Scrapheap Stitching Horse

[impulse]

Since my husband died money has been tight. Rather than work to an existing plan, I had to build my stitching horse with materials from the scrapheap.

I canibalized an old table for the legs, bracing and seat. The jaws were made from a length of rough-sawn Australian boxbrush. I would rather have bent and laminated strips of plywood for this, but being a Scrapheap Challenge, I had to do with what was available. My plan was to build a hybrid harness/ saddler's horse, ie wider opening than a stitching pony and with a saddler's horse closing mechanism.

The seat I made shorter than standard as it is my preference to have the work clamped between my knees. The slightly "goose-necked" shape allows the jaws to be angled a little, with the height comfortable for my build. Because the shape narrows to 9cm (31/2" - the width between the jaws), I constructed a Y brace under the seat and neck. Rather than weaken the structure by carving the seat to allow for my thighs, I shaped the padding. The leather on the seat was rescued from the back of a throw-out lounge chair.

In all I spent under A$10 on bolts and scews.

[Kevin]

Very nice, I especially like the mechanism.

Kevin

[King's X]

My condolences on the loss of your husband. Your work shows your innovation and use of scrap pieces.

[dbusarow]

Very cool. Doesn't look like scrap to me!

Dan

[dirtclod]

Nice job !! I reuse everthing i can to. I have some cabinets that have been took apart two or three times and rebuilt into different size cabinets.

[Kate]

I think it's BEAUTIFUL! very nice work.

[celticleather]

Brilliant job . . . looks better than any shop-bought horse!

[WyomingSlick]

Bravo! A big, BIG hand of applause!

It is so refreshing to see someone with limited means (financial that is; definately no limit here on brains and ingenuity) produce something that stands up so well in comparison with any stitching hoss I've seen. And I have no doubt that if it needs any "tinkering", you will be up to the job.

This is one of the very best examples I've ever seen of recycling and I intend to use it a referance for those who are under the impression that they need to buy all of their equipment and tools from the dealer man.

Again, another round of applause

Edited April 29, 2010 by WyomingSlick

[impulse]

Thanks for all the encouraging comments! I am finding that the clamping mechanism holds very firmly and I am pleased with the outcome.

Lois (impulse)

[BondoBobCustomSaddles]

"Necessity is the mother of invention." You have done yourself proud with the rehab of the "parts bin". I love to see people use inovative talent to solve a need. Very nice job!

Bondo Bob