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rktaylor

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Posts posted by rktaylor

  7. Posted · Edited by rktaylor · Report reply

    It is about 6 inches from the bar to the bottom of the rigging. I knew it was wrong because the latigo lump is right on my knee. Maybe I need longer legs.

    Oltoot - This won't be an issue on #2 because it will be an in-skirt rigging. However, I will pay attention to this in the future. I believe what happened was that I got the front of the rigging too high, because my rear dees are angled slightly up toward the front. Just another lesson to store for the future.

    Thanks for the comments.

    Randy

  9. Posted · Report reply

    I know this is an old thread, but I didn't want to start a new one.

    Here’s my assessment of saddle making DVDs (at least two of them). It’s long, but I wanted to make sure you know where I am coming from. Some of it is about the videos and some is about my thought process regarding learning to build a saddle on your own. Comments, criticism, and apathy are welcome.

    I had been making some tack and got the grand idea that I wanted to build a saddle. I have spent very little time working on saddles (i.e. repair and deconstruction) and didn’t (still don’t) know much about them. I talked to a few saddle makers in my area. They were polite, but didn’t really have time for me and my grand idea. I can’t say as I blame them. However one saddle maker, Mr. Smithson at Pauls Valley, was very cordial and spent time offering advice and encouragement. I am grateful for his time. I wanted to go to a saddle making school, but I just don’t have the time. I have a full time job and don’t really have an interest in making this a career. However, it could be a nice hobby if I can find a way to pay for it.

    So, I bought Stohlman’s volume 1 and 2 and the Dusty Johnson package (DVD, book, patterns). I bought a tree from Batie’s, Herrmann Oak leather, sheep skin, and hardware from Panhandle Leather and Bowden’s. The entire process was an exercise in overconfidence and indecision. Some of the things that I thought would be the hardest were actually fairly easy and vice versa. I learned a lot and built a saddle. It certainly has some mistakes, but I have been riding it anyway. I don’t believe I could have built a saddle with only Mr. Johnson’s DVD. In my opinion the package is a must. While some will disagree with some of his methods, it did get me though the process. I would say the DVD contains the bare minimum of information (maybe a little less). One specific shortcoming is directions for installing the cantle binding. I had to reference the Stohlman books to figure out what to do with the ends under the seat. My assessment is that you get a little bit more than you pay for with the package. It is inexpensive, but there is a lot of information and I guess from my perspective enough to build a saddle. I will also say that Mr. Johnson promptly answered my email questions more than once. That was quite pleasing, given that he only had $80 of my money.

    After I was almost done, I found this forum. I appreciate the wealth of information that is freely shared. One piece of advice was to buy Jeremiah Watt’s DVD and gain a whole new perspective on saddle making. I was lucky enough to find a used copy for a discounted price. I prefer to consider myself frugal, not tight. After watching the first segment, I thought WOW. There is a wealth of information shared in this video. There are some commercials, but Mr. Watt is also entertaining. Looking back, I am confident I could have built a saddle with only Mr. Watt’s video. With the knowledge gained from building a saddle, the information in this video is very empowering. Though it is based on a Wade tree, I am confident that I can build a saddle on any tree simply because he goes through making patterns.

    There is no doubt that the JW video is much more detailed than the DJ video. However, it is really difficult for me to assess them independently because I had more knowledge when I viewed the Mr. Watt’s video. I definitely gained a new perspective after watching this video. I have to admit that I drilled all the holes in my first saddle (I hope the purists don’t put a bounty on me). However, after watching Mr. Watt’s video, I have a newfound commitment for hand sewing and using an awl. I can’t afford a sewing machine, so everything is hand sewn. I would never have thought it, but I actually think I can sew faster and more accurately with an awl than predrilling the holes. Thus I have justified the purchase of a new awl.

    I plan to pick up the Dale Harwood DVD when I find a deal. I am also looking to expand my book library. I would like to have volume 3 of the Stohlman series. But I will probably invest my limited resources in material for a second saddle before I buy more educational material.

