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rktaylor

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Posts posted by rktaylor

  3. "healing" a needle hole

    in How Do I Do That?

    Posted

    Depending on the size of the hole and leather weight, you may be able to plug it with a leather 'thread'. Use a strip of leather from a stitch groover to thread needle. Pull it through the hole and trim it flush. I've used this on a saddle skirt and it blended in really well. You could find the mistake hole if you knew where to look.

    Randy

  4. Mule Saddle Breeching

    in Saddle and Tack Accessory Items

    Posted

    Ron,

    Thanks for the tips. Thankfully it is warming up. I am not built for weather like we experienced.

    toswood,

    The breeching strap has a good, round edge and I think it's more flexible than the photo shows. However, I will tell the customer to watch it closely. This is a for a riding mule that likely won't see a lot of action, but it's worth noting. Thanks for the advice. I'll share some pictures with the mule saddled if I get a chance.

    Randy

  5. Mule Saddle Breeching

    in Saddle and Tack Accessory Items

    Posted

    Ron,

    Thanks for the tips. I considered both orientations and settled on lengthwise, but am not sure why. I'll think of something to blame it on. :) I really appreciate your notes. I haven't typed anything yet, but I made a lot of measurements yesterday and will definitely document this project. I plan to deliver and adjust this later in the week, so we'll see how it fits. I am concerned that the straps may be too long. If so, I may just build another spider with new straps. It's all trial and error at my shop. :)

    Randy

  7. Buster Welch Roper

    in Saddle & Tack Maker Gallery

    Posted

    Ed, Thanks for the cantle binding tip. I like that tool. I antique a lot of projects, but haven't done a saddle. Maybe it's time. 

    John,  This saddle was built to team rope. The customer ordered the tree to his specs so the bars should be fine. The horn is a 3 1/2" TD with 1 1/2" cap.

    Thanks for all the feedback. 

    Randy 

  10. Buster Welch Roper

    in Saddle & Tack Maker Gallery

    Posted

    Thanks for the compliments and critiques.

    11 hours ago, LatigoAmigo said:

    You asked for a critique, and so I will say (although this is a really small detail) that the applique used to attach the side strap really caught my eye because the start and finish make the braiding look incorrect.

    I need to check the bottom of the braid. I think the top is finished correctly, but the bottom is definitely off. I had already decided that the effort of this braid does not translate to better appearance, so I won't be using it again.

     

    3 hours ago, blue62 said:

    Looks pretty good other than the rear housing is shifted to the left of center.

    You are correct. I thought I had it pulled around, but it may have slipped back before it was nailed. I believe I can fix it before the saddle is delivered.

    Randy

  18. Wrapping Horn

    in Saddle Construction

    Posted

    Ron and Ken,

    It seems like I fix one problem and then see the next. There are some things that Ken pointed out that need improvement, but it will have to be on the next saddle. I did get the bottom piece pulled up tighter, but that will definitely be a point of focus on the next saddle. I appreciate all the feedback.

    Randy

  19. Wrapping Horn

    in Saddle Construction

    Posted

    Josh and Ron,

    Thanks for the tips and compliments. I redid this horn with a little more focus on both tails of the wrap. I also attempted to skive the pieces as descried by Ron. It took some thickness out, but I need a couple more reps to improve. I also attached my pattern. The horn cap is larger than I need for this saddle, but I didn't want to make a new pattern. Happy stitching,

    Randy

    20200820_175539.jpg

    20200822_095142.jpg

  21. Wrapping Horn

    in Saddle Construction

    Posted

    DanC,

    Thanks for the tips. I agree its not right. I am mostly relying on the Stohlman books which teach to cover horns like this. I'm just not very good at it, but I'm trying to get better.

    Ron,

    Here's a photo of the back and another while it was still wet. Once the cap was sewn, I stretched the underneath piece as tight (I thought) as I could get it. It looked and felt tight. I wrapped the top layer clockwise, pulled, smoothed, and pulled some more. Then wrapped it with my latigo piece and torqued it pretty good (again I thought) with my trusty pool cue. The kicker is that I walked away thinking this looks really good. Then saw it the next morning. I also agree on the filler. I skived the piece to about 8 oz. I probably should have skived all three layers. I knew it was going to look thick because the horn cap is 1.5 inches. Funny thing is, the customer is going to wrap it with an inner tube and start roping as soon as he gets it. :)

    Randy

    20200816_155052.jpg

    20200818_183829.jpg

  22. Wrapping Horn

    in Saddle Construction

    Posted · Edited by rktaylor

    Oltoot,

    I thought I had some torque on my wrap handle (cut off pool cue), but maybe not enough. I did not use soap, but will give it a try. Everything looked really good while it was still wet. Thanks,

    Randy

  23. Wrapping Horn

    in Saddle Construction

    Posted

    I have struggled a bit getting horn wraps as tight as I want them. I thought this was really tight, but this is what happened after the leather dried. Any clues to my problem? I thought the leather would tighten as it dried. Thanks for any tips.

    Randy

    20200818_051208.jpg

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