hidepounder

I am 100% with Bruce on this! Once you make the decision to get into professional quality tools, it all comes down to personal preference. What I have discovered is that no one maker is better at everything. I use bevelers from one maker, shaders from another and geometrics from a third and so on. The same applies to hand tools. They all have their specialties and price ranges vary. When it comes to round knives, swivel knife blades, edgers and such, I happen to prefer the older hardened steel tools over the newer stainless ones. Again, a matter of personal preference. I can tell you with complete confidence, that it is worth the expense to travell to one of the shows where you can see all of these suppliers under one roof and have an opportunity to compare their products! Even if you didn't buy a single thing, it is a necessary move to enable you to decide exactly what you like. Hope this helps.... Bob

Good lookin' saddle JW! Nice dally horn. As a tooler, I'm not a ruff-out fan, , but this one looks good! Happy New Year! Bob

HAPPY NEW YEAR Peter! Bob

Great chinks Steve! They look soft and comfortable.

Hey Troy! Just think, you can now look forward to receiving mail from AARP! Happy Birthday! Bob

David, Hansens can be difficult to get a hold of sometimes, but keep trying. Ask for Tim. tim at hansensilver dot com, Telephone #209/847-7390. I would also Silver King in California. They are a family owned and operated business and do very nice work. Ask for Malila, malila at silverkinginc dot .com, telephone #818/700-1999. You might also want to contact Troy West here in this forum as he does beautiful saddle silver also. Bob

David, I also would like to encourage you to re-think your position about tooling your saddle. There is a lot to master in the art of saddlemaking...that includes tooling. As I'm sure you're learning, a lot of what you are doing is traditional. I think you'll find that your customers expect to see certain traditional styles in their saddles. It is important to learn how to create those looks! Unless you're inventing a new style of saddle, why consider inventing a new type of tooling? There isn't much in this business that hasn't been done before. In my opinion, you should just focus on doing a better job than anyone else! I completely agree with David Theobald...learn to do it all, correctly...not many can! I admire your enthusiasm...hope you never lose it! But you'll be more successful if you master the traditonal skills that are required to produce what your customers demand! Just my humble opinion! Bob Park

Chuck, I forgot to mention another source....Bob Douglas in Sheridan. His number is 307/737-2222.

Birdsall Leather carries rawhide mauls. Weaver Leather and Barry King carry nylon mauls.

WOW Clay! That is really something! It's amazing what guys with talent can make out of leather! Can't wait to see it finished. Bob

Beautiful Bobocat! I really like the color. The use of the pebble backgrounder in the reverse beveling is fantastic...I would never have thought of that! It's really holding the color well. I also like the natural color lace....it adds to the beauty of the whole piece without distracting from it. Really a great job as usual...but then I wouldn't expect anything less! Bob

Glad to hear from you...been wondering how you were! Happy Holidays and stay safe! Bob

I would stay away from Neatsfoot oil! It's great to use on new leather or leather that is in good condition but just a litle dry, but on leather that is in poor condition it will break down the fibers and the leather will disintegrate! Bob

I agree with Dick, PJ, it looks to me like you didn't buff off the residue that black leaves when it dries. I use a piece of wool skin with the wool clipped short....keep rubbing until no residue can be removed.

To expand on what Kate said Victi, when you design your pattern you must account for the thickness of the leather and the amount of room it takes for the leather to make the turn. In other words if your leather is 1/8" thick, you need to account for that measurement. Hope this makes sense! Bob

Looks really nice Tom! I like the detail on the butterflies. I know how difficult it is to get all the little pieces cut, skived and sewn together...it's a lot work! I've been using a PVC backed denier nylon for linings...just so I could glue them without bleedthrough. Works very well...might see if you like it. Great job! Happy Holidays! Bob

Really well done Kevin...I think this is the classiest piece yet! Happy Holidays! Bob

vera, I am absolutely stunned! I don't know what to say! This is a beautiful piece of art! The composition is amazing, as is your attention to detail! My hat is off to you....wow! Hope you're having a Happy Holiday! Bob

Great idea Bronc! I wouldn't have thought of that. Both look great! Happy Holidays! Bob

It'll be beef filets and Crown SR at our place...not necessarily in that order! I sure have met some great folks in the short time I've been here at LW and I value the friendship...so here's a toast to all of you! May you never lose a stirrup. May you never waste a loop. May your can stay full of syrup, And your gizzard full of whoop! * * * HAPPY HOLIDAYS! From our outfit to yours

Thanks for sharing that with us Peter! Absolutely beautiful...as always. Trully inspiring! Best Wishes and Happy Holidays from Arizona! Bob

That's a beautiful stitching horse! The curly maple looks terrific. I might have to trade my old in on a fancy one, now. Great job! Bob

Great work as always Bruce! I think this is the first time I have seen a pocket on a rope can...what a great idea! The black rope bag is very good looking...it'll really stand out in the pen and the memorial is really special! Looking forward to seeing more stuff! Happy Holidays! Bob

Hi equiss, thanks for your comments. To answer your question, I think that most makers just get an idea and dive in! However, there are several Al Stohlman books regarding casework. They are available from Tandy and contain a wealth of information...I highly recommend them. Thanks again and Happy Holidays! Bob