What shears should I use to strip off old fleecing?

[Big Sioux Saddlery]

 

Do you ever give lessons to newbies in the saddlery business?

I haven't yet. I get lots of requests from locals, but usually it's " Maybe I could work for you and you could teach me how to do this stuff."  In other words, pay them to learn:-)  I imagine someday, if I live long enough, I will have to think about what will happen to my business when I'm done and perhaps then think about taking an apprentice.  I was hoping one of my three boys would take an interest, and although they have at different times all helped me in the shop, none of them wants to take over.   But when I see someone struggling on this forum, especially someone who contributes as freely as you do, I'm not opposed to giving a little advice.  And honestly, I'm not yet to the point (and maybe never will be) where I would be above spending a couple weeks with someone who could give ME some lessons.  I don't think a person is ever too old or too wise to learn something new.

[Wizcrafts]

 

I haven't yet. I get lots of requests from locals, but usually it's " Maybe I could work for you and you could teach me how to do this stuff."  In other words, pay them to learn:-)  I imagine someday, if I live long enough, I will have to think about what will happen to my business when I'm done and perhaps then think about taking an apprentice.  I was hoping one of my three boys would take an interest, and although they have at different times all helped me in the shop, none of them wants to take over.   But when I see someone struggling on this forum, especially someone who contributes as freely as you do, I'm not opposed to giving a little advice.  And honestly, I'm not yet to the point (and maybe never will be) where I would be above spending a couple weeks with someone who could give ME some lessons.  I don't think a person is ever too old or too wise to learn something new.

I pretty much learn something new every day. I have a lot of interests and an expensive N scale hobby that are never ending learning experiences.

FWIIW: The fake fur is glued onto the saddle waiting for sewing and trimming when I come back to the shop on Thursday.

[Ken Nelson]

Wiz,

I have done some saddle maker schools.  I usually figure a month as a mininium and if I teach someone, they will know my way of doing it and there are a lot of other ways of building saddles.  I let a couple of young guys do apprenticeships in my shop in New Mexico.  One was there part time for a year and a half, partly because he did not have a shop at that time.  The other was there, part time, for  one school year.  I would do a repair school pretty reasonably.

If you do or if anyone goes to take schooling from anyone, be sure the person knows how to build a good saddle.

Try to find out if the person is a "teacher",  some are and some aren't.

And that is just my 2 cents worth.