First Saddle

[Chaed]

Hey guys. Some of you might know me from my other thread in Saddle Construction, Starting First Saddle

Well, I guess that start has now found its end. I just finished. It's really late over here, so I'll leave you with some pics and post all the facts tomorrow.

PS. Please give me your honest opinions, critisms and such! I have a list of things that I know need improvement but as a complete leathernewbie I'm proud that I've completed this!

Here you go!

[dirtclod]

Really nice job on your saddle !!!! I'm guessing you will have some orders coming in real soon if you haven't already.

[JinxedDream]

Wow! Great job! For a first saddle, that is amazing.

[Denise]

Anne, you have done a really nice job on that saddle, especially for a first one. Enjoy riding it!

[Tosch]

Congrats on a job very well done!!!!!!

[benlilly1]

Very nice! I admire anyone accomplishing a saddle. Something I would never attempt.

[Northmount]

Fantastic job. I can only wish to do that someday.

For the photo #4, to get the whole photo in focus, you need to increase the depth of field by using smaller lens opening near f16 and longer exposure. The the horn and cantle can both be in focus.

Tom

[GrampaJoel]

Very nice for any number of saddle.

You must have been a pretty good leather worker already before you started this saddle.

You did a really nice job.

Joel

[rickybobby]

Excellent job!! When do you start saddle #2? lol!!

That is a beauty!

[Josh Ashman]

Nice job!

[Chaed]

Thanks all for your comments, they really made my day!

Northmount - I fear I have no clue about cameras other than turning them on and pressing the button to make a picture, but as soon as I'll decipher your tip I'll try making a new picture!

And Saddle #2 is already in the mental planning stages.

[Northmount]

Northmount - I fear I have no clue about cameras other than turning them on and pressing the button to make a picture, but as soon as I'll decipher your tip I'll try making a new picture!

Here are a few links that may help you with depth of field. Mostly, get more light on the subject if you can, but there is more to it that can be done.

http://digital-photography-school.com/aperture

http://digital-photography-school.com/a-deeper-look-into-depth-of-field

http://digital-photography-school.com/overcoming-depth-of-field-problems-in-portraits

Good luck on saddle #2.

Tom

[Frank]

I have one suggestion that really has nothing to do with the saddle. An old time saddle maker gave me some food for thought on this one. The Keeper buckle on your flank cinch or small Dees for those who use them instead, should be on both sides of the flank cinch. That way, if you have a tear out while riding, you can turn the flank cinch around and use the buckle or Dee on the other side and it will keep you in the game.

Frank

[c2369zulu]

Fantastic job and great looking saddle! I am still entry level at leatherwork and I hope to one day make a saddle. I have no horses and don't live on a farm, but I would like to make one just to make one, for the practice and just to be able to say I made one ......................Rory

[yoboverthetop]

Chaed, I really enjoyed seeing your saddle come together. It's probably my favourite thread on this forum (that I've read so far)...perhaps with the exception of Dusty Johnson's attempt to homeschool a few folks on the topic of saddle fit (really...it's priceless reading).

Your pics were fantastic and your comments both helpful and entertaining. Your saddle looks great too. Really nice job.

Looking forward to saddle #2. 8-)

[SteelcityK9Cop]

Absolutely beautiful!!! Take more pictures...lots more for your "portfolio" of work. BRAVO!!!!!

[compound]

Great job! Hope your work will continue

Martin

[pamsplace]

Absolutely beautiful! I am impressed! I am tearing down an old saddle and trying to copy it for my first saddle. What a job. My hands are beat up. Your tooling is lovely.