tawing deer hides

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i had a copy of an article from a past issue titled, don't tan it--taw it. i have misplaced the article, and would appreciate any information in regards to the amounts of salt and battery acid used per gallon for the mixture. thanks in advance.

-- paul skoropat (copy2001@aol.com), January 08, 2001

Answers

That article was in the January 2000 issue page 75.

-- Betsy K (betsyk@pathwaynet.com), January 08, 2001.

Sorry, that would be the November 99 issue. I know nothing about this process but will pass on the information you ask for.

According to the article you use a three gallon container, two pounds of salt (clean) and eight ounces of battery acid, or two ounces of sulfuric acid diluted, a weight to hold the hides down- not metal - and two gallons of clean water, if you have lots of minerals in your water use rain water. Mix it ahead of time and give it a couple days for the salt to dissolve. Add salt to water, stir, tip vat and dribble acid down the side into saltwater. Never add water to acid. Keep mixture at 70 degrees or less. Lots more info in the article, you should really try to find it. There's also several other methods in the magazine. Good luck!

-- Betsy K (betsyk@pathwaynet.com), January 09, 2001.


I agree with the above response. I have had 5 hides soaking in the solution for several weeks now but between the cold weather and other interruptions, Christmas and visitors, I haven't had time to start scraping the hides. This is a new project for me and I'm excited to get started. I wish you lots of luck. Let me know how your hides turn out.

-- Marlene Leiby (mleiby@caprock-spur.com), January 10, 2001.

You mention the ingredients for the tanning solution but how long is that hide suppose to sit in it? I have heard 4 hours to 1 week does anyone know? What about burning the animal hide etc. Especially if you want the hair left on?

-- Jennifer (jennaftanas@home.com), November 08, 2001.

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