rawhide1

Rob I find that after I punch my hole in the leather or work a hole in my braid. I separate my hair into two piles of equal size. I then tape the hair on each pile so that it forms a long point so I can get it through the hole. I then bring the hair through the hole from opposite sides. I find in doing this I get a lot more symmetrical foundation to start with. I then use tape to form the shape and size of foundation I want. I hope this helps and ain't to confusing. Let me know if I can clear it up any. Mike

Rob Nice looking work!! Thanks for sharing. Mike

ChaChi That is some nice looking work!!!! Any fireman I know would be proud to wear those I know I would! Thanks for sharing the work and the story behind them. Mike

Congrats to ya Luke!!!!!!!!!

Well I don't know much about grinding or roasting coffee. All I drink is good ole blacker than black firehouse coffee. And I drink it by the gallons cold ,warm or hot I don't care as long as it's coffee. We drink folgers one time one of the guys bought some fancey smancey stuff and he caught so much grief he hasn't done it since. Well whatever ya drink enjoy!! Mike

underberg Nice looking saddle Your Fire Dept is lucky to have your support. Mike

Opagon Nice looking work!! Mike

Hilly Don't feel bad I've got a nice 3inch scar below my left thumb from a draw gauge slipping. One of my better ones was when I was building my house and nailed three of my fingers together. It didn't hurt going in but it seemes the nails have a friction activated glue on them. And when I pulled the nail out with a pair of plyers I dang near wet myself. Stuff happens. Mike

Skinner Nice looking chaps. I like how ya used the claw for the side buttons. Thanks for sharing! Mike

Nice work!! I didn't think people used watch fobs anymore. Learn something new every day.Thanks for sharing. Mike

Mr Moss Thank you for your repley. I guess what I'm trying to figure out is if I want a string that is a 1/8". Do I need to cut my string a little wider or narrower. I guess when I get the hide I'll know soon enough when I go to cutting. In a previous thread someone had stated ya need to allow for the stretch when cutting strings. I"m just trying to get a jump on it. Thanks, Mike

Howdy All I'm fixin to order some roo to cut my own strings. Probably from Hardtke but waiting on a sample from Panhandle leather. My ? is when cutting strings how much to allow for stretch. Any help would be appreciated.

A person could just make thier own. A person could make one for each size awl blade they have and not have to worry about changing blades. Just my opinion. Mike

David I just visited your site. As stated above very nice, easy to navigate. IMO Johanna done a great job!! Mike

KAW Once again wonderful work!!! The way ya done your connecter strap is pretty cool as is the way ya do the popper. Great work, Great pictures. One can only hope to reach that level one day. Thanks for sharing your work. Mike

LuisPaulo How fine are ya trying to cut? How thick is the rawhide your trying to cut? How long have ya used the strander? I've never used the Aussie strander so can't speak on it. I always case my rawhide and have never had a problem with it not cutting uniform or stretching. I've cut calf down to 1/64" which at that width it has a tendency to want to break. IMHO ya need to make sure your rawhide is cased and pracitice like heck with the strand cutter. And as Mr. Moss stated make sure ya have a sharp razor blade. Hope this helps. Mike

Well fellas I guess I have it good as I can shoot off my front porch if I had a mind to. Which sometimes I do when the coyotes come around.Mike

TwoCrow Nice work I like the colors. As far as how far the knots go I read in Woolery's book they usally go anywhere from 16 to 22 inches from the outside of the eye. Hope this helps Mike

Thanks ferret!! I'll have to give it a whirl. Mike

Thanks Art I couldn't watch it before with dailup but now I'm high speed baby!! I'll watch it when I get home in the morning. Mike

Hello All I was wondering how to post stuff from my email at home to the board. And how to post links for utube. Any help would be appreciated!! Thanks Mike

Drac I would like to. But I'll be on duty and the computer guy has it so we can't do stuff like that!!!! So ya'll have fun! Mike

Makes me want to play pool!! Nice work!!!!! Mike

I want to thank everyone for thier repleys and kind words!! Opagon I haven't put it on a horse yet. But I made some changes in the measurements already. I used a 4 strand braid with 3/32nd strings and used smaller strings for my knots as well. I figured it would be pretty bulky useing Mr Grants measurements. I hope since all the knots slide except for the end knots it will adjust alright. I'm going out in a little bit to try it. Mike

Here's a curb strap I just finished. Let me know what ya think. Mike