I sat raptly watching. I never owned a horse or saddle, but I can now replace a fleece.

That's good instruction on relining a saddle. I'm an amateur at saddle repair, but could not figure out why you would not give the whole inside of that saddle, including the skirts a good wiping down to get rid of the dirt and dust!

Ian, I’ve been working with leather for almost 10 years, but have not had much experience with saddles. I have had an old saddle in the corner of my shop that had needed re-fleeced for about 3 years. I’ve read through the Stohlman saddle books multiple times but have been pretty intimidated to start pulling the saddle apart. Thank you so much for making this video, it’s given me the confidence to start pulling nails and laying down barge.

@ianjones491

3 жыл бұрын

Saddle repair work is often paying attention to how you took it apart. Every saddle maker does things just a little bit different. Go slow, take pictures while your taking it apart, and you will be just fine.

@TexHoss1

2 жыл бұрын

Exactly what Ian said. Pay close attention. Jump in & do it. That is the best way to learn. Take your time on the first & speed will come with experience.

Really enjoyed the re-fleecing job. I have several old saddles and one needs new sheepskin. I recently watched Springfield Leather re-fleecing an old saddle. I may give it a shot. Thanks

Dang that saddle needs a good cleaning, oiling & Skidmore's applied. One thing it should never squeak with all that baby powder on it, lol..

I wish you were nearby. Moths got to my fleece on my John Willemsma saddle.

This is awesome! Thank you soooo much!!

Great job ! You can tear em down and build em back up

You ever think about making a sheepskin seat saver pad for it while you’re at it?

thank you for info

You'll have to accuse the shop its a...... SHOP. Lol thanks for the great help!

Ian thank you for the holy grail explanation. I'm all the way out in South Africa and we don't have the option of not doing these repairs by ourselves. So this video is priceless...so thank you. I'm about to redo the fleece on a 30 year old Circle Y saddle that I've acquired, it's in great condition, but has been standing as a display piece for decades. The leather is super hard. My question is should I treat/clean/soften all the parts before disassembly, or treat them once apart? It seems neatsfoot oil/compound would be the best to get deep in there, but if you suggest a better product/compound I'll gladly take any advice...thanks again in advance for this video. Remote cowboys bible. regards JM

Ian, i really enjoyed watching this video. I have started doing Small saddle repair in my shop. Haven't done any relining yet. Even though, my saddle making buddy has told me, over the phone, how to get the skirts loose in the front, seeing it, really helps out. Question, are you using Ring Shank Nails when building and repairing a saddle? If not, what kind of nail are you using? Thanks

Great video, very interesting. However, you should start this video out with (kids don’t try this at home). Lol. I have a saddle that needs re-fleeced. Here in Ohio there are very few professional leather/saddle tradesmen. I will probably have to take it to Amish country to find someone with the skills. You make it look easy. ITS NOT! Thank you, good video/great skills!

Would liked to have seen the sewing on with the machine

Just a little suggestion is get a tack puller instead of a screw driver. It makes pulling the nails much easier. I don't build saddles but I have restored a lot. Good video tho.

What kind of glue did you use for the fleece?

Ian, this is just what I needed to watch. Thank you! I have a small tack cleaning business in CO and i get requests for this all the time. I want to be able to do this. Did you make the swivel saddle stand yourself?

@ianjones491

Жыл бұрын

Yes I did make that one. The base is from a craigslist barbers chair. So glad it was helpful.

What drill bit did you use to get the conchos off??

Your video is great! But the saddle that I'm disassembling and refleecing has the skirt attached to the bars under the cantle with lacing nailed on. If I take out these nails I'm afraid they won't go back in secure. Any suggestions?

@ianjones491

3 жыл бұрын

Sorry I'm just now replying to this, I typically drive New nails in a different spot under the cantle. It's also not a bad idea to put some wood filler in the old nail holes.

Can the stitching be done by hand?

What is the bit on the end of your drill called (4:13)?

Very good. I'd like to give it a shot sum day but I'm not sure my Class 26 is up to the task. Think about a tripod for your camera. Make life easier for yourself.

What do you use to get the conchos off?!?!

I have an old saddle that was my grandmothers, I dont think the skirt needs replaced but just cleaned. Its sheepskin. What do you recommend to clean it with. Can I use mild detergent and water? It has a mold smell from storage. I can't find any video on this.

@ianjones491

Жыл бұрын

Yes you can absolutely give it a bath. Don Gonzales has a great video on cleaning!

What kind of nails do you use? Are they just like furniture nails?

Where are you out of and what do you typically charge for a fleece replacement?

@ianjones491

3 жыл бұрын

Sorry for the delay in responding to your question. I am in western washington. Synthetic Is $260, and real is $325.

Whats something like this cost?

Where can I get genuine sheepskin for saddle sheepskin replacement? Thanks.

@ianjones491

3 жыл бұрын

Most leather shops should have them montana leather, mavericks I think does as well. You can also try hide house. I get mine from weaver.

@gerrycoleman7290

3 жыл бұрын

@@ianjones491 Thanks.

Wow, what a pain to replace the back saddle strings.

@karenhorsekeeper1309

Жыл бұрын

I’ve done it without taking saddle apart

Any reason for not replacing the saddle strings?

@ianjones491

3 жыл бұрын

On this customers saddle unfortunately we have to do what they are willing to pay for. I agree that replacing the incidentals as well as doing a thorough cleaning would be ideal.

Why wouldn’t you clean it before putting it back together wouldn’t it be easier?

@ianjones491

3 жыл бұрын

Unfortunately when working at a shop you can't always do everything because of customer budgets.

@kevinorr6880

3 жыл бұрын

Boy, that bothered me to see that go back together unconditioned and clean.

@pudgiesC8

2 жыл бұрын

I was wondering if while you had it disassembled and the customer was willing and capable would you let them come in and clean condition so they could save a few bucks ?

173rd?

What drill bit did you use to get the conchos off??

173rd?

@ianjones491

3 жыл бұрын

Yes I was in 2/503rd stationed in Italy. I was there 2007-2009