My First Saddle

[GianniWest]

For my first saddle, I use an old tree in good condition.

The only problem is that I can not remove all the glue set before. There are specific products to remove the glue and thoroughly clean the rawhide that covers the tree?

Thank you very much

[dirtclod]

If you can get thinner made for glue it might take the old glue off. Of if it's not bad you may be able to leave it. Do you have a picture of the tree ?

[barra]

Most adhesive removers are acetone based. Acetone is available from most hardware stores - get an MSDS sheet as well and wear appropriate PPE. The 3M company also produce an adhesive remover.

Barra

[GianniWest]

Thank you Barra, is a good idea.

@ dirtclod: here are the photo

Edited September 22, 2011 by GianniWest

[GianniWest]

Another...

[CWR]

Gianni,

I would put another coat of laquer on that tree.

CW

[GianniWest]

Gianni,

I would put another coat of laquer on that tree.

CW

The Laquer is the Rawhide? You'll put on or take off the old one?

Actually I had thought but I think that it is difficult for me.

I'm ordering a bit 'of stuff from U.S., will also take a rawhide skin and we feel. Let's see how it is.

My english is from google translation, excuse me if I write things incomprehensible.

Thank tou very much CWR

[CWR]

No Gianni, don't take the rawhide off just put a coat of lacquer on it to seal the old nail holes. You can get it at the hardware store.

Good luck,

CW

[GianniWest]

No Gianni, don't take the rawhide off just put a coat of lacquer on it to seal the old nail holes. You can get it at the hardware store.

Good luck,

CW

Thank tou CWR, I have much need luck, really;)

I can not translate the LACQUER:ranting2: !!! The translator tells me "LACCA", but we use it to comb hair and we buy it at the barber:lol:

However, now I go to a hardware store and I see to solve.

Thank you very much for your suggestions and your patience

Gianni

[CWR]

Thank tou CWR, I have much need luck, really;)

I can not translate the LACQUER:ranting2: !!! The translator tells me "LACCA", but we use it to comb hair and we buy it at the barber:lol:

However, now I go to a hardware store and I see to solve.

Thank you very much for your suggestions and your patience

Gianni

glad to help. Try varnish in the translator.

CW

[GianniWest]

Right! Thanks, I'll keep you informed:yes:

[Denise]

I have been told it is much harder to build a saddle on an old tree that has been built on before because of all the old holes in it. I would suggest filling all the old holes with something like auto body filler, making sure everything is smooth and then giving it a couple coats of varnish before you start. The smoother everything is the better.

[GianniWest]

Jes Denise, I have bought a similar product, I hope it goes well.

Is this, CWR, I hope so

[Denise]

vernish = vernice?? according to Google Translate here anyway.

[GianniWest]

Google does not help me. However, I have purchased a product like a paste to close the holes and trim the uneven. I think that should work. However, in truth, I'm thinking of taking a new tree

By

gianni

[compound]

I think, rawhide cover on old tree need new coat of SHELLACK

[Denise]

However, in truth, I'm thinking of taking a new tree

I know that would make building the saddle a lot easier for you and I think you will be happier with it in the end. Why put a new building on an old foundation, especially one that doesn't look to be in good condition to start with.

[GianniWest]

True!

I ordered an SF BOWMAN from Bowden Saddle Tree! Now I hope not to ruin it

Thank you very much for your valuable advice

[Aurelie]

you will more likely "ruin" 1 or 2 hides of leather...before ruinning the saddle tree!

Keep us posted on how is going your 1st saddle building!

[GianniWest]

Work in progress

I hope so

[harrington]

I'm not familiar with the two-piece tin strainer, how are they connected? If they are only covered with the two pieces of leather groundwork, won't they separate and collapse?

[GianniWest]

I'm not familiar with the two-piece tin strainer, how are they connected? If they are only covered with the two pieces of leather groundwork, won't they separate and collapse?

I hope not. I am following the DVD by Dusty Johnson. However, it seems very robust. We will see!

[GianniWest]

Small, difficult progress ... other advancements coming weekend!!!

[Aurelie]

Your fork cover looks nice! i doid not had the "guts" to try this so far but it's in a corner of my mind

Regarding your "flat plates" (to me) they look like a bit too big or long

i do not know what others (more experienced) think about it but as for me, i ve been taught to "srew" the back something like under the cantle (where it meets the bars) and not on the back of the bars

i do not know if there are several ways of placing flat plates or not

or what are the pros and cons of doing it one way or another way...

Any master saddle maker around to give his opinion?

But anyway : keep going!

[GianniWest]

Thanks Aurelie,

I do not know what to tell you, it's my first saddle and I have enough experience. I must say that I really like the seat, the rest going on to try to store the points that I need to improve (the ones that I can find), and go ahead!

I want to congratulate you for your works, I saw your site and the works are very beautiful. Since you are in neighboring France, I would like to ask you if you are getting in Europe of producing high-quality tree, or even if you import them from the U.S.

sorry for my bad english and thanks again

Gianni