Romal Reins, Long Knot Ground Work Question

[megabit]

Hey, I am working on my first set of romal reins. I'll try to get some progress pics up soon. I have the body of the reins and romal done and am getting ready to start putting the buttons on.

That brings me to my question, what do you guys prefer for the ground work on the long buttons? Lattigo? Veg tan? Series of ring knots close together?

Thanks,

Mike

[HorsehairBraider]

Personally, I prefer a series of ring knots, with a wrap or two on the ends to taper a little bit. I like it because I feel it's more stable.

The truth is though you use what works, and what you have. Sometimes I did not have any more lace to tie the ring knots and so I used electrician's tape! Of course when I started I braided baling twine. You use what is there. Yeah, sure, if I'd had a ton of money I would have used a series of ring knots back then, but I did not have it, so I used what was there, and it worked just fine.

[megabit]

My progress so far on my reins. Four plait for the reins over belting leather and 8 plait over a 4 plait rawhide core.

[lilpep]

nice !! looks like you are making good progress with this set of reins. cant wait to see them finished. how does the four plait feel with the leather core. is is more flexible ? how are you going to build up for the buttons? well like i said before looks great keep the pics coming i like the way you show progress on your projects.

[megabit]

It feels ok, a little on the stiff side yet but I think I should be able to get it more supple with some work.

For the small buttons I'll use 4 strand ring knots. I push 2 strands threw the body at right angles and tie the ring knots, I don't think they will move.

[megabit]

Progress is slow but here they are so far. Did the ends twice now, I am getting good at cutting buttons off stuff.

[rcsaddles]

Very nice Mike,

Keep posting the pictures. I want to make a set of these when I get done with the two saddles I'm making now. I will be asking you for some advise and which buttons when I get going.

[HorsehairBraider]

That's coming along very nice! Your long buttons look great.

Have you planned out the headstall to match it yet?

[megabit]

Will do Joe, it will be the blind leading the blind. I am thinking about using Ginfer knots for the buttons. Something a little different than a pineapple and I like how they look. I think I might be short on calf string cut up though. I have maybe 50' x .5" left that I can still cut up if I run out.

Oh and I forgot to include the romal picture so here it is:

[megabit]

Ok time for a couple more progress pictures.

romal ground work for buttons:

first 2 buttons on the reins done ginfer knots

pineapple added to one side after ginfer:

I think I am going to go ginfer pineapple pineapple ginfer long pineapple ginfer pineapple pineapple ginfer or that was the plan when I started anyhow. Now I like the ginfer but it doesn't cover the ground work as well as a 6 bight pineapple I may just use all pineapples to finish. Thoughts, comments, ideas?

Mike