I just received some whitetail capes back from a very reputable tannery which I tried for the first time, utilizing their wet tan. The shavers did an outstanding job of creating extra work for me. Each cape has the lip line seperated 3 to 4 inches. No big deal, a little extra sewing, at least the gums are still there. One cape has the gums completely missing in two areas, about 2 to 3 inches each, along with a 4 inch rip along the muzzle and numerous other smaller rips in the muzzle area. Actually, it would be better to say I have a few areas where the muzzle is still attached to the cape. I've never experienced these kind of problems before (to this degree) and wanted to make sure I was going to repair these correctly or if anyone had better input.
I plan on cutting off a pieces of leather from the back of the skin, shaving off the hair, thinning them down and using it to replace the missing gums so I at least have something to tuck. I was going to use invisible thread (and a small needle) to repair the muzzle rips. Since these are rather severe rips, and I'm afraid will be noticeable after repairing, I was going to put a VERY thin layer of Critter Clay on the muzzle of the form to push the repairs into. Once everything has dried, I was going to take a hot iron to disentegrate the thread. I do use Epo-Grip adhesive and I did order the form 1/4" shorter on the nose to eye to alleviate stress on the repairs and allow for shrinkage.
I know this is a long post but could really use some advice from anyone who's experienced these kind of repairs before. Also, what kind of stitch to you prefer to sew the muzzle area due the short hair? Everytime I repair even small holes, sometimes I see the thread so there has to be a better way. I don't want to disclose the name of the tannery. I loved the tan but maybe it was a newbie or some other reason that caused my problems. I will give them a second chance but if I get the same results, I'm DEFINATELY making a phone call LOL. Thanks, Alan.
Return to Deer Taxidermy Category Menu
some buckskin leather, and thinned in thickness with a skiving knife (Research Mannikins) to replace lip material loss by either skinning or by the tannery. We see this quite frequently with African, European trophies. On repairing the muzzle, sew as best you can and take a very thin piece of buckskin and adher the to the flesh side of the skin with some elmers glue, or maybe some super glue. You did say you used Epo-Grip glue, so maybe using this in both areas would suffice, I've never used Epo-Grip. Make sure to remove a little surface material of the form to make room for this bucksin addition.
As far as melting the invisible thread I have no comment other than I've never done this. Hope this helps some.
I would use epoxy putty under the nose instead of critter clay. I think it would hold in place better. With Epo-Grip it will be set.
I would not waste my time sewing on lips just to have something to tuck. You can use a good glue and pin it in place and it will stay put. And if the bottom lip is missing, you don't have to have a bottom lip showing, deer do not always show their bottom lip.
As far as the muzzle goes, I would probably patch the cuts underneath, or just pin them together again using a good glue.
But...First I would call the tannery and tell them they owe you a couple replacement capes since they ruined them. Whitetail capes are a dime a dozen. I tell customers that I am not responsible for tanning just in case the tannery ruins them and there is no recourse on their end, I am not out $$$$.
Thanks for mentioning the buckskin, buzzi. I have all kinds of scrap pieces of that laying around and it would be ideal. I'd like to think I would of realized that but I'm afraid I had blinders on and you helped remove them.
Marc, you're right. The epoxy would work better and provide extra holding power. Another great idea.
I thought of just pinning the lip line as well Drew. I have a lot of faith in Epo-Grip but I would definately feel more at ease if something was there to tuck. The same with the muzzle repairs. I thought about pinning them as I've read a lot of people do that. I'm just afraid of them seperating and causing a void that would look bad. If they weren't as severe, I would give that a shot. I do have in my contract about not being responsible for the tanning like you said. The bad thing is this is a BIG cape; 23" behind the ears and 27" four inches down. You're definately right, I should call the tannery and voice my complaints, regardless if someone was having an "off" day. This really is unacceptable.
Thanks again for the great responses and THANK YOU Ken Edwards for this wonderful site. Alan.
Call the tannery now and tell then about the problems. Don't wait until it happens again.