Submitted by Bill Barker on 3/2/1999. ( dosey7@aol.com )
Do any of you veteran Taxidermists'have a pattern/patten of how to build a salting rack that you would share with me. Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks.....Bill.
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This response submitted by Perry on 3/2/1999. ( pgk@ncentral.com )
I went to wal-mart and bought several of those wooden accordian
style laundry drying stands. They hold 3 to 4 capes and when
I'm done, they fold up for easy storage. they cost less that
10 buck. After the first heavy salting, I drape my capes over
one of the dowels and by the next morning, the capes are ususally
70% dry.
This response submitted by Dave B. on 3/2/1999. ( )
Bill
I use a rack from out of a refridgerator it sits just perfect over
my sink, or a oven rack works good too.
This response submitted by Dean on 3/3/1999. ( MrWhytail@aol.com )
I made a salt cart out of one of those rubber maid four wheel carts. I cut a hole in it at the end then used that fiberglass corrigated roofing (sold at hardware stores).It's propped up with a 4x4 at the end without the hole. ( the hole is where the liquid drains through,actually its not a hole it's a strip cut out as wide as the cart if you can imagine what I'm tryin to say)I prefer using the cart so I can wheel it anywhere around the studio if I dont like where its at. I usually split andsalt three capes at a time and they fit on there great.
This response submitted by Rob on 3/3/1999. ( )
Noonkester taxidermy offers a salting stretcher built on the principles of fur stretchers.There is a picture of it in his catalog. Works great for applying many of the paint on tans also.
This response submitted by Rich H on 3/3/1999. ( )
Hey--One more idea. A fairly recent issue of Breakthrough talks about salting in detail including salting racks. One idea presented is to use plastic milk crates which you can usually pick up for free (my wife scrounged 16 of them last summer). I really like this system. The crates can be arranged to support capes and lifesize critters of all sizes. They also allow great air circulation all around and perhaps most of all, are easily cleaned with a hose. Stackable for easy storage too!
This response submitted by Bruce Rittel on 3/3/1999. ( rittel@ici.net )
Rich H. hit it right on! Milk cartons are stackable, and you can arrange them to accomodate any size skin. They allow good air circulation, and drainage too! Just place them on a plastic dropcloth. But if you really want to build a salt rack like a Tannery would - check out the Salting and Drying article in Breakthrough for a photo of one. Its made out of Chicken wire and 2 X 4's and does an excellent job. I can send you a photocopy of one if you like. Just e-mail your address to me.
This response submitted by Bob B on 3/9/1999. ( blaschke@chorus.net )
Bill,
How big do you want to build it? I built mine in an 8ft x 8ft open air box, with a 10ft x 10 ft galv. slant roof. Inside I have one slant rack with open air bottom and one flat open air table.
This shed works great. 1st day capes or hides go on the slanted rack to drain and the second day onto the flat rack. Then I hand them in the open to air dry. The sheds built out of treated lumber as are the ramp and flat table.
The shed is wrapped with 6ft chain link fence and the ramp and table have removable open honeycombed shelves, that are easily hosed off for cleaning.
The best thing about thise shed is the space it frees up in the shop and it doubles as short-term storage and a place to allow just pickled, tanned, or washed capes (hides) to drain. The fence keeps away all the neighbors dogs and allows great air passage.
Anyone want the exact sizes or plans drop me an email.
This response submitted by Bob B on 3/9/1999. ( blaschke@chorus.net )
Bill,
How big do you want to build it? I built mine in an 8ft x 8ft open air box, with a 10ft x 10 ft galv. slant roof. Inside I have one slant rack with open air bottom and one flat open air table.
This shed works great. 1st day capes or hides go on the slanted rack to drain and the second day onto the flat rack. Then I hang them in the open to air dry. The sheds built out of treated lumber as are the ramp and flat table.
The shed is wrapped with 6ft chain link fence and the ramp and table have removable open honeycombed shelves, that are easily hosed off for cleaning.
The best thing about this shed is the space it frees up in the shop and it doubles as short-term storage and a place to allow just pickled, tanned, or washed capes (hides) to drain. The fence keeps away all the neighbors dogs and allows great air passage.
Anyone want the exact sizes or plans drop me an email.
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