Pictures of building saddle trees plus

[Rod and Denise Nikkel]

We just wanted to let people know that we have added a couple more sections to our website. There are a number of pages with pictures of Rod Building a Saddle Tree here http://www.rodnikkel.com/content/index.php/building-a-saddle-tree/ . This isn't a tutorial but it does show how we build trees. These pictures just show how we build our trees. A lot of hand made tree makers do it in a similar, but not identical manner. Some do it differently, and the production shops are quite different in their methods. We say that every tree maker does things differently for a reason! And then there is the Tour of the Tree Shop here http://www.rodnikkel.com/content/index.php/tour-of-shop/. We thought some of you might be interested

[dirtclod]

Boy their sure is a lot more to making a tree than i ever though. It is very intresting to see how things are done. The raw hideing is the most intresting part to me, You need a lot more tools to make the tree than i though to. I have a whole new respect for custom tree makers now !!! Thank you shareing how it's done !!

[oldtimer]

Thank´s Rod and Denise ! What a great introduction into the art of making saddle trees ! My compliments !!!!

When you see a saddle tree you can´t imagine how much work there is behind, how much knowledge, machines and skill ! It was a very interesting journey into saddle tree making !

/ Knut

[hidepounder]

Rod & Denise...

I can't tell you how much I enjoyed seeing those pictures and the different stages of production. Like everyone else I had no idea just how long and complicated the process really is. THANKS!!!

Bobby

[Rod and Denise Nikkel]

Thanks for the comments. It makes me feel good knowing that at least a few people have looked at the pictures because doing website stuff is hard work!

Building trees isn't quite as simple as taking a piece of wood and "whittling away anything that doesn't look like a saddle tree". It isn't rocket science, but it isn't kindergarten either. And the equipment needed to build trees in a consistent manner means it isn't something you can do in your basement in the winter as a hobby. There is a reason hand made trees cost what they do, and it isn't because the makers are getting rich building them. But the main reason we put this section up was so that as saddle makers learn and understand more about trees, they can know more of how to order what they want in order to make their saddles better. That is the long term goal - satisfied customers for all of us!

But please, remember that "every tree maker does things differently" and work with your tree maker and the way they do things.

Thanks again for the kind words.

Edited July 21, 2011 by Rod and Denise Nikkel

[GrampaJoel]

Rod and Denise Nikkel

But the main reason we put this section up was so that as saddle makers learn and understand more about trees, they can know more of how to order what they want in order to make their saddles better. That is the long term goal - satisfied customers for all of us!

You two surely understand your business,

and a saddle makers also.

Your web site is becoming one of the most informative( and I might say, maybe the best) saddle tree builder sites on the web!

My hat is off to you both! As always.

Bless you both

Joel

[gtwister09]

It is the most informative web site and information available today on making trees bar none. Of course I may be a little biased as well.

Great work and information. An educated buyer is ALWAYS a good thing.

Regards,

Ben

[King's X]

Wow! I thought leather crafting could be a lengthy process......We spoke briefly about your trees last year at the Texas show and I thought I understood the process. This information sure adds more understanding to that conversation.

I agree, hats off to you both. Awesome website information.

Thanks for sharing on LW.

[Richard Hidalgo]

Rod and Denise,

Wow! What great pictures of the processes of building trees and of your shop. Remind me not to try this at home. I also did not envision the number of steps that went into the process. As complicated as it looks and with the precision that Rod portrays in the pictures, I'm sure that there is also a lot of art that goes into his beautiful trees.

BTW, I would like to again thank you both for the excellent course that you presented in Sheridan.

Best Regards,

Richard Hidalgo

[CWR]

Rod and Denise,

I really enjoyed the pictures and now have a better understanding of what goes into building a tree. After my amazement of all the steps it takes to get a tree finished, the first thought that popped into my head was " Wow, there's about a million ways to lose a finger building a tree!"

Thanks for all the work you do to keep us informed.

CW

[Rod and Denise Nikkel]

I'm glad you are finding the website informative. Thast was the main goal in setting it up - shedding some light on the "black hole" that saddle trees seem to be at times.

Richard, yes, there is art that goes into the trees as well, and Rod is the artist in this duo. He can look at something and shape it smoothly and evenly so it looks beautiful with just a couple of lines to guide him. He has the eye to do that. (I, on the other hand, can make the books work out to the penny, so it is a good partnership. Denise) I'm glad you enjoyed the course at Sheridan as well. We sure enjoyed giving it.

CW, Before Rod had seen your post, I asked him "What is the most dangerous part of building a tree?" His answer, "Rawhiding. Cutting myself with the knife." So he's not too worried about the big equipment! Actually, infection to the point of blood poisoning from the wet rawhide is a real danger and most tree makers have had it. I'm grateful for antibiotics!

Edited July 23, 2011 by Rod and Denise Nikkel

[rawhide1]

Denise

Thank you for adding that to your site. It's very informative while I don't build saddles it's nice to know the steps in building a tree. Heck those are so pretty it's a shame to cover them.

Thanks again, Mike

[Rod and Denise Nikkel]

Thanks Mike. They are pretty, but they are made to be practical so they get covered up and most people never know who made the frame to their saddle. "Only the saddle maker knows for sure..." Glad you find the site interesting even if you don't build saddles. I am always amazed at how people create in any area. It is fun to see the process.