Building My First Saddle

[buckaroo93]

Hey I'm working on my first saddle a wood rawhide 16'' wade tree and I was wondering if I should drill right through the tree for the saddle strings or just put them through the leather. I've heard some saddlemakers say that they don't like to because moisture could get in there and swell the wood. What are the chances for this? What do you others do?

[jwwright]

You might look through the topics in this category, as this topic has been discussed a few times over the past few years. There are lots of good saddle makers who drill holes for strings....lots of good saddle makers who do not........and all have their reasons for their preferences. You just need to probably decide what will work best for you. JW

[Denise]

Here's one longer topic on it. I did the advance search, put in drill strings and searched in the saddle and tack forum. There are a few other threads in there too.

http://leatherworker.net/forum/index.php?showtopic=8162&st=0#entry6736

[buckaroo93]

Ok thanks, I had a look at those links and I got something to think about now. I think I'm gona drill this one and see how that works. What kind of resin or coating could a person use on the holes? Thanks Wyndelle

[roo4u]

well im not a saddlemaker but i have a saddle that was probably made in the 60's. a few years back i took it apart to reline it the strings are thru the tree at all locations and it didnt seem to cause it any problem at all doesnt appear to have had any treatment on the holes.

[Rod and Denise Nikkel]

We use a spar varnish on both wood and rawhide. It wouldn't hurt to put some of that through the holes once you drill them.