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[JRedding]

Thanks for the info.

The reason I ask is I'm working on my second saddle. Just a beginner. I can't decide if I should just put a top coat or if I should antique it. I really liked the way your saddle looked an now you have me thinking. Attached is a picture of mine so far. It's slow going since I have so little time to work on it. What do you put on after the antique, Resolene?

ArtS

Art, I can't recomend resolene, we tried it and didn't like the results, we use tan-kote, bag-kote, harness dressing, or neat-lac depending on the finish we're trying to get. the saddle you're working on looks like a good start, you're ground work on the seat looks good. I know there a lot of ways to put one together , and no one really does it the same but I'm curious why the riggings on after the swell cover and bottom skirts? I'm only asking because if that saddle ever went in for repairs like needed a horn cover or relined someone will have to pull the riggings to do it, that's just extra work. Assuming a saddle that style will have strings, are you planning on drilling and stringing it and how with the skirts already on?

[ArtS]

I'll be using screws not strings. The strings will be on D rings under the conchos. The reason of that I did it that was is being a novice and not following the book as I should. LOL If it ever goes in for repairs it will be me repairing it I hope. I'll do it right next time. I haven't been happy with Resolene either. It streaks when I use it.

Would you use antique on something like this? I appreciate any help and advice I can get.

Thanks,

Art

Art, I can't recomend resolene, we tried it and didn't like the results, we use tan-kote, bag-kote, harness dressing, or neat-lac depending on the finish we're trying to get. the saddle you're working on looks like a good start, you're ground work on the seat looks good. I know there a lot of ways to put one together , and no one really does it the same but I'm curious why the riggings on after the swell cover and bottom skirts? I'm only asking because if that saddle ever went in for repairs like needed a horn cover or relined someone will have to pull the riggings to do it, that's just extra work. Assuming a saddle that style will have strings, are you planning on drilling and stringing it and how with the skirts already on?

[JRedding]

I'll be using screws not strings. The strings will be on D rings under the conchos. The reason of that I did it that was is being a novice and not following the book as I should. LOL If it ever goes in for repairs it will be me repairing it I hope. I'll do it right next time. I haven't been happy with Resolene either. It streaks when I use it.

Would you use antique on something like this? I appreciate any help and advice I can get.

Thanks,

Art

Art, whether you antique it or not is just a personal preference, it will look good either way. You mention following the book, what book are you referencing to?

[ArtS]

Harry Adams Saddlemakers Shop Manual. Actually looking back at it he did it the same way. The swell cover was on first then the rigging. Thats probably why I did it I guess.

ArtS

[SStewart]

The belt does look to me like you've described it. Very very nice. Thank you for replying to my posts...I appreciate the effort.

Edited January 21, 2008 by SStewart

[andystevens]

Beautiful, very very classy