stingray seats

[steve mason]

Saw some interest about putting in stingray seats on Ryan Copes "latest saddle" post.

I did not want to take over that post so I started a new one.

I have done at least a dozen stingray inlaids over the years and have made a few pair of buck rolls out of it also. I have never had a problem with sewing on my machine. It seemed to sew the same as anything else I stitch. I saw no adverse wear on the needles or anything of the like. Stingray makes a hell of a good inlaid seat or buck rolls, looks very classy. I have not built a saddle with it for a number of years now, I still build most of my saddles with an inlaid seat, I usually use an oiltan chap/boot type leather for the inlays now. the main advise is to cut the ray with an exacto knife as it would be pretty hard on your round knife. (this is the only job I use a exacto knife on other then opening boxes) I also am self taught on putting in inlaid seats, and have never really seen how anyone else does it. I am pretty happy with my method but as usual I would like to speed it up without sacrificing any quality.

here is a photo of a sting ray seat.

Edited March 19, 2008 by steve mason

[Froghunter]

Outstanding work Steve!! Beautiful seat!

I bet that stingray will give great long wearing service!!

You saddle makers amaze me. Maybe someday I'll give it a go just because!

[shirleyz]

Absolutely beautiful. I too would like to make just one saddle before I croak.

ShirleyZ

[Bob]

Absolutely beautiful. I too would like to make just one saddle before I croak.

ShirleyZ

Shirley, that halareous.... "Croak"..... Just do it, several times, before you Croak.... LOL

[Blake]

Hi Steve

I have never tried the Stingray but you sure make it look good.

What kind of machine do you sew it with and needle type?

Blake