Saddle Tooling?

[dgwof]

Hello everyone,

Im looking forward to ordering a new wade saddle and would love to do some tooling on it myself. I am not a saddle maker so I would like to know if its possible to do some tooling on a saddle that is already assembled? Stirrups and cinches can be layed out flat and I think I can get a hard surface up under the skirts for something firm to work on but would love to hear from someone with experience. If its even a possiblity my next question would be at what stage would I ask the saddle maker to send along the saddle....certainly before dyeing but would I even have them oil it or just send it along totally unfinished?

Thank you all so much

Deb

[dirtclod]

I'm thinking you will have a hard time tooling the skirts after their on the saddle. The sheep skin will be more a cushion than you think.

If the maker will let you do your own tooling ask for the skirts, fenders and seat when their cut out. If your lucky enough to find a maker that will do that. Because it is going to be a long drawn off build for them. Mailing both ways plus waiting for you to do your work.

[dgwof]

Thanks for your reply, I didnt think about the sheepskin padding and what that would do to it. I guess I should leave it to the experts and maybe be satisifed with antiqueing it once I get it home.

Thanks again

I'm thinking you will have a hard time tooling the skirts after their on the saddle. The sheep skin will be more a cushion than you think.

If the maker will let you do your own tooling ask for the skirts, fenders and seat when their cut out. If your lucky enough to find a maker that will do that. Because it is going to be a long drawn off build for them. Mailing both ways plus waiting for you to do your work.