Submitted by leanna on 2/9/1999. ( scardeer@cornernet.com )
If the ph changes during the 3 days or longer that the hides are in the pickle, do you need to remove the hides and add more crystals (Im using VanDykes pickling crystals) It seems like you'd lose alot of liquid that way and maybe it'd be better to start from scratch again. Also, what can you all tell me about different pickling solutions you prefer most and why...and the dorkiest part of my questions...will different types of rocks I use to weigh down my hides in the pickle cause dramatic changes in ph?! I probably shouldnt even submit this one but...I can take the guffaws! THANKS YET AGAIN.
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This response submitted by BobC on 2/9/1999. ( ********* )
Leanna, You can just add the pickling crystals to the pickle with the skin in it. Just add a little at a time until the Ph is at a 2 or 2.5. As far as the dorkie part of your question, its not dorkie at all. YES, rocks or stones CAN change the Ph. The best thing to use is a gallon jug full of water. As far as my favorite pickle I'd say at this point its the Saftee Acid.Sold by Rittels. Bob C
This response submitted by Bryan on 2/9/1999. ( Bryan@htb.net )
I have neard that rocks, bricks, etc... will alter the ph of a pickle.
Try using a boat anchor (WALMART $7.00) Put a rope on it so, you can pull it out of the pickle or tan. I should mention that using something to hold your hide down in the pickle or tan will cause folds of skin. Keep stirring the hides! Oh, just add more pickling crystals. I use formic acid, just because I have better luck with it. Hope this helped. :-)
This response submitted by Bill on 2/9/1999. ( yoxtax@aol.com )
take a plastic weight from the wieght lifting set thats in almost everyones garage or basement. Tie a rope through the hole, thats what the hole in the middle is for. Ha ha ha. :o]
This response submitted by Pete on 2/10/1999. ( lebaronp@pilot.msu.edu )
There is really no problem using most rocks in an acid solution. Those which can influence pH contain limestone, carbonates and concrete. Concentrated acid will foam vigorously when dripped on the limestone and carbonate-containing rocks while relatively new concrete (<1year old) will release bubbles, so you can use that as a good check. Most rocks, as i stated, will be just fine since they are primarily aluminosilicates (various configurations of quartz and Al2O3) which are completely stable in the strongest of acids. A good rule of thumb is that the harder the rock, the more quartz and corrundum (Al2O3) present.
This response submitted by Bruce Rittel on 2/10/1999. ( rittel@ici.net )
Floatiing skins and capes are NOT A PROBLEM! They pickle well - and they tan! So - don't go thru all this trouble to submerge them! Tanneries don't do it! If they use a vat, they simply turn them over in the AM and again in the PM before they leave. No problem!
This response submitted by Turtle on 2/10/1999. ( mooretr@in-arng.ngb.army.mil )
Leanna, there is only one question that is dumb or dorky --- the one that is not asked. I once had an old guy tell me "If ya don't know, ask". He said he'd rather answer a hundred questions than fix one mistake because the question wasn't asked. It has saved me a lot of trouble over the years.
This response submitted by leanna on 2/10/1999. ( scardeer@cornernet.com )
This has all really helped! My rock is in a bucket now, must be a psyche thing with me but I feel much more at ease with my hides submerged. I was shocked to find out they didnt have to be and to just give it a stir now and then though. And Pete? Wow, I fer sure dont have that much in rock smarts! I do go for the heavy quartzy type though! Sounds like a dream date. I thank you all greatly!!
This response submitted by Bruce Rittel on 2/10/1999. ( rittel@ici.net )
Apparantly your pickle was leaching out minerals from the rock to change your Pickle's ph - but it can also happen sometimes when you are trying to pickle thick hides. This is paticularly true of Citric acid. The thicker hides tend to absorb the acid and the Ph of the pickle shoots up. When that happens - simply add more Citric to make up for the high jump. Hope this helps. And yes- Turtle's right - Better to ask the questions than to make excuses to an angry customer! Happy Tanning!
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