tnestes Report post Posted November 15, 2007 Hello, I was wondering if anyone could render some good advice on carving swells on a swellfork. This particular saddle has a low, modified association tree, and will not require a welt. I know Harwood offers the advice of glueing the fork cover down (which I do anyway) on his DVDs, but that about all. Any suggestions???? THANKS. Ted N. Estes www.estessaddlery.com Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
steveh Report post Posted November 15, 2007 Ted, I would glue the fork on and let dry good, I also like to have the seat installed, so I know where it is in relation to the fork.I dampen my leather with a sponge, I like to form a border with dividers set anywhere 1/4 inch to 1/2 inch from the seat, I will also use the horn as border and the front of the fork, then I will take a stylus and blend these border lines together with graceful curves. Then I will layout the pattern flowers and leaves with a stylus. I have heavy draw down so I will tilt up against my bench so that I have somewhat flat surface to tool on. It is not perfect and the tooling tends to be spongy surface compared to tooling bench. Some saddle makers have hydrolic chair with a locking pivot ball, that allows them tool in just about any postion. Hope this helps. Steve Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
tnestes Report post Posted November 16, 2007 Steve, Sounds like some very good tips. My draw down stand is extremely heavy duty as well, so it shouldn't be any problem positioning the saddle as you stated. THANK YOU, and anyone else who'd like to add something- jump in!!! I'm always willing to try to better my skills. Ted N. Estes www.estessaddlery.com Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
