Stitch TPI vs threadsize

[Goldshot Ron]

Well Dusty,

This is always said to first timers on this site, pick up Vol. 1 of Stohlman's Saddle Encyclopedia.  Read it cover to cover a couple of times.  This will give you the basics and then some.  His books only teach you how to do all leather groundseats, so his methods are somewhat dated compared to today's saddles.  Search through this forum for saddle making and you'll find almost everything you will want to know.  

There are two tree makers that I suggest for information, solid trees, price, and quick service:  Bowden Saddle Trees (Anthony, TX) and Timberline (Vernal, Utah).  There are a whole bunch more that make great trees, and the prices only go UP.  One last consideration you need to know (if you haven't thought of it) is rigging type and placement.  Stohlman doesn't quite cover that, but I have photos of mule rigging that I have installed that might give you ideas.  Old Toot on this site will be around to help also (a lot of knowledge there).  Randy above is a saddle maker who participates in saddle making contests; he'll help too.

Well, good luck and keep in touch.

[DirtyDusty]

4 hours ago, Goldshot Ron said:

Well Dusty,

This is always said to first timers on this site, pick up Vol. 1 of Stohlman's Saddle Encyclopedia.  Read it cover to cover a couple of times.  This will give you the basics and then some.  His books only teach you how to do all leather groundseats, so his methods are somewhat dated compared to today's saddles.  Search through this forum for saddle making and you'll find almost everything you will want to know.  

There are two tree makers that I suggest for information, solid trees, price, and quick service:  Bowden Saddle Trees (Anthony, TX) and Timberline (Vernal, Utah).  There are a whole bunch more that make great trees, and the prices only go UP.  One last consideration you need to know (if you haven't thought of it) is rigging type and placement.  Stohlman doesn't quite cover that, but I have photos of mule rigging that I have installed that might give you ideas.  Old Toot on this site will be around to help also (a lot of knowledge there).  Randy above is a saddle maker who participates in saddle making contests; he'll help too.

Well, good luck and keep in touch.

Thanks, I ordered a template kit from Bowden along with the Dusty Johnson saddle making set. I started to pick up the Stohlman book at Tandy the other day. I am definitely interested in the rigging for a mule saddle. I saw several custom jobs, online, that had it set at 3/4. Also saw several that use the double d-ring up front. Any advice on that?

[steven1]

Disclaimer, I have not made a "mule" saddle but I'm guessing many principles still apply.  Saddle rigging placement has a lot to do with the conformation of the mule.  The steeper the shoulder angle the further back you can have your rigging.  The further back you move the rigging the more forward the saddle will ride.  The main thing is not to get your saddle interfering with the shoulder movement of the mule.  Mules tend to have a little steeper shoulder so a flat plate rigged saddle at 3/4 might be just right for your mules.  The double ring rigging plates may offer you some flexibility in your rigging.  I have not used them personally.    I think you are referring to something like the attached photo with the "double d-ring up front".    

[rktaylor]

Dusty,

I can't help on the rigging question, but I recommend you expand your educational materials. I started off with Dusty Johnson's book , patterns and video and found myself staring into space and scratching my head a lot. I didn't have the knowledge to 'fill in that blanks' like I needed. I expanded my library to include Jeremiah Watt's DVD, the Stohlman series (which you can now get in a single book), Harry Adams handbook, and John Hopper's book. Harry Adams book is my top 'go to' resource. Please post anything you learn specific to rigging for a mule saddle. I am interested in the topic.

Randy

[Goldshot Ron]

Dusty,

I suggest you to change your title for this discussion, or start a new one that would have the title like "Building my First Mule Saddle".  I think you would receive more advice, and easier for some of us (old farts) to follow.

Ron

[DirtyDusty]

On 2/6/2020 at 6:27 PM, Goldshot Ron said:

Dusty,

I suggest you to change your title for this discussion, or start a new one that would have the title like "Building my First Mule Saddle".  I think you would receive more advice, and easier for some of us (old farts) to follow.

Ron

Thanks