Why aren't there more tree makers?

[AndyKnight]

This is all leading up to one thought that I've had for some time. Learng both trades has helped me do both jobs better. When I start a tree now , I know pretty much what I want the saddle to be and I shape the top of the tree to help me in that reguard, when the leather go's on it lets me get to where I want to be.

Down side? you can't fool the saddlemaker, or lay the blame on the treemaker.

If you only do one, I'd still advise every treemaker to build a saddle, and every saddlemaker to build a tree. RS

I sure agree with that!!

Andy

[IanCantwell]

So, can anyone tell me why people aren't lining up to become tree makers?

Hi everyone,

I'm new to the forum (and saddle making) and have spent all morning reading the posts and figure there's going to lots I can learn from you all. Might have a problem with the time zone over here in the UK and the computer being at work but will try to keep up.

I built my first saddle (old timer on Ultrahide slick fork tree) in 3 weeks with the instruction (and very little hands on help) of Bob Land @ Okanagan Saddlery B.C. Learnt lots about what NOT to do so figure this was a good course. To remind myself of what I'd learnt I built another saddle when I got home to England, that was a couple of years back. My horse has outgrown them and so I'm now thinking about my next project.

To the question of trees and lack of availability. Well over here I can name maximum 3 western saddlemakers and that's it, and nobody makes trees. Not to say there isn't an interest in western riding but when you way up the cost of importing a tree @ say $350 + shipping+import duty+tax you're into $650. Then you start with the leather (8oz is about the thickest you get here) and all the other bits and you're soon beyond what anyone is prepared to pay even for a custom/bespoke saddle. One guy does a 15lb trail saddle on Ralide tree for $3500! There's a great market for NEW $400 saddles on ebay.co.uk!!!

I'd love to get into making a tree for my next saddle, an early Hope style with Sam Stag rigging or something of that type. Don't want to go to Tandy for a Ralide tree and rather not wait the 90 days++ (Sonny F.) plus time in shipping and customs for an import although I appreciate the superb quality you guys produce. Need a wood tree with rawhide as the tree will be exposed. Trawled all your web sites, downloaded the pics and diagrams, found UK suppliers of the correct timber but my biggest problem apart from not being trained in tree making (I'm a mechanical engineer & my father a joiner so we're pretty handy) is going to be getting the correct rawhide.

Anyway, hope someone will reply with advice and I'll post some pics of my saddles soon.

Ian.

[Denise]

If you have access to a fresh hide of the thickness you would like to use, making your own might be the best way to go. Here is a thread on how some people make their own rawhide. http://leatherworker.net/forum/index.php?s...ic=2670&hl=

When the old posts come back, there were a couple of other threads on making rawhide, including one about using hot/boiling water. Have fun and let us know how it goes.

[IanCantwell]

If you have access to a fresh hide of the thickness you would like to use, making your own might be the best way to go. Here is a thread on how some people make their own rawhide. http://leatherworker.net/forum/index.php?s...ic=2670&hl=

When the old posts come back, there were a couple of other threads on making rawhide, including one about using hot/boiling water. Have fun and let us know how it goes.

Thanks Denise,

Gosh, so much info on the WWW it's mind blowing. Don't think I'll be in a position to make my own, seems like a smelly, messy job. Living in the middle of a housing estate my not be the ideal situation!! Sent a PM to Troy in Scotland, hope he can help me. Will let you know how things go and I'll keep on with the research.

Have some thoughts on measuring horses so will start a new topic when I'm next in work.

Thanks again, Ian.