Randy Cornelius

Hidecrafter carries it.

Yes they are all available and used. I do not use the segma snaps as they tend to be a pain to set and get right. I stay with the line 20 or 24 snaps for belts etc. Randy

When I hear more details I will let everyone know. I do not have contact info for the family yet but her is her address that will most likely reach her family. P.O. Box 1862 Cody, Wy 82414 Randy

I am sorry to inform you all that I just got word that Verlane Desgrange passed away on Monday from Cancer. She had been in the hospital in Cody, Wy for sometime. I have no other details at this time. For those that did not know of Verlane she taught Saddle Making at the University in Spocane Wa. She was the recipitaint of the Al Stohlman Award and shared her knowledge with anyone that would listen. She gave her knowledge freely to promote the craft. She will be missed. Randy

Pic @1 from the left to right jiffy rivits pile 1,2,3 4 and 5 are segma snaps like you put on belts. The round thing is an anvil for setting line 24 snaps so you don't flatten out the round heads. I am not sure what the round tool is without seeing the end but I would guess it has a rounded concave end if so it is a setter for the jiffy rivits Pic @2 is a setter set for the segma snaps. Those positions on the square plate are for holding the segma snaps in place as you set them . The tools are for setting the snaps. Randy

I have been asked to make a headstall with a brow band out of Black Angora. I don't want to buy a whole hide for just a small piece. If anyone has some that they would be willing to sell or trade for something I have please contact me. Thanks in advance. Randy

I done a search and come up with 2 shoe repair suppliers closer to you in Florida, Florida Leather 407-856-7977 and Miami Leather Co. 800-749-9402 They both should carry all kinds of shoe repair, soles etc. Randy

Don't know where you are located but here is a dealer for all kinds of shoe repair supplies in Kansas City Konomos Dist. 816-483-9388 Randy

Kits are a great way to start out with and to learn. Save all the patterns ect out of the kits that way you can build one out of your own leather some day. One thing about the kits is that the quality of leather is very low. I have complained about this but quality leather is not what sells these kits. As far as saddle making, I would also suggest Bill Gomers Video. But with any video there is a lot of little things you will not pickup on that you will in person taking a saddle making school. Having someone show you as you build one is the best way in my oponion. Trying to learn saddle making from a video or books would be a hard thing to do. I tried it and broke down and paid the money to go to Bill Gomer's school. The Stohlman books are also a valuable resourse to have. Randy

diddo on Weaver but if you do not have a tax id Tandy and Hidecrafters handle what you are looking for. Randy

I would start by looking and measuring. I would pull up the jockies and look at the rigging, If nothing sticks out I would use a string and start from some point of refernce on the horn or cantle and measure each side of the rigging. If it all checks out within say 1/8 inch +/- . I would then look at the skirts just to see if they measure up. Then would look at the tree. Don't overlook the rider, does the rider have one leg shorter than the other. That would make the saddle list! if he walks into your shop with a noticalbe "catch in his get-a-long" you might have your answer. RC

I have not tried it yet but I have been considering lazer engraving on leather. There is another thread that deals with that.

Jeff finally called me today and I have a side of Mahogny coming. ThanksRC

Buying leather by the side is the best way. You should figure that you will have about 1/3 that is waste. Small pieces ect and the belly that are not much usuable. The belly can be used for some items but it is stretchy and very loose. It will make knife sheeths etc but not much else. Double shoulder is also a good way to go but you will pay more per sq. ft. than if you buy the side. But there will be less waste. If you are making a lot of belts or strap goods the double shoulders would be the way to go. Randy

These are most likely the line 24 snaps. You can get the snaps and the 2 piece setter from Tandy, item # 3630-00. When drilling them out use an over sized drill bit and use a pair of pliers to hold on to them as they will start tuning on you after you start drilling. I ran out of the snaps one day and needed some real bad and could not wait and found them at my local hardware store with a anvel and setter. Very different from the Tandy one but it works so good that I kept it and still use it to set all my snaps. It has a collor that slides up and down where you can hold the snap tight against the leather while you set it. Congrads on his promotion, tell him for me that I feel sorry for him, I have been a patrol Sergeant for over 15 years now and there are days I would give the stripes back in a heartbeat. A Sergeant is just like the white stuff in an Oreo cookie, you get squeezed from both sides. If I can help you with the LE gear I will be glad to. I have been making all of the Departments leather gear for several years now. Randy

Has anyone been dealing with Thoroughbred Leather lately? I made a couple saddles out of thier Mahogny colored skirting and wanting to buy more but all the email address I have for the owner, Jeff Ballard come back undeleverable, I called but only get an answering machine and no one returns calls. I see that Hidecrafter is carrying it now but not the mahogny. I have tried to dye/ stain other leather to match but cannot get the color right. I need to make 2 sets of saddle bags to match the 2 saddles I have already made. Anyone who knows anything about them let me know. Randy

Find a supplier that sells "Masters" that is the best but use plenty of ventalation. Randy

Try this www.wwhardware.com Wood Workers Hardware Randy

. I am looking at about another $1000 more if I buy the Artisen without any accessories. It will be the best 1000.00 you will spend, take it from someone that has been there. Randy

Can you post a picture and tell me a little about it as far as the size and how much it weighs. I will be down to Branson next month for the lights etc. The wife makes me. anyway might want to stop by and take a look. PM me with your contact info. Randy

It;s split down from heaver leather, It still has the grain side intact.

I would suggest a center pressue foot. If you are going to be sewing cases where you need to sew up against the pocket you will need it. If you are doing several different thread sizes make sure you get an assortment of needles and several extra bobbins. Might get some extra patients as you will have to tinker with the boss. Sometimes it gets frustrating. I have had one for several years and have not used it much since getting my Artisen machine. I have a table top that I would sell as I bought it and never have used it. I have kept mine around only because I have been thinking of going to some show and thought it would be easy to bring the Boss along. Randy

Look at the Veg- Tanned Splits # 9826-00 $2.79 on the lower right hand corner of page 5 in the new Tandy catalog.

Anyone who wears a holster that is secured to the belt or person by just a couple snaps needs to re-think thier actions. Just like holsters secured with the metal clips, they are not for use in the real world. Snaps come undone at the most unopertune moments much to the embarassment of the user and wearer of whatever the snaps hold up, hold on to or keep from getting out or hold up. Hope this does not start a flame, just my thoughts from wearing a gun every day for the last 25 years as an LEO. Randy

I use a couple different items for linners and the pockets. I like the 2-3 oz veg tan splits ( Tandy # 9826-00)if I am going to stitch the edges. With the veg tan linners I can get a good burnish on the edges. If I am going to lace the edges I will use the Mission grain pig sking linning (Tandy 9126-01 brown 02 black) Do not buy the #2 grade as it will have holes that look like someone shot it with a shotgun! They have a couple new items for linners that I have not tried yet "Glazed Pig splits" and "Haircell lining leather". All are very affordable for use as liners and pockets ( 1.79 to 3.00 retail). I have used some Upholstery leather when I have found it on sale at an afordable price but not used it for pockets etc. Randy