BondoBobCustomSaddles

I think you need to change your name, this doesn't look like the work of a "Rookie"! Seriously, very nice work, pleasing to look at and I am sure that the owner will be doing that with pride, for a lot for years to come. Bob

Here is a slightly different version that I make. I leave a hole in the bottom of the pockets in order for the hoof filings to "escape" and I build in a piece of elastic in the belt so that it gives when I am bent over. Really comfortable. Also I attach the belt strap with a couple of snaps and also the leg ties. That way, if you need to, you can get out of them in a hurry. Hope that helps. Bob

Just judging by the look of this saddle and the way it is rigged, it looks much like a couple I have reworked that were dated at the turn of the century. That would be my guess, and 1909 would probably spot on. Bob

That happened here in Michigan also. Seems to be the mode of operation for Tandy. If I worked for Tandy, I'd be looking to move to another more secure job. It is a shame, but; in today's business world, there just seems to be a cut throat, bottom line now attitude that does not lend it's self to long term employees or loyal customers. Seems that taking care of your employees, and creating a "family" attitude in your business is just something they don't teach in them new fangled business schools! Probably cause the folks running and teaching, don't understand it either. Sad, Bob

Tinneal, attach them to a leather strap with whatever tooling that suites your taste . You see lots of ideas on the net. Hang them on the door so when someone comes in or leaves, the bells will announce their presence. Nice for Christmas. Bob

So who says you can't teach us old folks new tricks? Wahoo!!! Bob

I know one more way, Brad, you can send them up here for me to try out and make sure they will hold up!!!! Bob

Robert, I use a Boss a lot and what I have found works to stop that look is to use the methods that the guys are telling you, but: one more thing that I do that really finishes it well. After each back stitch I actually reach up to the "take up arm" and push up on it to make sure the stitch is tight before the next back stitch. Try it on a practice piece and you will see if it gives you the look you are looking for. Bob

Hi Ross, yep, we did meet and talk some a long time ago. I have often wondered how you were doing. I saw your name on the web sight and the profile said Montana, I wondered if it was you. Well, what prompted you to move to God's Country? As for the saddle biz here, it is mostly like all business in this state, struggling! The folks that have money, well they have money, the poor get poorer, and the middle class is taking the brunt of it. That said, I get to make about 3 or 4 saddles a year from the word of mouth trade. People that have my saddles love them and keep bringing me business. Not real busy this year, but; that's because I have decided to keep it low. the last 3 years I was retired from my regular job, so I was working Pinnacle Race Course during the race meets and they kept me so busy I didn't have time for anything else. I was trying to decide if I was going to go back this year or not when they helped me make up my mind, they went belly up! No help from the state at all. Just as well, I actually slacked off during the summer and got to actually ride my horses and go to a lot of shows with my grand daughters. Much better than working! Currently I have 2 saddles in que and a couple of more orders coming that will keep me indoors this winter, that 's just about right. So how's things out there? It must be nice to have customers that actually use their saddles for a living, (I assume) , rather than just playing at being cowboys and not willing to pay for the work that goes into a really well made rig when they can buy one off the shelf for a 1/3 of the price ( even if it is junk). Send me a note back curious how it's is going out there. Good hearing from you! Bob

Vince, just saw this post. I don't pretend to be the last word on the subject, but; like everyone, I do form opinions and the comments I will make are based on my opinion only. There are no hard fast rules as to what someone will or will not like. That is the perogative of the customer, and after all they are the ones that must like it. That said, there are a couple of things that I would do different, but ; again that is what I would do. Overall your work exhibits good technique and execution. With respect to the rear jockeys, I take a little more wedge out of the mating edges perhaps a 1/4" on each side before lacing, then wet slightly before draw spiking them in place. Then draw them in tight to the back of the cantle and let dry, paying particular attention to A) getting them centered over the skirts, and getting them down tight to the skirts. When done correctly they should lay flat and tight to the skirts over the back and down to the rigging. Also in the front I like to cut my front jockey/seat cover a little shorter than the front of the skirt as it comes out from under the fork. These are areas that I would do differently, however; like I have said earlier, it is a matter of what you and the customer want and like. Here a couple of pics of what I am talking about. Bob

