rcsaddles

Are you actually looking for someone to do a classroom type class, someone to give direction in person or looking for good instructional books? Send me a pm and we can chat about it. I have had some instruction from others and I know there are better braiders on this sitr but I might be able to help you out. Joe

I take my scrap sheepskin after lining the skirts of a saddle, clip the wool off and then cut into pieces to use to spread glue, oil, dye whatever I need them for. I also use the clipped wool to stuff bucking rolls. I used to clip cattle for a living so I have the clippers to do this. I have tried with scissors and what a pain. It is a way to use up the scraps instead of tossing them. Joe

Great idea for a knife stand to keep them handy. What do you have in the bottom of the holes to keep the blade off the wood? I have thougth of punching some holes the right size and putting them in the bottom of the swivel knife hole so the blade is resting on leather instead of wood. Just a thought. Joe

I have been on here for over a year and until now, I have not posted any pictures. I'm a little slow on that part. Last fall, I made a set of saddle bags to give to a neighbor girl for an auction item to raise money for the 4-H exchange. Here are a couple of pictures.

I have been on here for over a year now and just think I figured out how to get pictures on. I'm a little slow on some things. I started making saddles in 2004 after attending the Montana Horseman Saddle Building School in Belgrade, MT. I have made seven saddles, being four mule saddles and three horse saddles. I also braid leather and make and braid rawhide. Here are a few pictures of the last saddle I made. I delivered it last May. I also have a full time job so this is kind of a "hobby job". As you can see, I am not into carving or stamping, yet. I want to be able to build a very good saddle before I start with the carving although I did go spend four days with Bill Gomer in Kansas last year. Would love some input for you all so I can keep improving. Thanks, Joe

My rawhide instructor was Mary Fields who is in the Bruce Grant books. She told me that the best rawhide comes from a Hereford cow that just sort of dwindles away. In other words one that is about 2/3 starved to death. She also told me that the best reata she ever made came from her favorite horse. She had braided 90 reatas when I met her in 1993 and I don't know that she ever did another one. If you use a hide from an animal that was butchered for beef, you can expect a lot of extra work splitting the hide to an even thickness. I know people make their rawhide different than I do so I can only go by my experience. I also know that beggers can't be choosers so I take what I can get and use it. Joe

Josh, That rig looks great. The carving is very nice. I like the contrast between the leaves and the background. Must have beveled deep to get the leaves to stand out like they do. The one thing I did not see is the tie down to go around your leg and something to go over the hammer to hold the gun in on those wild ATV rides. Keep up the great work. My vote will go to you for "Most Improved". By the way, now that I sent you that piece of leather, I have an order where I could have used some of it. I did keep some so I will see if it works. That is the way it goes, hold something for a long time and not use it but the minute you don't have it you need it. God Bless, Joe

Thanks, I really enjoyed braiding the whip. I had not braided anything for a few months and when I got into this I realized I really missed braiding. Since then there has been a rawhide reata and I am currently working on a rawhide quirt. I got an order yesterday for a bosal so I am starting to make some contacts and get a few things to do. Maybe I have figured out how to post pictures so I'll get a few more on here Joe

Not sure if this will work but I don't have the time to really work on this now but am trying all I can to get a picture on here. Joe <a href="http://s604.photobucket.com/albums/tt129/r...rrent=whip3.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i604.photobucket.com/albums/tt129/rcsaddles/whip3.jpg" border="0" alt="6' kangaroo stock whip"></a>

I am trying to figure out Photobucket. Would someone please go to www.photobucket.com and look and see if you can see three pictures of a whip I posted there? It should be under rcsaddles1. I have been trying unsuccessfully to figure out how to post photos here. I keep getting the file too large message. I know there must be an easy way to post photos, just have not found it yet. The pics are a 6 foot roo hide whip I braided last summer. It is a kit I ordered from Murphy Whips. It is the first whip I have ever attempted. Let me know if it is there, please. Joe

I have been asked to do a workshop on braidig for some 4-H kids. They will be 9 to 12 years old. My guess is there will only be 5 or 6 kids. I don't really want to do the 3 strand secret braid bracelets but can't come up with any ideas. I'm asking for suggestions that might be fairly easy for youngsters and spark and interest in braiding. Round of flat does not matter but I would stick to no more than four strands. Any input, ideas, suggestion or such would be greatly appreciated. Thanks, Joe Rugged Cross Saddlery Lewistown, MT

I have been asked to do a workshop on braidig for some 4-H kids. They will be 9 to 12 years old. My guess is there will only be 5 or 6 kids. I don't really want to do the 3 strand secret braid bracelets but can't come up with any ideas. I'm asking for suggestions that might be fairly easy for youngsters and spark and interest in braiding. Round of flat does not matter but I would stick to no more than four strands. Any input, ideas, suggestion or such would be greatly appreciated. Thanks, Joe Rugged Cross Saddlery Lewistown, MT

