Braided Hackamore Headstall

[buckskin1]

here is a braided hackamore headstall that i just recently finished. i did not make the bosal just the headstall, so let me know what you think. this is the first braided project of this size that i have attempted and i know i need a lot of improvement so also please any pointers that you folks have, please let me know.

Thanks

[megabit]

Wow that looks great. Very neat project. Only think I noticed was the braid looks like it could be a little tighter in a few places. I doubt much of anyone who isn't a braider would even notice and it could just be the pictures. I would say that is clearly a piece to be proud of.

Mike

[Luke Hatley]

It looks Great to me....Can i see it in person when you come for a visit.

[roo4u]

i like the overall look of the piece. goes well with the bosal. however i agree with megabit...braid could be tighter in a couple of spots...not too noticeable until you bend the pieces. and on a couple of the knots. did you use precut lace? i have found with most pieces were braiders have trouble with gapping it is because they used commercial lace that is prefinished and therefore harder than cut it yourself. this makes it alot harder to get tightness.

[KnotHead]

Over all nice work. Few loose spots, but I do like it. Very nice work.

Brian...

[Bevan]

here is a braided hackamore headstall that i just recently finished. i did not make the bosal just the headstall, so let me know what you think. this is the first braided project of this size that i have attempted and i know i need a lot of improvement so also please any pointers that you folks have, please let me know.

Thanks

G’day Buckskin how ya going mate?

Before I say what the other good folk have said!! I will ask what did you use as a core??? and what was the diameter of it??

RULE OF THUMB FOR ME

diameter of the core x 4.5 = ? divided by the number of strings I want to use ? = the width of the string I will use for a perfect cover !!

Plus I bevel my strings with my own beveller for that perfect look,

Well give it a go and let us know if it works for you too !!!

Cheers from down under

Bevan

www.bwrwhips.com

Here is my web site if you want to check out the beveller and the results I achieve by using this rule.

Edited June 4, 2010 by Bevan

[entiendo]

Along with the plaiting, the buttons could use a little work too I think. I can't tell for sure but they look a little loose and they haven't been completely rolled and shaped.

Very nice look though.

[buckskin1]

thanks for the input.

i used commercial precut lace from tandy for this project and it is very stiff. i wasn't sure if that was part of the problem or not I have just started cutting my own lace. the core that i used was rope and i believe that it was 3/16 diameter. i am cutting some latigo into lace now for another headstall that i am wanting to make but am having trouble beveling. the lace keeps wanting to ride up onto the blade instead of cutting the blades are sharp but i am not getting good results. any thoughts on this, i'm sure that it is user error. i have another quick question. is there anybody that is willing to teach braiding. traveling 6-8 hours from north east Arkansas would be no problem.

Thanks

Luke I will bring it with me when i come to see you. was hoping to be over that way Saturday but have a farrier coming and that will probably take all day.

[entiendo]

Did you use soap or fat or something to soften and slick the string a little. That helps it slide together tighter.

I'm in california but I bet there is someone that can help.

I can't help with the beveling as it seems each type of those tools works a little differently. I had trouble with certain hides when I was first learning to bevel too. I just had to get to know my tool and the subtle differences in the leather. Latigo is probably pretty thick though...not sure, maybe that's the difficulty.

[buckskin1]

i used fiebings white saddle soap on the strings. it softened them some but they were still very rigid.