Hi Gretchen, thank you so much for that information. I had heard some of it a long time ago, and it was nice to get it from someone who actually lives and makes saddles there. I have been lucky enough to visit there many times, while I was in the service and later with my wife. One of my favorite places in the world! My wife and I used to love to get up early and go for walk on the beach and watch the sun come up. Thanks again for taking the time to post. Bob

Hi Gretchen, I have heard that in Hawaii you are presented with conditions, such as heat, humidity and so on that cause makers there to have to use different materials for saddles for use there rather than traditional. Can you enlighten us on that at all? I am referring to things like not using sheep fleece and so on. Also, how the products that have been mentioned here work in the heat and humidity. Thanks , Bob

Like Ferg, I have been using oxalic acid for years, probably between Ferg and I we have better than 100 years of experience with it, and no problems. Like Ferg says, "use common sense folks", and you will be fine, no need to reinvent the wheel. Bob

I am of the same school of thought as Bobby and Jim. Lately, I have been using another product that I like and it does not seal the saddle simply gives it a nice shine and feel. It is Feiblings leather balm with atom wax. Put it on, rub it in good, let it dry and buff. I had a saddle in that I did with it, the owner later told me that one day he was out riding and got caught in the rain. He though he had messed it up cause it had water splotches on it by the time he got in out of the rain, however; when it dried, there were no signs of the splotches. He was happy, and that is the goal for me. Bob.

Thanks for posting Darc, how does one actually get a copy of the catalog? Bob

Nice work Casey, it's always nice to see and study others work. It just makes me work harder to achieve what I want. Bob

Nice job Ferg, It's like they say, neccessity is the mother of invention. Or something like that. Bob

Nicely done. Keep up the good work. Bob

Between Art and Spinner, they pretty much nailed it. I use the same methods, also I have experimented with a product called simply green. It seems to also give good results. Bob

Hey Bearman! That is really nice work. I am not normally a proponent of color on leather, however; you did such a nice job on this, that it looks like it is supposed to be in color, and looks natural. An Old Timer I once worked under when I was making muzzle loaders, told me that "when you are done, it should look like it grew that way", he was referring to how everything fit together and how each piece enhanced the surrounding pieces, and together it created a "living" object. In this project you have done just that. Again, very nice! Bob

Hi Omar, Simply put, there are lots of people who work on leather on this sight, many with knowledge far beyond what you can gleen from any books, and they have garnered that know how the old fashioned way, with lots of trial and error, and many years of sweat working under the auspices of those that have gone before us. If you want knowledge this is the place to come, many will gladly and freely give their opinion and help here. We are a close nit group that love to see our craft perpetuated. As for selling your product, this is not a bad place either. Small samples are always appreciated and tried on the tons of scraps that our craft produces. While I like to stick to the "old ways", I am also personally always looking to find the better product so my customers can benefit. Currently, for instance, when reconditioning an old saddle, after cleaning thoroughly I use a mixture of pure neatsfoot oil, and extra virgin olive oil, heated and applied and worked in to bring the leather back to life. This I learned from and old time saddle maker who was in his eighties , who learned it from his grandfather, and when I met him and I was in my 40's, and that was some 25 years ago! That will give you some idea of the nitch' market you are dealing with. Hope that helps you with your quest for knowledge and sales. Good Luck Bob

As always Bob, I love to look at your work. Thanks for sharing, Bob

Kevin, this is not so strange. Many guys after service are suffering and don't show it outwardly till it finally becomes disastrous. I would suggest that you get hold of A) the local service organization such as , or the Viet Nam Vets, American Legion and then also call the help line at your closest VA Hospital. Personally, I have had the best results from the Viet Nam Vets. If there is not a local, go on line to their home page. I believe it is VVA.org You are right, he needs help before it gets worse. Bob

Very nice Ryan! Well executed, nice pleasing lines Bob

Thanks for the comments Ferg. Sorry I wasn't able to get this pic to enlarge for better viewing. With them both sticking their tongues out at each other, it just blew me away. Bob