Thanks for the input!!!! If we did a four round on a split key ring, it could be either a key ring or a zipper pull. Depending on what they wanted it could be round or flat. Start and finish the flat like a Aussie double ring belt. The round can be finished with a crown knot. I think for the age, I better keep it pretty simple and fairly fast to do to keep their interest. I will keep looking for ideas but have something to go on now. I knew I would get some inspiration here. rhall, the shell holder is great. I still have not gotten any pics to post here. Joe Boyles Rugged Cross Saddlery

I have a 12 inch crank splitter that was made by Marvin Deitz in Harrison, Idaho. I got it in a package deal about five years ago. I would highly reccommend getting a splitter from him if you want to split anything up to 11 inches wide. I have talked to him on the phone a couple of times to trouble shoot miine. By the way, not the machine but operator error putting the blade back in after sharpening. Marvin knows his stuff and I think he will work with you to learn the technical parts of his splitter. Marvins contact info is: Marvin Deitz PO Box 277 Harrison, Idaho 83833 208-689-3086 Bruce, if you haven't heard of this guy and contact him, I will apologize to you now. I don't think I should be held responsible for giving this information to benefit others. I just don't want to contribute to your splitteraholicism. :-D Joe Boyles Rugged Cross Saddlery

I have been asked to do a workshop on braidig for some 4-H kids. They will be 9 to 12 years old. My guess is there will only be 5 or 6 kids. I don't really want to do the 3 strand secret braid bracelets but can't come up with any ideas. I'm asking for suggestions that might be fairly easy for youngsters and spark and interest in braiding. Round of flat does not matter but I would stick to no more than four strands. Any input, ideas, suggestion or such would be greatly appreciated. Thanks, Joe Rugged Cross Saddlery Lewistown, MT

ATX If you still have the book, PM me and I will take it. I have been thinking about it for a few months now so I guess it is time to jump on a good deal Thanks, Joe

Beautiful work. Many hours of practice and patience went into that saddle. When I grow up and mature, I want to be able to do work like that. Joe

Send me a pm with your address and I will send a photocopy of a pattern I have. Joe

I was talking to the local saddlemaker here yesterday about his heavy Duty machine form Ferdco. It "locked up" on him and he could not get it going. Ended up calling Ron and after the standard trouble shooting was told that the main shaft was turned slightly and was not getting oil. He stated he oils the crap out of it. Ron said to get some Slick 50 and use it. Roger, the local guy, said he used SFR on it and was again told Slick 50. Roger got some Slick 50 from O'Rielly's and within about two minutes of working the flywheel by hand the machine was running smoother than it had since he got it eight years ago. I think I will get some to use on my machines. Joe

IMHO this is what it should be like in this world. People helping each other when they can. Not to make money from friends but helping because they care. I just got done reading the "Please Donate" thread and as soon as I get my next project done and paid for it, I will send in whatever I can after I tithe on it. Somewhere this world got off on the wrong track with the obsession with money and sueing people over something stupid. :soapbox: I'm done now. Thanks for listening to my ranting. Joe

I would have to say Luke at Sheridan Leather. Whenever I talk to him whether on the phone or in person, he has the time to explain whatever I ask and has some suggestions for the right leather for the job or just a suggestion on something to try.

I have not found out anything about the Helena Tree yet. I talked to the guy last week and he did not mention anything about it. I will be finishing some work for him, hopefully tomorrow so I will have a reason to get together with him. I want to take my wife's camera and get a few pictures of this saddle and get them posted. I appreciate your keepin gup on this and I would like the picture you offered to scan. Thanks, Joe

Another former law enforcement officer. Four years as a bicycle cop in Klamath Falls, Oregon. Did a few years there as a Code Enforcement Officer also. Moved to Bozeman, MT and went to work for the Police Department doing parking enforecement. I had all teh abandoned vehicles towed and sold. I now live in Lewistown, MT and get this, I am the Driver's License Examiner. I love the job almost as much as Leatherwork. Raised in Nebraska on a ranch so I guess I have been around leather all my life, (in a way). Seven months on an Ag Exchange in Australia and learned to braid there. In Oregon, I met Mary Fields and learned rawhide from her. She is in the Bruce Grant books. Here my shop is in the garage. I have two sewing machines, a couple of splitters, many stamping and hand tools. Everything I need but the time. I got a great deal on equipment a few years back and also was able to get a leave of absence from the City of Bozeman to go to Saddle Building School. God blessed me in that so I chose the name Rugged Cross Saddlery. I have "met" many wonderful people on Leatherworker.net so Thank you Johanna. It's great that most everyone is willing to help each other. Joe

Hey McJeep, I'm not sure what you want to use for leather or if it will work but a friend gave me some heavy black harness leather. I'm talking 16 oz or thicker. If interested, let me know and I can make you a screamin' deal on it. PM me and I can give more details if you like. Joe

Sorry I almost waited until the last day but count me in on this. Nothing ventured, nothing gained. I will ship wherever it is required. Joe