Saddle break down question

[Jemaddux]

Ok, this is my first post and so first off let me say I have looked at everyones work and everything I see is beautiful work.

So now on to my stupid VERY NEW-B question. I have an old saddle and want to do some work on it. I am some what afraid to take it apart. What is the safest way to take it apart?

And would those Stohlman's Encyclopedias be worth buying?

[rustyriggin]

The Stohlman books are worth it, and it depends on what you want to do, as to how far you break it down. The best advice I could give you is be careful not to tear the leather, if it's really dry clean it and work it over with 100% pure neatsfoot oil first. You'll get better advice than that on here, but it should keep you busy until the pros answer you back. Rus

[kfiretwo]

  Jemaddux said:

Ok, this is my first post and so first off let me say I have looked at everyones work and everything I see is beautiful work.

So now on to my stupid VERY NEW-B question. I have an old saddle and want to do some work on it. I am some what afraid to take it apart. What is the safest way to take it apart?

And would those Stohlman's Encyclopedias be worth buying?

the books r great depending on your expreince in saddle construction, if its ur first saddle restoration look for some one close by that is welling to teach u the correct way to do it, it might cost a little now, but if you get in over ur head it will cost more later to have someone repair it, the most minor repair could cost you more than the saddle is worth

[TwinOaks]

First off, Welcome to Leatherworker.net!

I don't have the answers to the questions, but I'd like to add: If you'll be a little more specific as to what you're trying to do, and what type/make of saddle it is, the saddlemakers here can give a better answer.

I've done a veeery little work on saddles so the only advice I feel comfortable giving is this: If you gotta pull nails, make sure you've got a block between the puller and the leather. It'll also help if you can get something to hold the leather in place while the nail comes out. An old spatula with a notch cut in it worked pretty well (for me).......just don't let you're spouse know about it.

[mulefool]

It would be helpful to know exactly what work you want to do on it. But a suggestion if you aren't sure you will get it back together right is to take pictures as you disassemble it, and remember you don't want any parts left over.

Chris

[Jemaddux]

  mulefool said:

It would be helpful to know exactly what work you want to do on it. But a suggestion if you aren't sure you will get it back together right is to take pictures as you disassemble it, and remember you don't want any parts left over.

Chris

I will have to take some pictures of it and see about posting them.

The problem is trying to find someone to teach is impossible here in Los Angeles. People just don"t really do any of the work here so it is always learn as you go for me. Gun owning, horse loving, hunter , redneck born in Los Angeles, BOY did I get placed in the wrong place.

[Saddlebag]

Let me reassure you that if you undo a few screws your saddle will not self destruct.