Cutting Rawhide String

[barbiesdude]

I would love to go to that clinic, it's just a matter of will the finances be there at the time. Maybe I can sweet talk my better half into it by then. I wish there were more clinics like that on this side of the country. Just cut some good latigo string yesterday to plait over my first bosal core. I'm pretty excited about that. I'll try to post some pics soon if I can figure out how to shrink them down.

Jamie

Good deal, you are getting some good string cut. It takes good string, to braid good gear! I'm glad b/c Ms. Shelly is a great braider, and her idea is awesome. I found on my finer strands like calf, I barely wet it, and then put it in a bag and it condensates and gets way to wet. I think the paper towels in a tupperware would do the trick. Leatherpounder is also a very good braider I was fortunate to meet in Elko, last year at the poetry gathering. His idea works well, I have used that method on romal reins, and bosal bodies.

Aggie braider has a good thought. The clinic would be great to attend. Not just from help from Nate and Leland, but the networking with other braiders as well. There are other amazing braiders there that almost makes you wonder why they are there... but they too are trying to always improve their braiding, which is what keeps me inspired. There are several braiders that I can call, text, or email with questions. The other thing he mentioned was focus... that is right, I was the inspiration for that thought. I was bouncing around doing a little of everything, but had done alot of what they worked on and was just studying technique. The 2nd day I buckled down half a day and did a rawhide nosebutton, and learned a cool little method, I didn't think was possible! I'll be attending the advanced one in the fall, and if not interfering with reining/cowhorse shows, I may go to part or all of the bosal clinic in Feb.. Keep braiding and have a good one!

Brent

[Aggiebraider]

Just convince them to give you money or a plane ticket for the trip for christmas. I did that last year and seemed like every family member wanted to pony up at least a little cash once they found out I was going lol.

[barbiesdude]

GREAT!!! idea.

Just convince them to give you money or a plane ticket for the trip for christmas. I did that last year and seemed like every family member wanted to pony up at least a little cash once they found out I was going lol.

[Nod4Eight]

I don't have a lot to add to what everyone has said, but I do have one little thing that has helped me. I was having a tough time getting the right temper and actually ruined a couple of rounds as I was trying to string them out. What I do now is temper some scrap from the same hide along with my rounds or rough-cut string. That way I can test out on the scrap and not risk my good stuff. I felt kinda dumb for not doing that before as it just makes too much sense - but it may help someone out there.

Rob

[barbiesdude]

That does make alot of sense, will definately do in the future.

Jamie

I don't have a lot to add to what everyone has said, but I do have one little thing that has helped me. I was having a tough time getting the right temper and actually ruined a couple of rounds as I was trying to string them out. What I do now is temper some scrap from the same hide along with my rounds or rough-cut string. That way I can test out on the scrap and not risk my good stuff. I felt kinda dumb for not doing that before as it just makes too much sense - but it may help someone out there.

Rob

[curlyjo]

I've added this before. Take a bucket or plastic container, put a screen about 6 inches from the bottom, soak large string for an hour or small string for just a little time and place in container with about an inch of water in bottom. Cover with plastic in a warm spot. The rawhide will pull moisture up and be evenly tempered. I made some string for hondas yesterday, put them in last night, and braided 2 this evening. Just had to swab a little soapy water to bring everything up to snuff. The container generates its own heat from the plastic so be careful. With button string I just dunk it in water and put it in the container. Brad