jwwright

Ponygirl......As stated already......it is hard to discuss these differences, because many times the differences between tree makers is great as far as numbers = fit. If you wanted to tell us who is going to be making your new tree, some of us may have experience with that particular tree maker's work,and could offer insight as to how you might procede to get the results you desire. As for the Vinton saddle you mentioned, I do have some experience with them. They used Bowden trees back when I rode one of them, and they probably still do. The Vinton cutter that I rode with a 6 1/2" gullet width worked well on a lot of colts, at least not causing any issues for the type of work they did. JW

These were sold late last summer. I am sorry that I didn't get them marked sold till now. Thanks, JW

Real nice work Mark. JW

Josh, Bowman is a style or shape of the swells............do you mean a Bowden tree? I have not built any saddles on Bowden trees, but quite a few years back I did have a couple of saddles that I used quite a bit that were built on their trees. As I remember, they were 6 1/4" gullet width, and were a decent fit on quite a few horses. JW

Rookie........everyone does things as they find works for them, but I usually start out with a tree 1/2" longer seat length than what the finished seat is to be. Example: 16" finished seat, 16 1/2" tree. JW

Josh, that would depend upon what tree maker you are getting a tree from. All are measured and made a little differently. With the tree maker I am using, a 4" wide or 4 1/4" wide handhole measurement with 90 degree bars will fit alot of horses. JW

Steve, brutha you are one sick dewd. I figured something was up, as I think I remember when you got that Pearson you said it had been your grandfathers? Any way, I was about to give you a call just to make sure you were joking. adios, JW.

Justin, I think saddle #2 came out well for you. Congrats. Lines on a saddle are a subjective thing to some degree, and we all develop an eye for how we like things to balance and have a "look". I personally think your lines on this saddle are real nice. A couple of things that you might think about on your next saddle are.........on the ears, maybe consider cutting them round and having an even reveal around the rosette. You also might see if you can't get your rear housing / jockeys down tighter. Nice job! JW

I like the idea of skiving down the end for straps that are attached with a screw. I do that on cross over style straps. On the style that loops over the horn, commonly called a Texas string in our part of the world..........many times it is not attached with a screw, or a little D ring. The most common method is to loop the strap through the gullet, and put a bleed through. I always enjoy learning about regional differences. I've cowboyed in several states, but darn sure have not seen it all! JW

Darc, on that type of rope strap, I make them 1/2" wide, and I cut the slit to go over the horn up to about 1/2" of the end. This seems to work out well. On my personal saddles, I generally have a more substantial strap as I use my catch rope as a nightlatch once in a while. JW

Good idea Mark...............JW

Howdy Brent..........Jon Watsabaugh is a member of this forum, so he might chime in here. I can also send you his contact information if you like. JW

Very nice work Dave. JW

Brent.........Jon W. has a pretty nifty glass system, using an epoxy resin. It is not hard like other resins you have seen. This epoxy has flexibility and life to it, glues stick well with little or no rough up, and driving a nail is about like with a rawhide cover. Jon will cover his trees with rawhide or the epoxy / glass. I'll see if I can post a photo of one his trees right here..........JW

Brent...........I talked to Ray about that quite some time back. He told me that he used to do that, but he won't do it anymore. For him, it is a strength factor. Ray says that he believes quite a bit of the added strength he gets is from the integrity of the glassed in strainer. JW

I have built on approx 20 Lewis Trees since I posted that question originally. Ray and Steve are good people, and make a nice tree. The drawbacks to these trees, for me, are that you have to work with and around the strainer that is glassed into the tree. It is more work for me to get the seat shape that I desire this way, as opposed to putting in my own metal strainer/groundseat, or all leather groundseat. The resin they use is very hard, and that presents some issues as well. I am primarily using handmade trees by Jon Watsabaugh currently, although I would not hesitate to use a Lewis tree if the situation called for it. JW

Howdy BondoBob..........not Elton here but, I am going to disagree a little bit with a couple of your suggestions. The outside stirrup leather / half double arrangement is very common on cowboy rigs, and does not pinch at all if done correctly. I have ridden them for many years, and I build a high % of them. Secondly, on the breast collar / martingale Ds........there are up high under the front buttons for a purpose........that is where they need to be. If a person is using a steer tripping type collar, then the lower position would be fine. There is no strength problem with the higher placement, as I am sure that Elton has the strings running through them, and/or has them screwed down to the tree. Everyone sure does things differently, just my take on it. Respectfully, JW

Personally, I seldom put downward force on a round knife, and don't use a "rocking" motion. I use mine to push forward through the leather. The knife does not come into contact with the surface of the table very often. JW

I have used quite a bit of the 1/4" roo lace available from Weavers. I have had one spool that was so-so, but over all I have been pleased with it. JW

Many Thanks Art. JW

Steve..........I have decided that I am annoyed with myself for getting annoyed in the first place. JW

Congrats fellers! JW

Very nice work Elton, and congrats. I like that border you came up with also. JW

Yes, that was a good paraphrase of the Parable of the Workers in the Vineyard, or sometimes referred to as the Parable of the Generous Employer. It is found in Matthew's Gospel. There are great lessons to learn from it, although they don't directly relate to this situation. Jesus told this parable to illustrate that salvation is available to all, whether they come to the Lord in repentance early or late. Also to explain that God is a generous Father who will give the same salvation to all when they come........and it is He who decides who will be first and last in the Kingdom. Respectfully, JW

Hi Steve...........do you have a website up yet for your new machines, or any other information available? Thank You, JW Wright