Bruce,
I recieved a tanned bear hide from an individule that claimed he had his bear tanned by a "pro" the hide came back tanned but not cleaned at all! It was tanned with liqua-tan. Can you tell me the procedure that I need to do to properly clean it? Any input would be helpful!
Thanks, Lance !
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I have to assume you dont have a drum, Lance. So the best way is to get some clean sawdust and some Odorless Mineral Spirits. It can be bought at most local hardwares here in New England as "Paint Brush Cleaner" but look on the side - it will say "contains: odorless mineral spirits". It's simply Kerosene without the odor - but it works. Mix the OMS with the sawdust until its damp and you can make a snowball - but not dripping wet. Do this to the sawdust while its in a plastic garbage bag. Tie it off and bounce it around to mix it. Then add your Bear skin. Do the smae thing. Bounce it around for 3-5 minutes, let it set for 30-60 minutes, bounce it some more, then remove the piece, shake and blow it out. You may have to also beat it somewhat to get everything out. I prefer using a sawdust flour for bears, it seems easier to get out, but a small grained sawdust will also work. Be careful - do not use local sawdust with pitch in it or your skin will end up dirty looking. If you can, use a commercial sawdust.
Hello Bruce,
In your response to the answer about the not so clean bear hide, I do have a tumbler that I made from an old dryer. Do I use the same method as stated in your last response? And what about deep cleaning the hide? I mean this thing is really dirty !
Also I work at a furniture mfg. and have access to all the hardwood shavings and sawdust I need. What is best species of wood? and how find dust? Thanks for your help Bruce, Your a godsent !
Lance !
A tumbler will make the job easier - in terms of time! Use hardwood sawdust (a nice ligth blonde color is preferable) only (it doesnt mush!) for this, and again mix the sawdust like above, and OMS, in the tumbler first. Then place your skin in, and tumble them for 30 minutes. Avoid over-tumbling. You only want to clean up the outside - without pulling out the tanning oil in the skin. Then blow off, and beat to finish!