I seem to never really get the measureing right, and manicans always seem to big but are to my measurements.I don't have a stretcher except for what I do on the table with my hands and I don't have a flesher to thin capes (I only do it as a hobby $$$ ) and I'm not using anything like crow oil or any softeners to the hide. Any way you can help is greatly appreaciated. Thanks alot
p.s. Would thinning be really important because I thought I could have another wildlife preserver in the area do it for some money $
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I do use krowtan as a tan and hand flesh the capes.
give us a rundown from start to finish and maybe we can help. or ask very detailed questions. Post your email address and we can send you some info that might help. Joe
I always take off an inch of my measurements just to be on the safe side because hides will shrink a little when tanned , plus then when you are stitching it up you wont have struggle, also that keeps the hair to lay right because pulling and incision to tight pulls the hair off place a liitle and could pull a gap in your stitches if it is really tight
Well I start by measuring my deer right behind the ears like in the examples in the catalogs but normally can't measure the rest because I forget and by that time the head is cut off and I'm cuttin steaks so I get one measurement.However, after I complete the fleshing detail I go straight into tanning and after the tanning is done I remeasure the tanned hide and then order from there because I have seen the difference in the tanned hide compared to the green hide. From there I go into mounting it and end up with a terrible time sewing it up usually with a gap in at least on part of it (the center) and the rest of it looks like crap except where it actually met up good.AND just for info I don't alter my forms or add to them or change them in any way just the usual clay in the facial areas,eyes,lips,nose. I just baught a dakots IV flesher and I'm going to pick it up monday.Will this tool help me. I hope this is enough info if theres something inparicular you need to know just ask me. Oh by the way these are only my deer I shot so to learn on these is great.
I use krowtann and was loosing about an inch on the hide so here is what I do. I get as close to the form measurement as I can and I then thin down the cape with a flesher. I then put the hide on a stretcher and keep checking it as it drips dry. In my OPINION, if you are going to do your own tanning and to get anywhere close to the actual measurement..you will have to flesh it down on a machine. The machines are expensive, but it will pay for it self in blood and tears when trying to mount one that is not fitting. The only other option is to order smaller and make sure you are measuring with the hide off. Take measurements from the carcass, take a little off for shrink and you are good to go. Hope this helps and good luck!
Jason B, Thinning the skin is all important for a nice fit. Whatever tanning method you use the tendency is for the cape to draw up and streatch long when you hang it to drain. When it streatches long, it draws down in width. You have to thin and you have to streatch width wise to get a proper fit. When streatching, I twist the skin like wringing a wet towel and insert my fists into the neck and trist the skin by crossing my wrists. Also pulling on the skin helps but any one method is not as good as all three of these. Test fit the cape, positioning the face and briskit, then pull the neck together. If it just can't be done search for thick spots and thin some more. Most all problems with fitting a cape to form are from too thick a skin. Good luck and enjoy, Aaron H.
you need to shave your capes thin not only to regain stretch, but also, to keep shrinkage at a minimum, and all the problems associated with shrinkage. having said that, haveing a good machine in the shop, i still elect sending my capes to a good commercial tannery
Your neturalizing properly and for the right amount of time. Over neturalizing can also affect the fit. Good luck
Do you guys think I should use some softening oils as well.Or if you have a product that you like alot post that as well or email me.I just bought my dakota IV and plan to do my other deer with it. thanks alot for all your help. This forum RRROCKS!
p.s. I sent a cape once to the local tannery and was very dissapointed,looked like it got wrapped into the fleshing machine.Spent to much money for that kind of bs.Took apon myself to do the job. zzzwango zzztango 1,2,3,4
With krowtan, if you follow the directions, shave it properly and neutralize it per the directions - you will get stretch!
the first couple i did with krowtann i noticed
i had a tight fit
i have a machine and get it down to the blue tint so i knew it was somethinf else
first make sure you follow directions to the t
second if your hand fleshing get some stop rot it will help for a couple of reasons
third i found that Van Dykes hide relaxing compund helps a great deal
fourth i always have more than one option when mounting up a cape
i know your just starting out but
having a few extra molds around will give you pc of mind when you go to slip the cape on
my email is fixed now so if you want email me
and i will give you the exact procedure i use with the oil ans such
krowtann is a different creature and i had a few issues with it
but i adjusted and like the final outcome