ptanks56 Report post Posted July 1, 2008 New to board and been interested in rawhide braiding for some time. I am looking to build inventory of strings for working riata. Have ordered the books described on board from Grant and others. But want to start cutting strings and getting then ready. I assume 3/8" dia would be good. Any suggestions on lenght and width of string for a rookie. Paul Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
steve mason Report post Posted July 1, 2008 (edited) If you are wanting to build a reata, I would strongly suggest that you buy the DVD "FOUR STRANDS OF RAWHIDE The finest tape done yet on the making of a four strand rawhide reata. Cowboy, braider Randy Rieman along with mentor Bill Dorrance have teamed up to make this 2 tape set a classic. Straight forward braiding information that is presented in a clear and concise format, backed up by interviews and shots of Bill Dorrance using and discussing the making of a reata." this video will show you just about everything you need to know to build a reata, from making the strings to braiding the hondo. If you google "FOUR STRANDS OF RAWHIDE" you will find a few websites that sell the DVD, it sells for $130 and is worth the money. Steve Edited July 1, 2008 by steve mason Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ptanks56 Report post Posted July 1, 2008 I guess I should have noted that I am trying to keep the budget low for this project, like all my leather projects I practice on scrap and then run the final on my parts. I have ordered Grants books used and while I wait I wanted to work on strings. I was asking for width suggestions, plus if a "core" is typically inside a riata. Cant seen to get that info from any site so far. I have gotten pretty good at string cutting, I am practicing the braiding and pretty good at tesion maint. and uniformity. Can't really drop 130$ for DVD. If needed i can braid up some short sections with various cores and no core with varialbe widths to see how they feel. 3/8" dia seems to be what I am reading about. We will see. I hope to get a head start on string cutting before the books get here. Paul Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
carr52 Report post Posted July 1, 2008 Tanks, Check out the public libarary. If they dont have it they can usually get it from one of thier other branchs. Tom Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
