Submitted by Kip on 3/9/1999. ( kvoss@tvsonline.net )
I have mounted several deer heads and various other mamals using dry preservative, with good success, but I understand this is not the best method and it is time to move on to bigger & better things. I am about to tan my first cape, using Lutan-F, but I am wondering how often I have to check the PH in the pickle solution. I work 11 hours a day, 5 1/2 days a week so my spare time is very limited. I also live 30 miles from my work place, so going home to check the PH at lunch time is pretty tough. Is it possible to check the PH in the morning, before work and again when I get home?, or will it fluctuate more often than that? Any help well be greatly appreciated. Thanks
Return to Beginners Category Menu
This response submitted by Keith Daniels on 3/10/1999. ( arlcape@bright.net )
Kip, twice a day is plenty. I don't know what acid you use, but with the formic we use here in the tannery, the only time we have to check the P H is when we add a new batch of skins to the pickle, which is about every 3 days. Some other acids might not hold up as well during use, so checking every day might not be a bad idea. Keith
This response submitted by Bruce Rittel on 3/10/1999. ( rittel@ici.net )
Kip - About your Pickle Ph. Check it initially when you mix it up. Depending on the type of acid you use, it should be within the guidelines given you by your supplier. For example, Saftee Acid usually mixes around 1.1 and is OK depending on your local water supply, as long as it doesnt go above 2.0. After you put in your skins, give it 1-2 hours, stir, and then check it again to see if it shoots up. After that, wait until the next morning and then stir and check it again. If its stable - after that I'd simply check and stir it only once a day. The nice part is - you can safely leave fleshed skins in the pickle until you can break away from your busy work schedule to begin your shaving and/or degreasing. The only time the ph should flucuate in the pickle is if you wash them and dont rinse them well before they go in, or if someone has rubbed in some alkaline. After the first day in, they're pretty much stabilized. I hope this helps.
Return to Beginners Category Menu