Saddlemaking DVDs

[Traveller]

I'm not a saddle maker and never will be but I do have 20 years of television experience and would love to produce a video on building saddles. I do highly professional work that would suit a highly professional saddle maker looking to share his techniques. You can check out my website at www.pebblebeachproductions.com.

Darc, I'll get in touch with Chuck directly.

Joanne

[seveneves]

I've kinda started backwards. I bought the Dusty Johnson one. Then Cheaney's, Then recently Jeremiah Watt's.

Knowing what I know now I would have been better off to buy Jeremiah's in the first place. I wasted so much leather that I probably could have paid for it. And the end result would have been a lot better. I really do like Jeremiah's DVD's they are really in depth and he makes it easy to understand. One thing I thought was strange is that he doesn't drill holes in the tree for his saddle strings. One thing that makes his dvds worth it for me is that he taught me how to make my own patterns. Now I don't have to be dependent on anyone else and my saddles can be truly custom made. One thing I didn't like about his videos is these really weird awkward advertisements. Also he's always trying to plug his horseshoe brand tools, it gets annoying after a while. I really want to get Dale's videos but I don't have the scratch. If there's anyone that is willing to trade Jeremiah's for Dales that would be great even if just for a couple weeks. Thanks

p.s. Bruce Cheaney shows you how to cover swells which is great. As far as detailing the contents of videos I guess they probably assume that you'll see all the steps in making a saddle, which if you're an aspiring saddle maker, you should probably know by heart.

Edited July 16, 2010 by seveneves

[joe59]

Almost everybody who has played with leather wants to build a saddle. Some of them will start a saddle. A few will even finish one. Fewer still will build another. The next group(including me)are those who will try to make a living at it. The smallest group are those who actually can make a living at it. Building a good quality saddle is it's own reward and my hat is off to anyone who has the desire and passion to do it. It is a hell of a way to make a living but it sure beats work!

My personal library, collected over almost forty years, includes authors John Beck, Dave Jones, Al Stohlman, John Hooper, Lee Rice, Randy Steffens and Harry Adams, just to name a few. With the books, I have collected magizine articles, patterns dating back to the late forties and early fifties, old saddle company catalogs, DVDs (videos) and pictures. I could be said that I am an information junkie. All of these are great references.

I learned more about making saddles by repairing saddles, everything from handmade coustom saddles built by famous makers to mass produced junkers. Studying the different construction techniques will give the prospective saddlemaker a good idea as to what and what not to do. I also have had the opportunity to visit and talk with saddlemakers from all over the country. The ONE thing all makers stress is the mechanics involved with the construction process.

In my opinion, it is more important to become proficient with your tools before starting something as big as a saddle. Practice cutting and skiving with a round knife. The same with edgers, slickers, ect. Know what each tool is used for. Practice hand sewing. Learn how to read the leather. Know how to case leather. You should also know the terminology associated with saddles and saddlemaking. Before starting the saddle or buying a DVD, determine what type of saddle you want to build. Do you want a swell fork or slick fork? Do you want a roper, trail, barrel or cowboy saddle? What type of rigging, skirts, ground seat, seat, ect.....? All of these questions should determine which book or DVD you will look for. Make your decision, obtain the DVD or book, study it over and over and over before starting the saddle. Follow the instruction closely.

I do not think it is a good idea to try to get multiple DVDs when first starting. Build the saddle to the DVD you have you will learn alot. When you finish and want another challenge follow the same process. This is a great site and there are people who will answer the questions you have along the way. If you get a chance to go to one of the leather shows. Whickenburg, Elko, Sheridan, Wichita Falls, Pendleton........ There are always classes and saddlemakers that are a wealth of information.

Good luck.

[arbalet12]

Very much I wish to buy video on manufacturing a saddle. Help please, prompt where to buy, or the will sell someone. I am in Kazakhstan.

Edited October 5, 2010 by arbalet12

[rktaylor]

I know this is an old thread, but I didn't want to start a new one.

Here’s my assessment of saddle making DVDs (at least two of them). It’s long, but I wanted to make sure you know where I am coming from. Some of it is about the videos and some is about my thought process regarding learning to build a saddle on your own. Comments, criticism, and apathy are welcome.

I had been making some tack and got the grand idea that I wanted to build a saddle. I have spent very little time working on saddles (i.e. repair and deconstruction) and didn’t (still don’t) know much about them. I talked to a few saddle makers in my area. They were polite, but didn’t really have time for me and my grand idea. I can’t say as I blame them. However one saddle maker, Mr. Smithson at Pauls Valley, was very cordial and spent time offering advice and encouragement. I am grateful for his time. I wanted to go to a saddle making school, but I just don’t have the time. I have a full time job and don’t really have an interest in making this a career. However, it could be a nice hobby if I can find a way to pay for it.

