BondoBobCustomSaddles

Yes Ferg, I agree, horses, from a to z, and all the breeds in-between are special and watching them run, and play in the pasture or in the ring, they make me just stop and stare. There is nothing like it. Thanks for sharing. Bob

Simply put, there are many opinions and ideas as to how to or not to mark your work. To each, here is pros and cons. For me, if it is too small to get my makers mark on it, it goes out of the shop "commando". If it is large enough, and the customer says he doesn't want it conspicuous, I mark it that way. As for my saddles, that is another story. I prominently mark each saddle in all the normal places, and then some. If the customer doesn't want it marked so, he will not be a customer. Bob

Thor, I use 3/4" to 1" shearling. Usually It will vary between the two, somewhere. After some serious use, it will compress down to about 1/2". Like I said in the beginning, between the wool shearling and a good quality pad of about 1/2" to 3/4" on a good fitting saddle, you should be good to go. It has been my experience, up here in MI., that usually when I make a saddle for someone, the horses they have usually are very much the same conformation, (their preference as to what they like is pretty consistent) and one saddle fits most of what they ride. The only exception to that is a couple that owns a riding stable, with about 80 or 90 horses on hand and any one time. In their case, their "private" riding horses all fall under the saddle I have built. As for the other horses that they use at the stable for customers they use cordova saddles with good five star pads. That seems to work for them. Bob

When riveting those parts that will receive some heavy stress, I always use solid copper rivets with washer. It is best for peace of mind. You don't want your friend losing an expensive spur, for the price of a good rivet. Bob

Not sure if it helps, but; to keep from losing the tooling depth and definition on my saddles, I always tool those pieces that are formed (like the fork cover) after it is formed, dried, and stuck down on the tree. It is a pain, but; it gets the results I am looking for. Bob

Oh yes, I forgot, very important, like Chief says, have control of your tool! Bob

I have used Roo on lots of products, and can say without reservation, it is top drawer. I made some chaps out of it, many years ago for a guy that is an avid cutter. That was 20 years ago, to this day he raves about them and has sent me many, many , customers. They make really nice light weight durable products. Just market it as Roo, and get on with it. You will find the market for Roo is strong. Bob

Does it make the owner play better? If so, I am going to have to make two or three for myself! Nice work Chief. Bob

Welcome to the site. Hope you enjoy all the help here. Great bunch! Bob

Nice job Adam. Will be looking for more of your work as you continue. I like this one really well. Now that you have most of the stuff in hand, it's time for you to get at that cantle binding stitch. It just takes time and patience. A little tip, when you are pushing you awl through, just before it comes out the back side you can see where it is going to come out. even if it comes out a little pull it back some and re angle the hole to come out where you want it. The mark or litte prick hole from the first try will close up and not show. Again, nice job. Keep up the good work. Bob

I have used all three, and of course there are pros and cons with all. The strap cutter is fine especially if you don't do a good job of sharpening, cause you can just change the blade. As for the adjustment, I always cut a piece of scrap first to be sure the result is what I want, The Draw gage is a step up, and I still occasionally use mine. The plow gage is pretty much what I use all the time now. For cutting straps, belts and so on, it always give me what I want. In all cases, I cut a piece of scrap to be sure I am going to get the width I want. Bob

Welcome to the forum Deshawn. I am out in Manchester. You will find a wide and diverse group here. All are willing to help, and advise. Lots of information here. Enjoy. Bob

Funny I just got a request on this. Like Toot, and Randy, when I get an order for one of these, I use the "Wheel" method. You can use a piece 36" in dia to start, and after 2 cuts around you will have approx. 17' of single piece 1" strap. Wet thoroughly, straighten with some stretch, let it dry, oil and go on. Bob

Something I ran across the other day, was yet another place. I don't make holsters per say, so I don't have a horse in this race. I have been known to make one here and there at special request, but; saddles are my thing so this is just a suggestion. The other day I was on another web sight, Harley-davidsonforums.com, and was asked if I made holsters, it seems there are a lot of gun totin' citizen bikers that would like a place to purchase gun leather. This might be a good place to get your sales from. The folks there are good folks, much like the folks here they like to talk about their bikes and help others with problems and stuff. Like I said, a really good group. Just a thought. Bob

Like Chief, I have a set of templates I made over the years that I use. They graduate in length for belts 1/2" wide up to 2" wide. That way all my belts are uniform. Bob

Every once and a while, someone comes along with some work that makes you just want to sit back and admire. That snow leopard is top shelf. Congrats on the reality look. Bob

Real retirement is great, but; you will need to have something to help you fill your time and mind. If you don't already have some thought as to what it is you are going to do, my suggestion is to pick out that one project that you have always wanted to do but didn't have time, and spoil yourself. Good luck, and don't be a stranger to the site. Just because you are slowing down, doesn't mean your advice isn't still relevant, and needed. Once again, Good Luck! Bob

Well Lucky, if it were me, for the breast pieces I would use something a little thicker so that there is more material to stretch. Probably something like 8/9oz. Make a form from wood, thoroughly case it, then using a glass slicker, of similar tool, work from the tip down to the base, with persistence the leather will thin out as it stretches. Just be patient and keep at it, you will get there. Bob

I am sure that Grampa is up there looking down and smiling. Enjoy the journey. Bob

Chief, I am nearly 71, and I haven't reached the "no cut zone yet". Not sure if I ever will. Bob

Since I make saddles that are made to templates of the horses back, not much is required. I like to use and see used pads that are cut out at the withers. I personally used a Reinsman pad that is I am guessing about 1/2" compressed. Here is a pic of what I use. Bear in mind that my saddles have 1" natural sheep's wool fleecing on them. Bob

I second Bruce's comments. Nice Job! Bob

Sanch, when you do get it changed, if they don't automatically change all the other stuff , like friends and so on be sure to let us know so we know where to track you down. Bob

Once again Sioux and I agree. I have all the other knives, but; aside from using an olfa rotary cutter for cutting long fringe on chaps, I almost exclusively use a round knife. The one of choice for me is one I got from Knipper. It is and stays sharp for long, long periods of time. I use it so much, that it never gets put back in the sheath. I guess the key is once you find what works for you, you'll stick with it. Bob

Randy, ok so I looked at the web sight, saw the products that you described and sure enough it is as you stated. One thing that stood out to me was that if you look at all the items displayed, there is a marked difference in the level of artistry and ability exhibited from one item to another. All I can say is that "all comes to he who waits". This guy is just headed for a time when he "gets his t__ in a ringer". In the mean time, if it really frosts you, adding a watermark will help. Personally I'd rather be spending the time I have left making things that please me. Life is too short to worry about guys like this. Besides maybe he was at the biker meeting in Waco and you won't be hearing from him anymore. Bob