Braided Core Or Twisted Core For Hackamore

[curlyjo]

OK Now I understand. I've noticed when I braid cores, I probably don't put as much time in them as I would with a finished piece. Thats just me. I generally just use 2,3, or 4 of the same size string and braid right over it depending on the finish size Bosal I'm looking for. Maybe it's just faster then braiding up a core and then braiding over to finish. But thats just me. Brad I hope I got this right, sorry about the misunderstanding.

[roo4u]

hmm interesting so you dont braid your cores just braid over however many strings you need to make the size you want? do you fasten them together in any way?

[curlyjo]

Thats one way. For small Bosals maybe just 2 strings the same size you are braiding( 1/4 " finished) to a 3/4 finished using 4,5,or 6 strings as a core. Just don't use big strings on small bosals or it tends to have flat spots in the finish braid. It's hard to roll those spots out when you're done. I've used twisted cores and seem to have better luck if you can let them hang around for awhile after they dry. It seems to relax the twist a little and not throw a twist into the finished bosal. Just my 2 cents and I'm always trying new stuff. Brad

[Vaquero1]

Thanks Brad, to hang it for a while seems to be a good solution to let the twist out and become a better "setting" i think-

i will try it that way.

isn´t there nobody else something to say about it????? ;-)

[wantmorelandandcattle]

I make several different kinds, twisted, straight and braided. My recommendation is to NOT try to skip out on your core. Braid it with the same intensity you would braid anything and you'll be happier with the results. I always roll and hang or stretch all my cores, I have a really old stove iron that I tie the braid to, then hang it from the ceiling for a few days. Works like a charm!

When I twist one, I tack one end down, twist it, then stretch it as tight as I can get it, then tack the other end down and let it dry for a couple days. I haven't had any untwist... yet. (keeping my fingers crossed!)

I also build some smaller bosals with a couple straight strands for a core, just be sure to tuck them back through with the tails of your other strands when you build your heal knot, and only use for 3/8ths or smaller bosals.

When I braid one, I use anywhere from 4 to 12 strands, and I try to make it as smooth and tight of a braid as possible. I drilled several different sized holes in a hard board and I grease my braid up really well, then pull it through several times, and smaller and smaller holes to even it out. Sometimes after braiding and hanging them, I sand them down a bit to be sure they are the same diameter for the whole length. As was said earlier, the smoother the core, the smoother the braid.

I've also used other cores that can work well if your looking for something special, like an old 1/4 or 3/8 mecate, yacht braided nylon cord, leather rounds, braided leather and multiple cores. I really like the multiple cores for larger hackamores. Use a 6 strand core, then braid a 12 strand over it, then 18 for your final braid. It takes a lot of rawhide and time, but they make really nice hackamores.

Your best bet though, as mentioned, is obtaining broken reins/reatas or buying cheap reatas off ebay. They work great for cores!

Hope this helps a bit!

On your braided cores, it also helps to bevel all four corners.

[Vaquero1]

Thanks Jake-

your support is very helpful to me!!!

[wantmorelandandcattle]

No problem!

[Alan Bell]

Not to be crude but the problem is not the type of core but how YOU make it. A braided core, like a reata, as you stated is the same and should be braided VERY tight!!! A good reata will need to be pulled through holes to soften it up to use! Fresh off the bench it should be too stiff and need to be broken in! Bill Dorrance wore leather gloves AND a "skirt" of a damp hemp sack and would pull each strand behind his hip and lean back! I'm going to make a "reata" braider" setup I saw Granny Martin use that is basically a 2x4 with a narrow v in the end. Below the v a hole is drilled angled down say 5/8 dia. And a 3/4 dowel about 16" long with 4" cut Dow to fit into tha hole in the 2x4. Each strand is wrapped around the dowel and pulled into the v which blocks the other strands and tightens the braid. I'll post pics when I build it. Also consider this, folks now are riding in rope halters how stiff do you need a hack to be?? It isn't the stiffness that makes a hack a good tool it is the weight of the heelknot and length of the nosebutton. IMHO the stiffer they are, the less responsive. The soft ones require the rider to be MORE communicative and have "better hands" or else cable cores would be the standard! Twisted cores will work and don't "always" untwist. I have some twisted cores just lying around waiting for me to braid on them I made over a year ago! But you do need to have a way, hand or belt, to sand the edges of a twisted core once it dries. Also, always pull, stretch and dry every core before braiding over it. I nail mine to a board and set them in the sun several days! In doors would take weeks! Best to make several cores and set the aside to use later. Braid some hobbles or a quirt while the bosal cores cure. As always consider fit form and function when making braided gear! Hope this helps.

Vaya con Dios, Alan

[wantmorelandandcattle]

Ha! That's far from crude Alan! If you build one of those, would you please post some pictures of it? I'd like to see it, it's a little hard to get a picture in my head.

Thanks!

[Vaquero1]

Jake and Alan- thanks for your support... your answers helps me a lot and you are with me doing my cores ;-)

Michael