Tack Tips--Raised nosebands, part two

Today I am going to show you how I make a raised noseband in 1:9 (traditional) scale. The first picture shows the supplies and tools needed to create the raised section of the noseband: two widths of high quality kangaroo lace, waxed linen thread, glue, gum tragacanth, an Xacto knife with a #11 blade and 220 grit sandpaper. Not pictured but used to make other parts of the noseband are two buckles, a hole punch, mallet and cutting board.I start by cutting a piece of prepared 1/8" lace. I add a buckle and keepers to one end and punch holes and point the tip on the other. This simple strap will eventually be your noseband.

Buckle the noseband and slide it onto your model. Using an awl, lightly mark the spot where you want your the caveson hanger to attach to the noseband. Repeat on the other side.

Slide the noseband off the model and unbuckle it. Cut slots at the places you marked.

Cut a piece of skived 3/32" lace that is just slightly longer than the distance between your slots.

Unravel two strands of waxed linen thread.

Twist them together tightly and glue to the center of the flesh side of the 3/32" lace.

While that is drying, return your attention to the noseband strap. Although this piece was skived earlier, the area between the slots needs additional attention. It must be paper thin. I achieve this by alternating between skiving and sanding. Work slowly and pause occasionally to treat the section with gum tragacanth.

You'll know the strap is ready when you can easily fold it half lengthwise.

Smear some glue on the skived area and...

carefully place the 3/32" strap into the glue. Be sure to center it exactly over the center of the 1/8" noseband.

Turn the noseband over and gently press the layers together. Run your fingernail along each side of the cord to make the center section pop out. Clean up any extra glue that has squeezed out and treat the entire piece with gum tragacanth.

You may also choose to decorate the sides with your stitch marker.

Add the caveson hanger straps and your noseband is finished.

Do not be discouraged if your first attempts at raised nosebands leave something to be desired. This is an advanced technique that requires a lot of precision and patience. Thankfully, it does get easier with practice!

Note to novice tackmakers--This is by far the most complicated Tack Tip I've written to date and it assumes the reader is knowledgeable about the basics of tack making. Please refer back to earlier Tack Tip postings for more detailed information about finding and using supplies, punching holes, cutting slots, and making tongue buckles.