pella

thanks a lot andy

ok, still not 100% sure but i found that here: http://www.springerlink.com/content/n1xw324260336506/ text is below: Synthetic wax esters with properties similar to those of sperm whale oil have been prepared entirely from soybean and linseed oils. the synthesis required: (a) selective hydrogenation of the oils with copper-on-silica gel catalyst, ( hydrogenolysis of fatty acids to fatty alcohols with copper-cadmiumchromium catalyst, and © esterification of hydrogenolysis products to yield predominantly long chain fatty esters which contained unsaturation in both the alcohol and acid moieties. Similarity of physical and chemical properties indicate that these wax esters are possible replacements for sperm oil. After sulfurization, the wax esters also have potential as extreme pressure lubricant additives. So lexol brown bottle is vegetable oils?! They sell linsed oil for leather in tackhop around here. But why do they call that "synthetic sperm whale oil"? I know nothing about chemistry sorry.

Here the link, read the bottom part Proper leather conditioning. http://www.properautocare.com/leclcoex.html I ear about some of these "secrets ingredients" before but look like this text confirm to me that they should change labeling on some products... Neetfoot oil= pig fat (mostly...) no neatsfoot at all neetsfoot oil compound=pig fat + motor, mineral oils mink oil=pig fat+silicon Here i get lucky, i can buy real liquid mink oil. And they talk about what in lexol conditionner, very interresting. lexol conditioner oil is syntetic sperm whale oil lexol nf conditioner oil is modified lard (pig fat) both do NOT contain petroleum product or silicon thats great. But i'm wondering whats that synthetic sperm whale! lol!!! How do they make that?? Synthetic sound petroleum to me?! they also say not to clean leather under sun of that was under sun=hot, it may spot, discolor leather.

Darc, what brand is that stitching groover? Look nice

thank so much Andy! Is that mean Kenway close in 1973? Is there suposed to have difference in quality between Yoakum and Kenway: one best quality and other entry level/low cost saddles per example? So maybe thats why a lot of Kenway around in Quebec if they were made i Canada. I dont like much the adjustable tree either because it make a round "bump" on the front of the tree, anyway, the saddle dont fit my horse, i cannot use it, but regardless of that, the saddle is well made (for a a factory saddle). One thing i dont like about the Kenway i have, is the fiberglass seat (strainer?) it begin to brake around nails, and it cut surface of a stirrup leather on one side. The saddle tree stitching is coming apart under the stirrup, it look like nylon lace instead of rawhide, do nylon wear faster than rawhide lace?

Hello, i do have 2 "vintage" Textan saddles (maybe from the 70's-80's) and i am curious to know more about them. One is stamped Hereford brand - Tex tan of Yoakum Other is stamped Hereford brand - Tex Tan Kenway leather co On both there is a bull but they are of different design (Yoakum look best!) My Yoakum is of much better craftmanship than the Kenway. I want to know wich one is the oldest? What is that Kenway leather co? I read somewhere Tex tan was called texas saddlery before the 1940's. Do someone know how to read their serial number? My Yoakum is stamped 72-59289 (My guess was that it's made in 1972?! maybe not at all! lol!) and it is fitted with "movable from a center anchorage" round disk on the front of the bars, to follow curve of shoulders as the horse move?, something experimental i guess... I find nothing on the Kenway thanks I place a picture of my "Yoakum"

magnificent...

BEAUTIFUL!!!!! Never hesitate to show this saddle!

I have some for sale, but for smaller dogs. Send a private message for price and pic

well, i'm not a master in carving, so to me it look very nice, and most of all, i like the style of the leaves, scrolls and flowers, i like the littles points you made on the big flower, on the petals. Tooling is also a style i like, i would be proud to ride this saddle :-) i am surprise you dint talk about the seat, thats something i am afraid of. Yellow linen thread, i buy some lately at Abbey saddlery, they carry it on a regular basis. Hey, may i say it must be a pain in the butt to hand-stich felt and leather?! Maybe easier than a sheerling?

I LOVE your saddle! Is is beautiful and the carving too. Congrulation, i hope to make a saddle that look as nice for my first one too ;-) What did you find the most difficult?

well...if there nothing here :-( Is there Canadian leatherworker around who orders exotics from USA? Is there special fees to pay at the border for importation? Or just regular duties fees? I mean, with parcel post when it is clearly indicate on custom declaration "exotic leather".

I cannot find anything on the web! Is there a Canadian reseller of exotics for High quality alligator and lizard? also sea/water snake? I am a little afraid ordering in Usa or other country for duty/custom fees on these exotics... I find a place in Vancouver but he sell only caiman and stingray. I dont want caiman. thanks for help

Here, i find this online-store to order the Guttermann polyester thread (german thread), excellent service and many colors. Order the Mara 11 for fine stitching, 8-10point to the inch, it is like a 3cords linen. Oshman brothers in New York I LOVE this thread, never break, will outlast linen, look like linen, "waxable", easy to handle, absolutly not like coarse polyester and nylon treads usually sold as "hand-stitching tread" in leather store. i just want to share with you as it is a fantastic thread and this store have an excellent customer service. :-)

No it's a mix of i dont know what, i think belgium horse cross, he's 14hands.

thank you for the help. It is black mold all along the edges and some spots on the grain side, and i decide to scrap it. I will cut a new strap (for a carved dog leash) and be careful that time to use a "clean new plastic bag"... it very tricky. I do have oxalic acid from my father, an old glass amber jar. I will try the oxalic and vinegar to see what it do, as a test on my scrap piece.

i case leather and there is mold on it now...what can i do, is that salvagable? or good for scrap? oxalic acid can remove that? thank for your advices

Hello, I am looking for a pair of stirrups which would be correct for my 1850s`hope saddle. Can you advise. I am going to Buffalo Texas for a trail ride which ends in the Houston stadium before the rodeo starts and I would like to show it off. Thanks so much. Jack in Montreal, Canada

thanks so much! Another question, is the narrower strap folded around the ring? Is that your first saddle? It looks very nice. Marie

Hello, i am helping a friend making an old style hope saddle, and we cannot figure how to install the sam stagg rigging. Is there two pieces or one? thanks for any advices

what is your creaser brand? It look real nice, i want one like that!

Hello, i just finish a carbing project i am HATE my actual swivel knife, i dont carve often but now i think i should upgrade! Ok here the problem, i use the smallest "elcheapo" knife from craftool, it is 2" without blade, but still TOO HIGH! I am not confortable. I have very small hands, they are as small as my 9year old nephew lol! Which company made the smallest handle? For the height i mean... thanks in advance

Rod and denise: you reply make so much sense for me. After reading, i finaly believe it is best to keep gear at same temperature than were you ride, for me thats the best, and i never notice damage from cold till now. About mold problem, here it is terrible, i use to place a big pure wool blanket on my saddle, it keep humidity away from leather, also important not to place anything to close from ground. thanks everybody

Gary: i will try a whites black butt soon, you "titille" me. about "bend better around buckle", dont you wet the leather prior bending? If not, the leather crack, and when wet, it is so easy. I use to bend while wet, then place the buckle, and squeeze on my stitching horse clamp...for a nice flat look. I preffer that than hammering. I'm not sure what you mean by "coarse", i'll know with a comparasion hide, should i receive a good one ;-) I ask sample from another tannery in England too, should receive them soon.

I never notice spew coming out from leather because of cold. I will look for that.