Borax while fleshing

[jcompton]

I use Krowtan on my deer capes,can I use Borax on the cape while fleshing to make it easier or will it mess up the tan.I searched the old archives but I keep getting some screwed up text on everything that I click on.

[jimsoverns]

Borax will cause the ph to rise,,,,,which ofcourse you can adjust,,,,you might try cornmeal or sawdust,,,,jim

[jcompton]

Thanks Jim,I thought maybe I could wash it out before it went into the tan,I wear gloves everytime I flesh and that doesnt make things any easier.

[oldterryr]

you can also just use salt - cheap and it works

[jcompton]

 Thanks Terry, I thought of using salt my problem is that I'm not fast enough to finish fleshing in one step I refreeze and start again the next day,I guess I could just rinse off the salt and then freeze,by the way your web-site helped me out alot while mounting my first coyote the one thing I forgot to do was tuck that little bit of skin under the nose where the hair is supposed to come together but other than that it turned out pretty good.

[George Roof]

Sawdust or corn cob grit is the best choice.  They dry but won't damage your equipment (like salt) or change your pH (like borax).

[mike welch]

So you shouldn't freeze the cape if you salt it and then cant finish it till the next day,? (or acouple days)

[George Roof]

Never put a salted hide in a freezer.  It won't freeze and you're just asking for BIG trouble with bacteria in that water that won't freeze.

[Aaron H]

Freezing and refreezing and refreezing.....I just would stop and think about this. Every time you freeze you stress the skin and repeated thawing puts skin at risk of spoilage. I'll be the first to agree that if something works for you that's good evidence but there is another way (there always is). Using salt while fleshing is fine and even a good idea. Salt acts to draw out the blood and water in skin and that's a good thing. If you must stop before finishing just bag it and place in a refrigerator. If doing things in this way is normal for you I would suggest that you turn ears, eyes and nose first and salt these areas before dealing with the neck skin. A good cape will not be lost over night in refrigeration but excess freezing is risky.....in my opinion. Enjoy, Aaron H.

[Tenbears]

or how about this. do not start the hide until you know you will have sufficient time to finish it. schedule you time, and commit to it. as a taxidermist you will need to dedicate your time to a work day. I know there is a tendency to feel non commital to regular work schedule. but that is a habit a good taxidermist must have. 
 try skinning off the skull. you can then freeze. when ready thaw. turn, flesh, and salt. the next day resalt and dry. or tan. this method is efficient, and low stress on the hide.