Cowboy Crafts Online Report post Posted August 14, 2007 Hey everyone I was thinking I think there is alot of people finding out about the site that have never built a saddle but might want to. What do you guys think about telling what the basic set of tools needed to build a saddle? I am going to go to the shop tomarrow and pick out the things I use the most and post them tomarrow. Ashley Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
bruce johnson Report post Posted August 14, 2007 Ashley, Good idea. One thing I would like to see is sources for some of these things too. Some of the more obscure things can be hard to find. If there is some maker's version of a particular tool that works better for someone, list the maker. If it is an oldie that is an ebay find, inherited, or traded for, let us know who made it. Say you like one version of a splitter better than another, tell us. If it is something you made, cool. We can all trade plans. When we burn out this candle, then we can start one on cool things, like Greg's 18" splitter. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Blake Report post Posted August 14, 2007 Hey everyone I was thinking I think there is alot of people finding out about the site that have never built a saddle but might want to. What do you guys think about telling what the basic set of tools needed to build a saddle? I am going to go to the shop tomarrow and pick out the things I use the most and post them tomarrow.Ashley Hi Ashley Sounds like a great idea. You post your list and everyone else can add to it with their personal favorites. I wonder how many will say "Six Pack" Seriously, a realistic list will be very helpful and probably save people some money in their initial set up. Blake Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Cowboy Crafts Online Report post Posted August 15, 2007 I forgot today that I had to take the kids to school to get registered. I didnt get to go to the shop. I plan on thinking about what I need to list tomarrow. I am sure I am going to leave some things out, but I will to the best I can. Ashley Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
barra Report post Posted August 15, 2007 (edited) I just went out and went through the tools and tried to condense it down to the bare bones must haves. I narrowed it down to something like this. 1. #1 edge tool 2. single creaser/tickler 3. A few awls of different sizes 4. boot knife with grooves cut into the handle for use as a creaser 5. Crew/slot punch suitable for 5/8" strapping (this can at a push be used for 1/2" or by cutting 2 slots can be used on larger strapping but this is to me a last resort 6. burnishing stick and iron for hot burnishing 7. Dixon head knife and old osborne round knife 8. small T square 9. seat awl 10. needle nosed pliers 11 cut throat razor (skiver) 12. smasher. 13. pricking wheels and carriage 14. broken glass in place of a spoke shave 15. compass 16. adjuctable racer/stitch groover 17. set of clams 18. assorted bones for slicking and yet more burnishing 19. skirt shave (I'm not sure what the American equivalent of this tool is but it is like a wide edge tool). 20. home made gadget for stitching leather slide loops. 21. loop sticks 22. bulldog pliers 23. plough guage For me that is the basic tools. I then include in the must haves edge slicking stuff made out of wood glue and water home made saddle soap home made dyes of various shades floor wax or cabinet makers wax (beeswax/canauba wax concoction) latex/rubber cement eucalyptus sap goop (works like gum tragacanth) various bulldog clips I'm sure there are other tools/gadgets I missed and will endeavour to take some pics Barra. Edited August 15, 2007 by barra Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Cowboy Crafts Online Report post Posted August 16, 2007 Now this list is bare bones what I think it would take to build a saddle. I am leaving some tools out like bag/slot punches, because you can punch 2 holes and then cut in between to make the slot for example. Here is my start. Round knive - mine is from J Cook Blades Bench knive - I have JWP and J Cook Blades Draw knive - get an old osborn off ebay they are better then the ones you buy new set of 1 -12 drive punches - CS Osborn Rawhide Mallet Rawhide Maul Saddlers Hammer - I started with a Osborn then when to a JWP Smooth Face Hammer - Osborn or JWP Sewing Awl - have to call Bob Douglas # 3 or 4 round edger - Osborn low end, Ron tools, Barry King, JWP, and Bob Douglas High end Tape Measure - local Lumber yard Square - again Lumber yard Yard Stick - lumber yard Some type of hand skive - cheap potato pealer type from tandy/tlf or spoke shave Bench top Skive - I have an old Osborn from ebay glue pot 4 carpenter awls - lumber yard wing dividers sewing needles - call Sheridan Leather Outfitters 2 different size rosset cutters or take a drive punch grind off one side and cut out rossets that way - Bob Douglas, Osborn, or Weaver leather old ceramic door knob - antique buisness Cantle pliers - osborn or JWP One last thing buy JWP how to build a saddle DVD. you will learn alot from it I think with those tools you could build a saddle, again there are other tools that you will have to buy to make work faster, but these I think you can not do with out. Also some things you are going to have to build for your self like a draw down stand. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
greg gomersall Report post Posted August 16, 2007 One would also have to add a rivet setter and domer as well as either nippers or side cutters to these lists. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Johanna Report post Posted August 16, 2007 I'm not a saddler, but most of the leather shops I've been in have music, coffee and a big dog or two, taking up most of the room on the floor, never flinching when he's stepped over or something falls. Warning, I had a dog that mistook a 9 oz rawhide mallet for a doggie lollipop. In a leather shop, often overlooked is the business aspect of things, too. A list of accounts. Make a card for each of your customers and consult it every time they call. Write down things you need to know on the card so you don't have to ask the same questions again. Log your invoice numbers and you'll know what you did for them the last time they called. (Thank you Judy Cobb!) Invoices/reciept book A ledger or business software A dedicated checking account A big sign out front A tax number from the state w/ any licenses you need, and forms filed telephone/email/website/fax A marketing plan An pen that writes and tablet by the phone to take notes An attorney, accountant & insurance agent you trust And a water bowl for the dogs who are always in the way, and wouldn't have it any other way. Johanna Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Little John Report post Posted August 18, 2007 Seems like everyone forgets a rigging gage. The best sorce for a complete starter set of saddle building tools can be found in the Stolhman Saddle Making Encylo. Vol 1 and 2. Also includes plans for building what can't be bought. I find "Old George" to be invaluable for tooling swells. I believe there is an articulating draw down stand that can be had for a very high end substitute. I made my own chinaman, smashers, welt jigs, ground seat jig, rigging gage and many more that I can't think of at present. I modified many existing marketed tools, and found a lot of stuff at flea markets and used tool outfits that can be reworked to suit a need. Being a fabricator by day time trade does help. My machining skills have served me well in tool making efforts. I would highly recommend the Stolhman books to anyone just getting started. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
