all 3 I did have someone I could call when things got confusing. My dress designs have won me prizes, I've never had a horse go lame (actually I just finally got my latest to go barefoot after being told by the vet that that was never possible). I do have a good friend who does leathercraft, so again, not completely by myself. Would it be possible to learn what I need to know from books and the people around me? Which set would you suggest? Do the Al Stohlman books include how to make the pattern? I know how to work with patterns and can figure out what goes where. Thank you!

Thanks! I found the publisher's site for that book and its $43 with shipping. Wonder what makes that big of a difference? But I'll keep an eye on it.

I noticed that. Did you wrap the cable or how do you cinch up? I've seen a few different ways it was done. Hmm, wonder if I could find a western around here to test ride that kind of rigging.

Thanks so much for answering all my questions. I knew Kent Saddlery was making them with a cable rigging. I can imagine how much better that must be. My half-breed has less bulk than the westerns I used to ride in but is still fairly bulky. I've only found one other rider with a half-breed and hers is a Wintec. That's been my biggest hestiation for looking at saddle-making myself, its not like I can go ride in a dozen saddles and take notes about what I liked and didn't like about each.

Looking for some saddlemaking books, especially Ron Edwards "Making a Stock Saddle."

Thank you both! I'm seeing the talent here and I must say, it's jaw-dropping. Tree-reaper, no worries, my little sister is the skier, I'm the pilot, I'm safe :D Rural Ontario is my home when I'm not at UoG... and by that I mean a little dot on the map known as Walton or Motocross Town.

Thanks Bill! Lacing looks difficult. I have been looking at deer skin as a lining option, its so soft.

Hi, just thought I'd do a short introduction. I'm in love with the wealth of knowledge available here. I'm from a farming background and love horses. I ended up here because I'm tired of trying to convince the local harness makers to make my custom tack designs. The last one kind of threw his hands in the air and told me to try myself. I've decided to take his advice. Ultimately I want to make a half-breed stock saddle, I love the design but they are impossibly hard to find on this side of the ocean. Headstalls, a ski-joring harness, collars (I don't like halters on my horses) and tooled saddle pouches are also on my list. And whatever else I come up with. No more bailer-twine, duct-tape and cotton rope for me! The first project will be the ski-joring harness if the snow doesn't melt first. My sister and I have a prototype out of baler-twine, duct tape and feed bags. Plus an old harness racing set we found. They have the harnesses in Europe, my cousin is sent me photos. If you are starting to at all feel sorry for my horse, it's okay, she's a saint and puts up with whatever half-crazy ideas I come up with. I'm not completely new to the world of leather and crafts. I took art back in high school, I can draw when the mood strikes me. I'm a self-taught dressmaker when I'm not in school. I make prom dresses when I need something to do with my hands. I've also tooled the odd piece of leather in my friend's shop. I love restoring old saddles although I have yet to take one completely apart. I ended up selling the last one I was going to take apart. Or rather it was half-taken apart when my uncle called looking for a saddle as soon as possible. So I only got as far as restitching the horn and putting on new strings (with the help of my friend). Now I'm waiting ever so patiently on my tools to arrive.

Thanks! Do you like how the rigging works when you are actually in the saddle? I've never even ridden in a cable-rigged saddle.

Thanks! I'll definitely keep both in mind. Is the construction close enough to that of the western saddles that I can follow those methods?

Wow! Great work. I definitely want to go this route someday.