BruceGibson

What Johanna said. Between you and David, I'm just trying to find some air to breathe from being left in the dust. With practice, patience, and perseverance...maybe someday I'll be halfway there. Thanks for sharing.

I never cease to be amazed. Standing ovation from here.

Come on down! I know I tear up the English language pretty well myself so you'll fit right in. We're finally seeing some warm weather so the time's right! The language deal will fix itself in no time.

I heat up my neatsfoot, too. I wish I could take credit for it, but my buddy Dusty Johnson taught me to put it in plastic cola/water bottles, drill a small hole in the lid, and heat it in a Crock Pot. Nice and safe, warms it beautifully, and no chance of overheating/bursting in to flame. I've got a $10 Crock Pot from WalMart...works like a champ.

I've got one from Weaver. I don't usually wear it unless I'm going to be working for several hours. As for dyeing...absolutely gotta have the gloves!

And, welcome Gary from the UK. Hope you don't feel you've fallen into a "tree-fitting" battle. It's great to have you here!!

Welcome, Ronny! Your post came across just fine. Why the heck did you leave Idaho for Oklahoma?

Very interesting post, David. I use Bowden (from Arlen) saddle trees and I've been pleased with everything I've gotten from them. My opinion on the whole "saddle fitting" deal is that it's not dissimilar to the whole "equine chiropractic" deal...it's a con-game. I'm fortunate to not only be a horse owner, but I also have access to sixty or more head a mile down the road from me that I have free rein to work with at any time. I can test gear...bridles, halters, saddles, etc. And I take advantage of that. I've never hurt a horse in any way with any saddle I've built from any tree I've gotten from Bowden. I do not, and will not, use any of the plastic poly crap that these "high-tech" companies put out. I use saddle trees built from wood and covered in rawhide. They work, have always worked, and unless equine physiology takes on a drastic overnight change, I see no reason why they won't continue to work. And work well. I would strongly advise anyone that is tempted to buy-in to the saddle-fitting, equine chiropractics, equine dentistry cons to do some research before taking the leap. Just take a step back and look at reality.

Saddlemaker here, too. And, California born--I'm from Lompoc. So now we have two "Bruce's" with a California connection.

I've dealt with these folks for over 10-years--they're 50-miles up the road from me. Everything from horseshoe nails to Lexol to vaccines. Free catalogs for Equine, Pet and/or Livestock. Toll-Free 1-800-JEFFERS and the website's at www.JeffersEquine.com.

Thank you, Dave! This one is just swivel-knife cuts and a camo border stamp. Strangely enough, it's one heck of a popular combination. I appreciate the kind words!

Here's a few pictures of another belt I did. This is another dual-layer Hermann Oak, 1-1/2" wide in Cherry (Black Cherry) with an old standard cross-cut pattern and camo border stamp and white stitching. The edges are burnished, then painted, then burnished again and waxed...and yes, more burnishing. I'm still too limited to actually post real pictures so here's another one of those links I'm becoming famous for: GIBSON BELT SAMPLE PICTURES

Awesome work! The tooling on the skulls/borders is incredible.

Very nice!

That's beyond cool. I've never dealt with Springfield, but I'll certainly give them a try now. Glad you're back, Kevin! Hope all is well and back on track.

Incredible.

Awesome, Dave! Black tends to be "safe," despite obliterating the tooling detail. I get the same herd mentality from bullriders...they all want what the other guy's got. On the other hand, there's always the one in ten or so that say, "Do what you want...knock me out." Those are the one's that I wait for. Great looking stuff!

That's beautiful! I learn something new here every single day. Thanks for sharing!

I've used the Tandy stuff in the past, and it's been okay. My preference, and the only brand I use, is Barge.

Happy Birthday! As always, I'll spare the song! :beer:

Very nice! And Bianchi for an instructor...that's awesome!

I'm left-handed. Sounds like we've got a few around here!

Being a lefty, I'm feelin' right at home!

I'd use sheepskin. I don't know how much, if any, the wool would draw gun oil, but you wouldn't be keeping the gun in the case for extended periods without checking on it--you wouldn't want to leave it in a holster for extended periods of time either.

Thanks, David. That's exactly what I was going for--you just said it better than I ever could have! And welcome to the forum!