Hello:
I hope you don't mind my posting.
I am going to be making large quantities of scented bath salts and while I initially thought I'd be using a cement mixer, a friend mentioned that a taxidermy tumbler might better suit my needs. So here are the "dumb" questions:
In reading previous posts on this site, and knowing nothing of your trade, I have not been able to ascertain whether or not the barrels have a heating element, or are they as described - simply a tumbler.
Or, can the tumblers be used for both wet & dry purposes (bath salts are made mixing salt and a small amount of fragrance oils, salt scrubs are made with salt, and large amount of basically vegetable oil)
Also, I read John B's directions on building you own. Givin that I am not mechanically inclined, but do know my way around a wood shop and can usually figure things out with enough tinkering, would I be off base in thinking I could bouild my own tumbler?
I know I am out of my element posting here, but it seems to be a pretty helpful and knowledgable community.
Any input would be appreciated.
Kathleen G
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Taxidermy tumblers do not contain heating elements. Though some can be used for wet or dry applications, most of these units used for birds are free floating barrels driven on wheel beds instead of direct drive.
Having said that, may people use wet barrels for tanning. In fact, the Pressure Tanner uses a direct drive, pressurized drum to tan hides in a tanning solution. You can get an idea what they look like by clicking on the "Links" hyperlink at the top of this page. Scroll down to Taxidermy Suppliers and then check out Jonas, McKenzie, Research Mannikins, and Van Dykes for their tumblers. I think those are the only suppliers who carry them and I apologize if they're not.
I've been to Van Dykes, but hadn't seen the other suppliers you mentioned, thank you.
would probably be your best bet. Menards have them reasonably priced. A taxidermy tumbler is basically a plastic 55 gal drum turned by an electric motor (price around $600 plus shipping). You also can think about resale. You probably will be able to sell the mixer easier than a tumbler.
Every bird tumbler I've seen or had the "pleasure" of using, spill quite a bit of corn cob grit, or whatever is being used, while turning. I doubt any will keep liquid in while using if that's what you plan to do.