Here's The Deuce

[rktaylor]

Well, I just finished my second saddle. It's on a 14.5" Bowden BWBR tree that finished at about 13.74". It has 13" swells and a 4x13 cantle. It's mostly 10-11 oz. Hermann Oak with some heavier skirting in places. It weighs in at 28.75 lbs with no cinch. As I posted earlier, I wanted the saddle to be as light as possible (spouse request). It's about 6 lbs heavier than the saddle she currently uses, but there just isn't much in that saddle. I believe it was Bob Brenner who said 28 lbs was about the lightest I could get without scrimping on methods and material.

I wanted to do something different with this saddle (relative to the first) so I could learn. The in-skirt rigging was fun, but a bit of a challenge for a novice like me in that I didn't have any educational material to study. I think it's pretty solid and I like the way it went together. The Cheyenne Roll and welts on the fork were also something new to me (really everything is new to me). I would say that there are very few pieces on this saddle that were the first attempt.

Thanks to everyone who provided advice along the way. It was extremely important to me even if I didn't use it. Now I need to get back on the Will James I am building for me. Then I would like to build another one of these so I can fix some of my mistakes. Someday, I would like to build one with a master looking over my shoulder shaking his/her head.

These are the Glamour Shots. Comments, suggestions, and scathing critiques are welcomed. If you would like a close up of a certain area let me know. I have some less glamorous pictures that I may post in Saddle Construction to point out what I think went wrong to cause them.

Randy

[rdl123]

Randy,

I am not qualified to comment so I won't...But I can see definite progress from your first saddle so good job!

Regards,

Ron L

[BondoBobCustomSaddles]

Nice job Randy. Yea 28 lbs is about all you can get down to, and still have a good saddle that will last. There are still a couple of paces you could get another lb or so out. but; then there is a place or two that you would add it back in, so, at the end of the day 28 lbs is where you end up. once again, nice job.

Bob

[oltoot]

Well done, I would make one suggestion based on a lot of repairing and observing heavy use, Dont 'dome' the rivits. In a place like that, exposed to constant wear, the heads will eventually (very long term) wear off and when it comes time to reline, they might have to be drilled out and replaced by a bigger size. Along the same line; hard to see so maybe not even a potential but same principal applies to inside edge of front rigging ring/dee/plate. Problem averted by putting a thick filler in between skirt and top piece that fits inside ring/dee/plate so that a 'hump' that invites wear is not created. Let me emphasize that it takes a long time for this to show itself so even a young wife ( as most are) may not bring the amount of wear to bear in her remaining (may they be many) riding years but, In Pursuit of Perfection.

[rktaylor]

Ron,

It is probably hard to judge from photos, but if you put this one and the first side by side any sane person would pick this one. It's definitely a learning process and I still have a long way to go, but it's been a fun journey so far.

Bob,

I think it would be tough to get another half pound out of it and still have a decent saddle. I chose the Mother Hubbard style skirts/rigging because I thought it would be lighter. Given another chance, I would use rear jockeys. I think they would make the back look cleaner and be easier to build.

Oltoot,

I knew you were going to comment on the rivets and I don't doubt you for a second. In my defense, they aren't domed too much. I just tried to curl the edges some, so there is still a fairly flat surface. It may be a weak argument, but with the projected use and my young wife's age those rivets will be someone else's problem. I did plug around (probably 1.5" or so) and inside the rigging hardware, so that should wear fine.

Thanks for all the comments. When it warms up some I will cinch it on a horse.

Randy

[Tramps Leatherworking]

I know nothing about saddles unless they are on V-Twin Iron Horses, but it looks pretty good to me...

[CWR]

Randy,

Really nice job. I have a vary minor critique, burnish the billet slot. I know you won't be able to see much of it when the billet is added but the top will still be visible. It just jumped out at me when i saw it. The rest of your edges look nice so it makes it show even more. Look forward to seeing the Will James.

CW

Edited January 8, 2015 by CWR

[rktaylor]

Thanks Tramp. I know nothing about V-Twins so maybe we're even there.

Nice catch CW. I saw that after posting the photos. I am not planning to have a billet, so it's even more important to get it burnished.

Randy

[Goldshot Ron]

Randy,

Your latest work looks good. The design looks clean, and your stamping looks good and thought out well. To reduce weight a smaller diameter horn and smaller cap. I didn't see the type of stirrup leather buckles you used, but Superior buckles are a feeewww ounces less than Blevins. One feature I think you may need to work on is your seat. It appears that your center of gravity is just a little too far back, and the slope moving up to your hand hole appears a little steep.

Keep up the excellent work.

Ron

[rktaylor]

Ron,

Thanks for the comments. I used Blevins buckles, but like you say we are talking ounces at this point. But take a few ounces out and pretty soon you are at a pound.

I delayed my reply because I have been looking at a lot of seats since you posted. I am thinking about buying Cary Schwarz's DVD on ground seats. Anyway, I think (and the key word is think) I get it. I do believe I have placed the rider a further back than I should have. I don't think it's too steep for the way it's formed, but if I moved the rider forward it probably would be. I also think I need some improvement near the cantle points (as well as many other places).

The saddle feels pretty comfortable on the stand. When it warms up a bit, I'll cinch it on a horse and see how the wife likes it.

I am getting back to work on my Will James today and am really taking a hard look at my ground seat, before I start working on my riggings.

Thanks again for making me think and study. It's good for the mind.

Randy