CWR

I'm at about 600 on those repairs. I include new strings and a clean and oil on a reline. CW

The McMillens are about 15 for the bissonets and 25 for the round bottoms. I don't have my catalog in front of me so this is ball park. I have to say I have one of Terry's knives. It is worth every cent I paid for it. If I walked out and saw my shop on fire, that knife and the Gomph's from Bruce would be the first things i got out. CW

Billymac, I probably sound like a broken record but if you requested the Bieler's catalog for the slot punches, they also carry the Mcmillen edgers. I have a set of bissonets and a french edger and they are good quality. i did have to sharpen them some but they hold an edge. I also have a set of Gomph round bottom edgers that I got from Bruce. I seem to use the Gomph's more and more but the Mcmillens are good tools. CW

I believe they are Amish. They don't have a website. The phone number is 717-768-0174. They will send you a catalog. I have had nothing but good experiences with them. CW

Bieler's carries some really good slot and end punches. They are a little cheaper than the osbornes and much better finished. The ones I have were sharp right out of the box and have held up well. I bought an osborne 1/2 in bag punch and it split the first time I used it. I also noticed that the end was to small to eject the cut portion. Anytime you can get better quality for less money you better jump on it. CW

Looks real good Luke. CW

Thanks Ty. But I think you are being a little generous. Your work is awesome. CW

Thanks Bob. I will get that deeper on the next one. Appreciate it. CW

Thank you sir. I will pay closer attention on the binding on the next one. Appreciate it. CW

Andrew, These are made by hand so everyone is different. If you want a slimmer one call them and get them to pick out the slimmest one on hand. They are good folks to deal with and I'm sure will be glad to help you out. CW

This is a Sonny Felkins tree with 14 inch swells and leg cuts. The leather is Hermann Oak.This is number two for me. I had a couple of guys that I hold in very high regard go over the saddle with me but they may have held some critiques back out of kindness. Please tell me what you think. You won't hurt my feelings. One note, I was in a hurry to get the pictures before the customer picked it up and didn't notice that the fender was pulled back in the profile picture. This make it look too far back and the forward swing is restricted. It's not. You could spur one from his eyeball to the root of his tail if you wanted to. Thanks for looking. CW

I ordered a maul on Monday of last week and it was here in Alpine TX. On Weds. I would say that is pretty good service. I have never had anything but good experiences with Barry. CW

They are on 1 7/8" centers. They should work. CW

If you buy a set they come with an instruction sheet. Most likely you will have to trim off the fender leg and punch new holes. You only lose an inch or so. Its not a big deal. Sonny Felkins at Quality MFG is dealing in them now and he has the best prices I have found. He doesn't have a website but his number is 435-587-5070. CW

Steve, I would love to but the mileage from Alpine to Los Molinos would just be to much. I'm sure you will fill up on guys closer though. I envy them the opportunity. CW

I'll take it. PM sent. CW

Steve, When you stamp a ruff out like on that border, do you sand the leather or do anything to it before stamping? That stitching on the cantle binding sure impresses me. Thanks, CW

That's usually what you can expect from Tandy. Give Panhandle Leather a call. They have a website but if you want chap leather it is best to call because they will ask you questions about the intended use then make recommendations on what to buy. I just built a guy who is about 6'4 a pair of Arizona Bells and I've got enough scrap to build my boy a set of leggins and my wife a big tote type purse. The side was 31 ft and really nice leather. It cost about $125. here is a link with the phone number http://www.panhandleleather.com/ Good Luck to you, CW

He ought to be real pleased with that one Steve. thanks for posting its been kinda slow around here this summer. CW

Tyrel, That is a sure enough puncher rig. I bet he is tickled with it. We didn't get to make it up your way this year. I still want to get up there and see your shop and visit sometime. CW

I was right up the road. I was in Alice 89-91. Just to durn hot for me. Once again that is sure a nice saddle. CW

I missed this post the first time around. That's a good looking rig. I agree with Harrington, those swells look good. The only thing I would have done different is put some plugs around the rigging plate to make it blend it better. What part of South Texas you from? CW

Bob, I use the weldwood contact cement for everything except woolskins and really like it. I didn't know they made a rubber cement. What does the can look like? I am fortunate that Texas law is not as prohibitive and I get the barge from Panhandle Leather at regular shipping cost but it would be handy to have a local supply. Thanks, CW

I certainly don't mean to insult anybody, but using contact cement on woolskins always seemed like welding the lugnuts on your pickup. Sooner or later you've got to make a change. I use the barge in the blue can, and if you smear it on the skirts and the woolskin like you were looking for the bottom of the can it'll stick tighter than Dick's hatband. There's lots of guys that are way smarter than I am that may say different but I can't see an advantage to contact cement on woolskins. CW

SR, I think you are on the right track. I have worked on everything from a Bob Marrs to a corriente. I learned something on everyone or them. Cleaning and oiling s not very romantic but it is money and you make contacts. The cowboy world is pretty small and word will get out in a hurry. Good luck to you, CW