ValkyrieEquine

I'm revamping some original McLellan saddles for reinactment and the rivets are a bitch to get my anvil under to get them in the original holes. I'm making due, but wondering if there is a hand tool that would set the burr and squeeze it down, and possibly round it? It's a royal pain trying to manipulate the saddle and hold it in the correct position to barely get the tip of the anvil under the head. (I'm using round and flat head brass rivets with burrs, if that makes any difference.) As we will most likely be making some modern versions in the future, I would like to have a tool to make this process quicker and easier. I've looked for tools online, but all I'm finding are the typical hand setters. Thanks in advance!

Customer came in and would like slotted conchos matched to his horncap. I can't find anything in brass/bronze with a silver edge; it's always the opposite. He doesn't want cheap, but doesn't want to break the bank either. He would be willing to have custom made as long as they aren't crazy expensive. All hardware on the saddle is brass and he would like to stick to that. TIA **Just realized I accidentally posted this in the wrong forum.**

Thank you, I will try that. Where do you get your beeswax?

Leather is two layers, 10-12 oz skirting. I've never had a problem with the thickness before. Needles are 25s I believe and can't remember thread off the top of my head, but it was ordered from Leather Machine Co specifically for the Cobra 4 and what I am doing. I checked both needles and neither have burrs. I've also sewn through test pieces with no issues, the cement seems to be the catalyst. I have the pieces sitting out in the sun to see if lack of cure was the issue. Thank you! Not sure if someone else said you were wrong, but I didn't. I'll look into seeing if that is something that will help.

I have been trying that, but it doesn't always work and ends up messing up the stitching when it doesn't. :/

I did change the needle out earlier, in case that was the problem, so unless the second needle has a bent tip, that isn't the problem. The leather has been sitting for two days, but my shop has been cold, so cure issue is definitely a possibility. I will let it sit some more and see if that helps. Thanks!

Sewing two layers of leather cemented together with my Cobra 4 and on the up-stroke, the needle is sticking and lifting the leather. This is causing the thread to pull up and not catch the bobbin thread and/or cut the thread completely. Very frustrating to say the least. I was wondering if I could use wax or silicone on the needle to keep it from sticking? Has anyone else had this problem and fixed it? Thanks.

I will look into both of those, thank you!

Not quite what I am looking for, but I will definitely search the sight and see if they do have them. Thanks!

Searching for buckles like the ones pictured. Specifically looking for 0.5" x 1.25" in brass, but other sizes as well. Abbey carries them, but their cost and shipping is extremely prohibitive. Weaver and Aime carry buckles that are supposed to be 1/2", but measure as 5/8" and are too long at 1 1/2". TIA

Great, thank you!

What are the safest techniques for 1) removing copper rivets without damaging the surrounding leather and 2) unscrewing super tight conchos from a saddle without damaging surrounding leather or the conchos itself?

Thank you, I will check with them!

I'm searching for a tree supplier willing to work with me to make adult saddles that fit Welsh ponies. Section A and B Welsh are typically 11-13.2hh with short, wide backs and are ridden and shown by adults. Seat size would not exceed 15" and most likely would need something along the lines of Arabian bars. Thanks in advance.