Fresh Off The Bench...

[Go2Tex]

All right, all right.... flattery will get you everywhere. What I'm bracing for is some of them highly critical, "ya shoulda got them jocks tighter", kinda posts from the ol' pros. ....... well, ok. Here's another pic that you can go over with a fine tooth comb. .....

..........well?

OK, then, how 'bout this'un?

Edited June 16, 2008 by Go2Tex

[mudman]

Brent; Very nice work.

[Go2Tex]

Brent; Very nice work.

I thought of you when I was stitching the horn...........

[kseidel]

All right, all right.... flattery will get you everywhere. What I'm bracing for is some of them highly critical, "ya shoulda got them jocks tighter", kinda posts from the ol' pros. ....... well, ok. Here's another pic that you can go over with a fine tooth comb. .....

OK I'll bite............. Pretty nice saddle for a TEXAN! That'll probably get me in trouble.

Really clean lines. Nice balance. Nice execution of tooling and subtle border detail. Jockeys are nice and tight..... and still line up properly. Nice color too. It is hard to criticize a saddle this well made.

When you cropped the photo of the cantle you made the outside edge look uneven and I think it is smooth based on the other pics.

Stitching on the cantle binding varies a bit from stitch. This is a result of the awl blade beint at a different twist from one hole to the next. With a diamond awl, keep one flat edge parallel to the edge of the binding. Did you stitch with a lock stitch or with two needles?

Picture from top down shows the seat side jockeys fairly wide, especially for a small ladies seat.

You did a great job, Keith

[jwwright]

More attaboys here Tex. Extra nice job. I envy you fellers that can carve that well. JW

[CitizenKate]

I am in awe of this saddle, Brent! I also have to say I appreciated Keith's feedback, as I could also apply it to my own work. But, very, very nice work!

Kate

[JRedding]

Brent, just an all out nice job, not much to add except maybe keep tooling on up under the rear D and get rid of that one plain spot is the only thing I could suggest. Beatiful saddle all the way around.

[Go2Tex]

Aahh, now that's what I was looking for. ....some really good critiques from you Yankees. heh heh. But, seriously, mucho gracias ya'll for taking a good look at it.

I agree with your points too. Yeah, the cantle binding....... I use 2 needles, a Douglas awl and blade, as sharp as I can make it, plenty of candle wax to make it slide through nice and easy. I'm using regular machine thread, 277 bond. It matches the machine stitching, and sure is easier to run through the holes, but I guess a heavier thread might help give it a more even appearance. The lighter thread really shows up the imperfections of each stitch. A more consistent pull on each stitch when tightening also helps when I can manage it. That will cause it to look eneven when the holes are actually spaced correctly, I've noticed. (note to self: order heavier thread).

As for the cantle smoothness..... Yeah, from the photo it's probably the cropping job, but I did have more trouble than usual cutting it off. I think the problem is trying to cut it off and round it while it's still not completely dry.

The seat jocks are cut kinda low and that might lead to the wide appearance from the top view. It's a fairly narrow seat and the rigging and fenders are pushing it out a bit. Guess I coulda got them ears pulled up tighter, though.

I sure do appreciate the comments.

[steve mason]

Nice rig, great carve job, it'sheridan style but better, you have a lot more going on in that carve job than a lot of the sheridan style carving I see.

the only thing my eye really picks up on is how much shearling I see from the side photos, I am not sure if it just the angle of the photos or if a little more shearling could have been trimed out, at least for my taste.

[Go2Tex]

Nice rig, great carve job, it'sheridan style but better, you have a lot more going on in that carve job than a lot of the sheridan style carving I see.

the only thing my eye really picks up on is how much shearling I see from the side photos, I am not sure if it just the angle of the photos or if a little more shearling could have been trimed out, at least for my taste.

Thanks for the comments, Steve.

Yeah, there is a lot goin' on in there. Maybe a bit too much goin' on. It's a little busy in spots. I'm going to simplify the next one a bit, I think. Always looking to improve it.

Now, about that wool..... I actually beveled it back pretty good all around but it just keeps popping back out there on the edge, plus that side pic probably shows it from a low enough angle you're seeing a little more of it. (note to self: order new electric clippers)