calibre Report post Posted February 14, 2019 Hi All, New to this site and to saddle building. I have had the Stohlman Encyclopedias for years, but am just beginning my first saddle (no 2 in the encyclopedias) now. The encyclopedias are great and very detailed, but when it comes to modifying their plans there isn't a lot of info on how to do this. For example Al raves about 'Stohlman Style Rigging', but then only uses his style of rigging in one example (Saddle No. 4). I find it odd that he dedicates multiple pages to explaining why his methods are better, but then reverts back to a standard flat plate rigging in saddle no 2. If anyone has had success with using Stohlman's encyclopedias please let me know any tips and tricks to being successful with this guide especially in regards to rigging and deviating from his exact plans. Thanks! Jason Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Squilchuck Report post Posted February 14, 2019 For my first saddle I made his saddle1. I kept it simple by following the book exactly. What rigging do you want? I think does several kinds in the books. He does go on about his ways are best, when there are many ways to do tasks. I've made four saddles and I sort of mix methods from Stohlman, Harry Adams book, and Jeremiah Watt video. -John Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
calibre Report post Posted February 14, 2019 Thanks for the quick response. I prefer the rigging style found on saddle No. 1 - 3/4 double rigging to the flat plate in-skirt rigging on saddle no. 2. It's only for aesthetic reasons so it's not that big of deal. My tree is a Wade style and resembles saddle no. 2 more closely which is why I opted for that build. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
