To Build a Mongolian Saddle – Part 2

Sunday came and I headed out to the farm to see if the new bandsaw was up to the task of the saddle.  I think that it will be easiest to show you the outcome than tell you.  So, I have included a few photos.

So, the answer is: sort of... The bandsaw was able to cut the flat cuts. So we did that.

There are a few additional angles to the saddle pieces. All three of us read the directions and discussed just how to do it. After all, you want to measure twice and cut once...

Because I will be using a hand saw for the next cuts, we needed the reverse patterns. I used the glass at the front door as a light board to help me draw it up.

The pummel (left) and the cantle (right) after the first flat cut and after having the cut lines mocked up on the wood.

So, yes, the bandsaw was able to do the first cut; however, it does not have the depth to cut some of the angles and I will need to use a hack saw (or some other hand saw) to rough out these parts.

Next weekend I will going back to do the first cuts of the side boards.  We did not check the machine's depth to see if I will have to hand saw the side boards as well.  I guess I will find that out next weekend.

After I get the rough cuts done I will then need to sand the pieces.