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rktaylor

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Posts posted by rktaylor

  1. Saddle Tree Question

    in Saddle Construction

    Posted

    Bob,

    I am not sure I understand your question and don't want to write a three paragraph response and miss the target. Are you asking:

    How did I arrive at the comments in my post like: "a tree would flex regardless of the covering"?

    or

    What methodology would I use to measure the flex in a tree?

    Randy

  3. Saddle Tree Question

    in Saddle Construction

    Posted

    As an engineer, I find this discussion extremely interesting. I would bet a large steak dinner that the tree will flex regardless of the covering. The real question is how much and is it enough (assuming it needs to flex). As Ron pointed out, fatigue failure is a function of cycles. If it goes through too many stress cycles, you could see your swells bouncing through the pasture attached to a smaller bull. I have spent most of my career conducting research and testing equipment or components. I guarantee we could answer the question of how much a tree flexes, but I wonder if it is one that is worth answering. I would like to tour a tree manufacturer though. I think that would be very interesting.

    Randy

  6. Stitching Repair On A Seat Jockey

    in Saddle Identification, Restoration & Repair

    Posted

    A friend asked me to repair this stitching. Sorry for the image focus (or lack of). At first, I was thinking about stitching over it. But I am concerned I might damage more stitches. Then I thought about just pulling this thread back through the holes and tying it on the back side. Or maybe someone knows the correct way to fix it.

    This is on the seat jockey and is only cosmetic.

    Thanks,

    Randy

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  9. Newbie Sheridan Pattern

    in Floral and Sheridan Carving

    Posted

    I am far from an expert and further from an artist, but I am also attempting some floral design. I have Bob Park's book and compared your design to some of those he displays. The first thing I see is some large blank areas between the flowers. Maybe the flowers are too far apart. Bob talks about spacing and balance between elements. I also think you need more 'non flower' elements. Maybe some stumps. The two smaller flowers seem disconnected.

    That's a lot of information from someone with no experience, so take it for what it's worth. I don't get a commission, but Bob's book was a value buy for me.

    Randy

  11. Critiquing Saddle Construction

    in Saddle Construction

    Posted

    Bob,

    Thanks for the insight. Attention to detail. I was afraid someone would say that. I always look for the complex solutions first, but I suppose if you do all the little things right the rest takes care of itself. I have looked at Keith's saddles and also Troy West's. They are certainly worth striving to replicate.

    I noticed most of your points were on the rear of the saddle. I did not get the jockeys tight enough on my first saddle, so I need to improve. I really like the way Jeremiah Watt spikes the rear jockeys to get them tight. Actually his entire approach of using a center line on everthing made sense to me. I think my ear cuts were ok, but this is a really visible area so I need to pay attention.

    I figured somone would point out edge finishing as it really does make a difference in appearance. I am still practicing that on some other projects. Since it will all be hand sewn, I am still trying to build those skills.

    Again, thanks for the repsonse.

    Randy

  12. Critiquing Saddle Construction

    in Saddle Construction

    Posted

    Saddle Experts:

    I guess I am doing this a little backwards, but I am trying to improve my saddle building skills after I already built one. But, as I plan for the second, I am trying to be more systematic. I would like to end up with a saddle that no one would ever guess it was only the second one I ever built. Thus, my questions are:

    1. What are the first things you look at when critiquing a saddle to assess quality, first class construction?
    2. What do you feel are the most common mistakes made or overlooked by novice saddle makers?

    I want to make sure that I don't get to some point in saddle construction (that the experts feel is critical) just to think 'that's good enough.' I have books and DVDs to help me in the process and plan to build on my library, but I want to know what your eye is drawn to when you first look at a saddle.

    Thanks in advance for the tips.

    Randy

  13. Just Finished A Couple Of Breast Collars

    in Saddle & Tack Maker Gallery

    Posted

    Ron and Bob,

    Thanks for the compliments and encouragement.

    I used another breast collar to make a pattern for the OSU collar. I did change the cinch tie down piece on this collar. I have been making them shaped more like the pulling collar, but thought I would experiment with something different. I will take your suggestion and try a little more taper. I made the pattern for the pulling collar by checking it on one of our mares. She may not have been the best choice (kind of thin in the neck area). If I understand correctly, you think it curves too much where it connects to the center dee. I plan to connect it through the handhole, but have not ridden with it. I will wait until it sees some use before I make another like it.

    I am looking forward to seeing my next saddle too. :)

    Randy

  14. Just Finished A Couple Of Breast Collars

    in Saddle & Tack Maker Gallery

    Posted

    I just finished a couple of breast collars. I use these to practice sewing, stamping, etc. in preparation for building another saddle.

    The one is my first attempt at a pulling collar. I was made to match my first saddle. The top piece is saddle skirting and the back is latigo. All stainless steel hardware.

    The other was made for a friend of mine who wanted me to 'put my OSU stamp' on his breast collar. I informed him that it wasn't a stamp. I used his as a pattern and used the basket weave to match his saddle. This baby is heavy (double thick saddle skirting). I am considering getting "Crafter's License" from OSU and selling these.

    Comments are welcome.

    Randy

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  15. Backgrounding

    in Floral and Sheridan Carving

    Posted

    Wyoming Slick and others:

    Thanks for all the tips. I will use your instructions on my next project. I have a 104 tool and a couple other backgrounders. I need to practice beveling too, but that's for another day. I will try to pick up the Stohlman book next time I am in the City.

    Randy

  25. Rigging Placement

    in Saddle Construction

    Posted · Edited by rktaylor

    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

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