lottarope Report post Posted June 8, 2011 I love the look of when the fork cover is flush with the seat. I have seen a couple of Siedel saddles with this feature. They were so cool and should help with stabilizing buckrolls. I am wondering about the duribility of the scived edge of the fork cover. I know you put another peice of leather to build it up, and I have practiced a little with scrap. It comes out ok. Anyone have pictures of doing this process and/or any hints? They would be much appreciated. I am also wondering how it is affected by tooling expansion on the seat, and if there are any ideas on getting this fit. Thanks in advance, Buck Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
kseidel Report post Posted June 9, 2011 Of all of the things that I have done to a saddle, this is one of the hardest to accomplish well! It should only be attempted by experienced saddlemakers. (disclaimer) That being said, give it a try.... The edge of the swell cover that is creased to a sharp edge around the seat is not that thin. It is skived some, but not too thin. If too thin, it is hard to get the sharp edge. Once past the fold, you can skive as thin as you want as there is no wear under the seat. There should be no compromise in strength, durability, or thickness for tooling. The hard part is getting the final fit to be tight as you plan. It does not always cooperate, and it looks bad if not fitted tightly all around the seat. A few pointers: 1) Stretch the seat in before fitting the swell cover or plug. Leave pinned in place and allow to dry thoroughly! At least two days! 2) Be sure to remove any plugs under the seat used while fitting, before marking swell around seat. 3) Use a wide enough plug to raise the swell to the seat thickness. You may need to re-shape the swell. 4) Use press cement or toe box cement to harden plug before fitting swell cover. There are probably a hundred things that I could tell you that might help, but then I would be giving away trade secrets. Good luck (you're going to need it) Keith Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
lottarope Report post Posted June 9, 2011 Keith, Thanks for the tips your generousity is greatly appreciated. This would look so cool in conjunction with building the buckroles into the seat cover. Now I've got to do a gut check and see how brave I am:) I now know why my sample peices didnt have a nice sharp crease like I was looking for. Thanks again, Buck Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
