mtsadl

How much for the Randall?

I talked to Jerry from Artisan on the phone and the $1650 was only at the Wickenburg show, I have some credit from another Artisan machine I sold so I wanted to apply it to the 3000 at the lower price but didnt have any luck. I was told the newer generation machine will make the old ones look bad and to expect the resale value to drop on the old Toro 3000s. I think the newer model will come out at the Sheridan leather show and might be worth waiting for.

Super nice work. Very clean lines, Nice carving I have also had some time with Steve Mecham and with Dale Harwood thru the TCAA . Great program!

Artisan Dave,I called a dealer in my area and tried to order a 3000 yesterday after reading your post. They new nothing about the new pricing and had just taken shipment on two machines at full price. So the owner called Jerry the owner of Artisan at Wickenburg at the leather show and he said the pricing was a show special and was only availabe at the show and they wouldn't take my order over the phone. They also were suprised that I new there was a new model coming out. So it is a legitamate deal and what protocol do you have to go thru to get one also who pays the shipping. Thanks, Matt

My main business is the cattle business. The numbers are way down, lowest number of beef cattle since 1951. The economy is holding the price of cattle down but it is going to go thru the roof if the economy turns around. Exports are up almost to pre BSE levels. The value of a raw hide has dropped significantly and the packers are sitting on a bunch of them. The price the tanners are paying has dropped signifacantly but I havent noticed leather being cheaper nor have noticed beef selling cheaper in the stores. But I have sure noticed the price that I get being lower and the cost of production being alot higher. I think alot of the problem with the hides not moving comes from the drop in car sales because a good share get used for leather seats in cars. Hopefully we can all get off this financial roller coaster soon.

The J Watt video is really good. The Harwood video is more for people already familiar with building saddles. I havent seen any of the others. I have a set of 3 videos by Jerimiah Watt on leather carving I would like to sell for $150 if anybody is interested Matt

I think I would have stamped the exposed stirrup leathers to match the fork cover and the rear jockeys. And thats just my personal preference. Also looks like the ears below your cantle binding might have been cut a little short. It is a nice saddle. I like the braided welt on your fork cover. You did a nice job on the inlayed seat. Good job. Matt

If it was me I would fix it now while you can. It wont be hard to fix and you will never be satisfied with end project if you dont.

Nice work. I came across your website on Hancockhorses.com I really liked the way your horses were bred. I am a big fan of the Hancock-King cross myself. Good looking website. Might be interested in some fillies if the horse market ever straigtens out. Matt

I have had good luck buying from Seigel of California they have always sent me good leather, they pay the shipping and will pay the shipping to return it if you dont like the leather. They usually have good prices

Do you want to sell the Randall I can see in the background?

I ment no offense to anybody and my feathers are not ruffled. My point was to listen to what Dale was saying on the video because he knows what he is talking about.

Dale has only made 1500 plus saddles over the past 45 years for some of the best cowboys in the world. Why listen to him?

Nice saddle. I wondered were you get your harware? I like the rivet in rings you used in your rigging. I get my hardware from Twain Harwood but he is running out of inventory and I dont think he will have anymore for awhile if ever.

Leather from any company will be spongy if you cut it out of the flank or out of the belly. It has nothing to do with the way you are casing you leather.

They will turn up somewhere, I doubt there is another is saddle in the world with palm trees carved on the seat. They will show up on e-bay or at a pawn shop I'll bet. Chris I really liked the bit you made for Elko nice job. Matt

That is a very nice wade tree. Were did you learn and do you have any pictures of a fiberglass reinforced tree? Also would like to see a picture of a Buster Welch ranch cutter. Thanks, Matt

Hitching Post Supply in Washington was selling some skeleton rigged saddles built on Laporte cable rigged trees a few years ago they might still be on their website.

I like the Santa Yenez latigo that Seigel of California carries, it is as close to the old Salz latigo as I have found and it is priced fairly reasonable and they will pay the shipping Matt

I would be interested, how much? And where is your shop located?