Bleed Knot Question

[CharlieR]

So, assuming everyone knows the basics on how to cut a bleed knot in saddle strings, how about some of you guys giving us newbies a few hints on how to get consistancy, how you do it, etc. There has to be several tricks of the trade, even in doing something as simple as a bleed knot. Mine just don't look neat!!!

[Shelly]

I got tired of having my bleeder slip, and, even when being careful, I'd sometimes get myself 'bled' in the process - found a 3/8" end cutter, then modified it on my grinder, so the width of the cut is the same as the width of the string I'm using. I will then make a horizontal nip in the string, always make the first cut on the top and pull the bottom string up thru the hole, (I use a spike to open it up some), then the next cut on the 'top' again, which was the bottom at first, and repeat the steps for as many times as needed. I use this on bosal hangers, saddle strings,etc. Only do two on the saddles, and I vary it on the hangers, depending on how I want it to look. I will 'set' it with a few taps of a round faced hammer. You need to snug the strings each time they come thru the hole...try to keep the same consistency thru it.

[Fpotter]

I use a hole punch instead of bleading with a straight edge of some type. I have found that the strings tear a lot less and it looks way better when tapped down nice and flat with a hammer.

[yotebuster1200]

I use a hole punch instead of bleading with a straight edge of some type. I have found that the strings tear a lot less and it looks way better when tapped down nice and flat with a hammer.

how big of a hole punch do you use?

[BondoBobCustomSaddles]

I found that the problem I kept having was that initial cut into the string. I always seemed to go too far, mostly because you push, then push a little harder and all of a sudden you pushed too hard and zing, your slit is too long. Like Shelly I made a cutter that was the width of the string, then I added a simple step, first after pulling the strings tight, I use an awl to start the pierce, an awl will always be smaller than the slit you want to end up with. Then I use my cutter, cutting edge up (or away from the bottom string) and pull the bottom string through and pull tight, and repeat the process for the second slit and so on. When done, use a shoeing hammer to tap down flat.

Hope that helps. Ever since I started using the awl first, I have not, had to "bleed"! Maybe that is why they call it a bleed knot.

Happy Trails!

Bondo Bob

[spur2009]

I found that the problem I kept having was that initial cut into the string. I always seemed to go too far, mostly because you push, then push a little harder and all of a sudden you pushed too hard and zing, your slit is too long. Like Shelly I made a cutter that was the width of the string, then I added a simple step, first after pulling the strings tight, I use an awl to start the pierce, an awl will always be smaller than the slit you want to end up with. Then I use my cutter, cutting edge up (or away from the bottom string) and pull the bottom string through and pull tight, and repeat the process for the second slit and so on. When done, use a shoeing hammer to tap down flat.

Hope that helps. Ever since I started using the awl first, I have not, had to "bleed"! Maybe that is why they call it a bleed knot.

Happy Trails!

Bondo Bob