So, I bought Stohlman’s volume 1 and 2 and the Dusty Johnson package (DVD, book, patterns). I bought a tree from Batie’s, Herrmann Oak leather, sheep skin, and hardware from Panhandle Leather and Bowden’s. The entire process was an exercise in overconfidence and indecision. Some of the things that I thought would be the hardest were actually fairly easy and vice versa. I learned a lot and built a saddle. It certainly has some mistakes, but I have been riding it anyway. I don’t believe I could have built a saddle with only Mr. Johnson’s DVD. In my opinion the package is a must. While some will disagree with some of his methods, it did get me though the process. I would say the DVD contains the bare minimum of information (maybe a little less). One specific shortcoming is directions for installing the cantle binding. I had to reference the Stohlman books to figure out what to do with the ends under the seat. My assessment is that you get a little bit more than you pay for with the package. It is inexpensive, but there is a lot of information and I guess from my perspective enough to build a saddle. I will also say that Mr. Johnson promptly answered my email questions more than once. That was quite pleasing, given that he only had $80 of my money.

After I was almost done, I found this forum. I appreciate the wealth of information that is freely shared. One piece of advice was to buy Jeremiah Watt’s DVD and gain a whole new perspective on saddle making. I was lucky enough to find a used copy for a discounted price. I prefer to consider myself frugal, not tight. After watching the first segment, I thought WOW. There is a wealth of information shared in this video. There are some commercials, but Mr. Watt is also entertaining. Looking back, I am confident I could have built a saddle with only Mr. Watt’s video. With the knowledge gained from building a saddle, the information in this video is very empowering. Though it is based on a Wade tree, I am confident that I can build a saddle on any tree simply because he goes through making patterns.

There is no doubt that the JW video is much more detailed than the DJ video. However, it is really difficult for me to assess them independently because I had more knowledge when I viewed the Mr. Watt’s video. I definitely gained a new perspective after watching this video. I have to admit that I drilled all the holes in my first saddle (I hope the purists don’t put a bounty on me). However, after watching Mr. Watt’s video, I have a newfound commitment for hand sewing and using an awl. I can’t afford a sewing machine, so everything is hand sewn. I would never have thought it, but I actually think I can sew faster and more accurately with an awl than predrilling the holes. Thus I have justified the purchase of a new awl.

I plan to pick up the Dale Harwood DVD when I find a deal. I am also looking to expand my book library. I would like to have volume 3 of the Stohlman series. But I will probably invest my limited resources in material for a second saddle before I buy more educational material.

Congratulations if you made it this far (unless you just skipped to the end).

Randy

[damsaddler13]

Not sure if anyone still reads this thread, but that said I'd like to add my thoughts to the general collection. From the perspective of someone who has built saddles, there is no doubt the Dale Harwoods is the most enjoyable to watch; he is a true master. I do not recommend this video as a starter. If you have not done a saddle to date or just getting started, Jeremiah Watt's saddle building is an absolute must have in your library. Mr. Watt's perspective and wit are top shelf. If you don't spend another dime buy this video. Second is Bruce Cheney - he will guide you through the process and enjoy the country music from the heart of Texas. Also Bruce has a YouTube series - worth watching. Bill Gomers videos are ok, I spoke with him a couple of times, a gentlemen. Ted Aldal and his friend, his name escapes me, produced a six (6) set video series. Lots of meandering but you get to know Ted and friend through the process. He passed a couple of years ago, not sure where they may be available. With respect to Dusty Johnsons I purchased them years ago, can't find them and have never bother to look for them after watching them once. The Traditional Cowboy Arts Association with Cary Schwartz are excellent, ground seat, swell, cantle binding & rigging - all worth the money.

[Goldshot Ron]

Ted Aldal's associate on their tapes was Bill Conway.  Last fall I worked on a saddle Aldal made, and I was impressed by his tooling and craftsmanship.  Ted lived in San Jacinto, CA.  Just around the corner from where Al and Anne Stohlman lived prior to moving north. 

[damsaddler13]

Thanks, you're correct it was Bill Conway. Both real Gentlemen. I have to make an effort to find those tapes. If not I'll buy another set just for the help Ted offered me over the years.

 

[ct701996]

Does anyone know if you can still purchase the harwood video?

[EdOdgers]

As an update to an old but valuable thread, I'd like to add that Steve Mecum now has a instructional DVD.  He makes a fine saddle and I've seen bits and pieces of the DVD and it looks very good.  Also, I understand the Harwood DVD is no longer in production.