tanned cow hide

[Fawn]

So, I once again jumped in over my head and agreed to tan a calf for a friend - well it is tanned nicely but hard as rock. I am not charging to much for this so I am wondering if it is worth it to rehydrate and try to break the hide agian or am I wasting my time.  Should I cut my losses on this? I am perfectly willing to spend the time doing it again if it will help.

[oldshaver]

Sounds like you didnt degrease it?

[Fawn]

No, I didn't degrease it, Can it be fixed?

[oldshaver]

Make a citric acid pickle, with 3oz citric acid, 1lb salt, and 1oz Lipa-Solve 77, per gallon of 85 deg(F) water. Leave in for 2 days, and stir often.(this is all under the assumption that you have thinned it well with a shaving machine)

Pull and drain for 3hrs, then neutralise the skin. Neutralisation= 2oz baking soda, 1/4lb salt, per gallon of 85deg water, for 45min. Pull skin, quickly rinse with a hose, then drain for 3 more hrs, in a well ventilated area.

Apply a liberal coat of TruBond 1000B, and follow the finishing directions.

Everything you need is here.  http://trubondtanning.com/

[Fawn]

Thank you old shaver.  I will order those supplies and follow your instructions.  Is that the tanning method you prefer.  I had been using safety acid and Liquitan which I normally do well with but the only shaver I have is a mini flesher.  It takes a while but I normally do smaller animals.  I have no intention of doing any more cows!

[Fawn]

I like to know how things end so I thought I would share with any of you who are interested....I ordered the Trubond tanning supplies suggested and my cow hide is now much more pliable than it was.  It is not the nice soft tan I had original hoped for but it is good and am very grateful for the help and information.  Thank you.