    Congratulations if you made it this far (unless you just skipped to the end).

    Randy

  12. Posted · Report reply

    Since I can't afford a sewing machine, I plan to buy a good awl. I am thinking about a Barry King handle and Osborne awls. I am wondering what size awl and needles I should get. I will use it for cantle bindings, skirts, etc. Thanks for any advice.

    Randy

  15. Posted · Report reply

    Ron,

    Thanks for the update. It looks like you are making some progress. The swell cover looks really clean over the top of the riggings. Some say they go over and some say they go under. Probably won't start a fight like the idea of all leather vs. metal strainers on a ground seat though. I just want to soak up as much information as possible so I can decide what I prefer.

    The first ride is not too far off. Probably closer than spring for you.

    Randy

  18. Posted · Edited by rktaylor · Report reply

    Ron L: I got my first tree from Batie's Custom Tree in Welch, OK. I have read a lot of posts about trees since then. I thought the tree was alright, but saw better ones at the Wichita Falls Saddle Show. I guess you don't know what you don't know. Cost for me is still a factor.

    Saddle #2 will be similar to this barrel saddle. It is lightweight and comfortable. My wife and daughter fight over it (can't have that). I plan to order a BWBR tree from Batie's to start. I finished the JW video last night. It was very good and I think it will help me think through the design of this saddle. The saddle will just be for pleasure riding, so weight is a primary factor.

    Goldshot: Thanks very much for all your tips and comments. I find them extremely valuable. Synthesizing information from multiple sources is challenging, but necessary. Thanks for chiming in.

    Randy

    Barrel Saddle.jpg

    post-46116-0-23116900-1391181460_thumb.j

  20. Posted · Report reply

    RDL,

    Goldshot Ron said to buy theJeremiah Watt DVD and get e new perspective on saddle making. I watched the first 4 hours last night. The wife has plans tonight so I'll watch the second DVD. While it will take some time to absorb it all, it is very impressive. It's based on a Wade saddle, which I doubt I would build. However, the way he goes through the process, I think I could build anything. He really helps you understand how a saddle goes together. After I watch all of it, I will likely post a review on the DVD thread.

    Once I get my new drawdown stand and shop area done, I am starting on #2. Jeremiah says you should be working on at least two at the same time, but I am not sure I could cash flow that so I will stick with one at a time for now.

    Randy

  21. Posted · Report reply

    I ordered a tree from Batie's last year and it took more than 10 weeks. They were always nice when I called, but were constantly putting me off (I think it will ship Friday). It was my first tree, so I didn't know what to expect. I was thinking about ordering another. If they're that far behind, I better get it placed.

  22. Posted · Report reply

    rdl,

    I agree with Goldshot. Get it like you want even if it costs extra money. I made a lot of mistakes on my first saddle and kept going in most cases because I didn't know it was a mistake or I didn't want to start over (though I did completely redo my seat). However, I knew I would be building a second saddle and viewed the first one as educational (I mostly learn by doing). My first saddle will likely be on a rack and used sparingly a year from now and I will be riding a new one.

    One mistake that I made was not doing a good enough job blocking my skirts. I won't make it again.

    Have you cut your hand hole yet?

    Thanks for continuing to share your progress.

    Randy

  25. Posted · Report reply

    Stef,

    It looks pretty good to me for a first effort. I just finished my first one a couple weeks ago. I have about 4 majors errors, maybe more if I keep looking. However, none of them are deal breakers, they are just reminders of places to improve. But at least it is comfortable.

    I really like the style of you saddle and want to build my wife one that is similar. It will just be for trail riding, but I like the barrel saddle design. It must be light, so I appreciate your comments. Where did you get your pattern? Most of it I think I can figure out, but I have been struggling with the in skirt rigging. Everything I think of just gets heavier. Thanks for the feedback.

    Randy

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