I would like to make a twisted rawhide riata

[skinner]

I would like to make a twisted rawhide riata. Would someone please share a few tricks? I have an old rope making spinner, but don't know if it will work with rawhide. Thanks. Skinner

[rawhide1]

skinner

While I have never made a twisted reata I did find some imformation on it in Bruce Grants book. It shows three guys using a rope twister. One turning the handle, one running the spreader to keep strings striaght and tight,and one doing who knows what at the other end. He goes on to say that in building a 1,2or3 string reata. You first need to cut strips 2" wide from your round and stretch them out in a shady place to dry. Then split to thickness and cut to 1/4" widths. Then your ready to twist your reata. Grant also says that little or no softening is done so the reata has life.Thats all I can tell ya hope it helps. Maybe somebody with more know how will jump in. Can't wait to see finished product!!Good luck Mike

[HorsehairBraider]

Skinner, welcome!

Here is my advice: find someone near you to teach you how to spin. Yes, I mean on a spinning wheel or drop spindle, with fiber (wool, mohair etc.). Once you learn how to spin it will all make sense! I remember when I learned, it took several hours and cost me something like $20 bucks. Once you know how to spin you will understand exactly what you need to do - it is all the same principle.

That goes for making horsehair ropes too.

That's cool you have that machine! I am quite sure it will work with rawhide, as long as it is "strong" enough. The rawhide will exert more pressure than say wool, so the machine needs to be sturdy. Also, unless your machine is diffent than the ones I have seen, this is not a one-person job. You will need some helpers.

[Elton Joorisity]

Skinner, check out www.westernfolklife.org there's a short video of Doug Groves making one on there. You get to see him make one pretty much from the start until it is being used. Hope this helps.

[Warren]

Glad to know I'm not the only one interested in this! Thanks for the info and thanks Skinner for asking the question.

[steve mason]

I have also been wanting to try this for quite a while. I have been looking for the right deal on a rope making machine for a number of years now. If anyone could send me in the right direction to find one I would appreciate it much.

A few years back I made a saddle for a guy who had a rope making machine and had made a few twisted reatas, we had plans to make a couple together but then he moved on so we never got the chance. I've been wanting to build one ever since. I would also like to braid one someday.

[Elton Joorisity]

Steve, I have a rope maker that I plan to use to build a bunch of mohair mecates with. I learned how to make mane hair ones in 97 but with the time involved and extra help I would rather use mohair. If you want I could bring it down if someone has a long shop that we could work in and twist a few up( be better in the spring)