I tried a few different methods this winter, and in the end I sent away for a tanning kit. It sounds like a pickle problem for sure. Looking forward to getting some help, I'm losing these things hand over fist here! Should I make more solution, or put fewer hides in, or should the solution be able to handle it? something tells me maybe I'm overloading the solution. what's a GOOD method, what works for you?Ĥ) I've been putting in upwards of a dozen hides in 2 gallons of solution. Should I be fleshing them prior to freezing, or at least prior to solution? What's the best method, without tearing the hide? Can o worms, sorry. And they STANK, oh lord! I had to wash my hands a dozen times before they stopped reeking of the hides I took out. Well, my most recent batch didn't even make it a week before deteriorating, and I lost close to 10 hides, to fur slip and/or hide separation. Is there something to the freezing that prevents rotting? I've read it's good to break up the fibers a bit and make it easier to flesh, but other than that, is it absolutely necessary? If so, how do you freeze huge hides like deer and cow?ģ) Following the IG method, I do NOT flesh the hides before putting them in solution, but rather after two weeks of them in solution. What's the best stuff to wash in? Dish detergent? Borax? Vinegar? Bleach? How much, and for how long?Ģ) In one of the most recent failed batches I put several 'green' (fresh, unfrozen) hides. I don't know how tough bacteria is to kill, or how prevalent it is in the average hide. As I said, no problems up until recently.Īfter doing some research, I think I can track it down to a couple causes, and I'd appreciate some feedback on the following thoughts:ġ) I have not washed the hides in anything prior to freezing or adding to solution. Following the IG method, I simply pull the hides and freeze them, then WITHOUT fleshing or washing, thaw them and put them into solution. I have had success with it in the past, but for some reason the last couple batches just haven't worked out. I use the IslandGems tanning solution: 1 lb salt per 1 gallon water and 4 oz battery acid, and typically mix up 2 gallons at a time. Hey all, hope you can help! Recently, I've had two batches of hides go bad, close to 20 hides! There's fur slip, there's stinky solution, there's friable (easily torn, like wet newspaper easy) hide, etc.
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