recent saddles, what do ya think?

[Fpotter]

Let me have it guys, Lines, workmanship etc....

Thanks

[bruce johnson]

A pretty minor thing but what I find a bit distracting is the back billet. The stamp pattern is angling opposite of the swells, fender, and back jockey. The seat profile looks good. The execution of the stamping pattern is excellent.

[Steve Brewer]

Looks good.Swap the billets and the stamp angle will match better

[Fpotter]

A pretty minor thing but what I find a bit distracting is the back billet. The stamp pattern is angling opposite of the swells, fender, and back jockey. The seat profile looks good. The execution of the stamping pattern is excellent.

ya i screwed that up when i stamped them i woundered how long it woudld take you guys to figure that out

[BruceGibson]

I like it. It's sad that the billet stamp angle apparently ruined the overall ambiance of the piece, but if you would, just box it up and ship it to me. I'll take that thing off your hands and send you a check for the shipping.

[JRedding]

Overall I like it, I wish I knew how many saddles you've built, the main thing I noticed besides what's already been mentioned is the cantle binder appears to be square, maybe that's intended but I'd think it will wear quickly with a sharp edge like that. And it's hard to tell but the handstitching on the binder looks like maybe it needs a smaller stitch. More pics would be nice.

Edited August 13, 2008 by JRedding

[Fpotter]

JRedding,

Thanks for the input, this is the 9th saddle that i have built, and the ranch cutter i posted was my 8th. I dont build a lot right now im just trying to keep one going in front of me at all times. Right now i dont have anyone around that can help me along in person. although i do have some friends that i bother on the phone quite often. Im from the great Basin but unfortunatly am trapped in Tejas for the time being. Although its not my favorite place in the world i have learned some new stuff both a horseback and in the saddle shop. Its kinda cool to get around and see how other folks get it done.

As far as the stitching goes its sewn at 5 to the inch with a 6 cord waxed linen thread. I know that a smaller perhaps poly thread would make it look more refined but what if any benifits functionaly would that accomplish? I have spent a lot of time making sure i can hand sew correctly and my sewing is straight and clean i often wounder why some of the best saddlemakers out their hide that stitch in the back, i figure if i cant make it straight enough to show it off than i need to work a little harder. I would love to here opionions on thread size, stitch per inch, etc.. god knows i could stand some schoolin on a lot of this stuff. My main concern is gear that looks clean and is functional. I build my gear with a cowboys perspective (ive spent much more time horseback than in the saddle shop) and i do relize that that might be to my detrement. Thats why this forum is such a resource for me it allows me to communicate with the masters of the saddle trade. I appreciate all the feedback i can get from you guys and gals and am sure it will help me on my journey to making a hand in the shop.

Thanks

[jwwright]

Frank, nice, good clean saddles. Nice lines, and even though you are from the Basin, the lines on these two show some Texas influence to me, at least. Where abouts in Texas are you living currently? Have you cut about 20 feet off your rope and put a horn knot on it yet?.......just joshin ya, don't want to start a war! JW

Edited August 13, 2008 by jwwright

[Fpotter]

JW,

Ya thats funny you mentioned the rope thing, im still packing a long rope and slickhorn. I get some funny looks when im out dayworking but as soon as folks figure out you havew some sense they take to you pretty well. I will say this there are some damn fine hands down here tyed off or not its fun to see some different country and different ways of doin things. I am starting to understand where all of the different steryotypes came from, on both ends. Its pretty cool.

[Bob]

Fpotter,

I like the work your doing, based on what I can see. (more pictures would be nice) The edges are rubbed to a nice finish. Stamping looks fine. Lines appear good.

There's only a couple things I'd suggest. A smaller concho on top would be good. The two you have there are very close in size.

The lacing on the back billet could use a smack with a hammer. I do that to help keep that knot from coming loose.

I agree with JRedding, you may want to buy a bigger edger for the horn and binding, they look pretty square still.

These are nit picky things. Your saddles look really good. I wished mine looked that good after 9 saddles.

Keep posting your work, it's nice to see.

Respectfully

Bob

[Cowboy Crafts Online]

The saddle looks nice. Who did you get the tree from.

Ashley

[IanCantwell]

I like it, wish I could pluck up the courage to have a go a basketweave. Can you tell me what that piece of wood screwed to the stirrup tread is and can anyone tell me if there is a standard way the small strap above the stirrup should finish (pointing in to the horse or out to the bush)?

[Fpotter]

I like it, wish I could pluck up the courage to have a go a basketweave. Can you tell me what that piece of wood screwed to the stirrup tread is and can anyone tell me if there is a standard way the small strap above the stirrup should finish (pointing in to the horse or out to the bush)?

The small piece of wood is called a heel block and it helps keep you from blowin a peddle in a storm. I have always been told that the tail of you stirrup hobble goes twords the horse.

by the way i would like to thank everyone for the feedback!

[Bob]

I have always been told that the tail of you stirrup hobble goes twords the horse.

Thats what I've been told too, so thats exactly what I do. It looks neat and clean, nothing sticking out.