I'm going to start a beaver hoop soon and would like a few pionters.
1. what kind of tan works best a soft, hard, cream?
2. do I split the legs?
3. whats the best degreaser and do I tumble it?
any other hints or tips would help.
Thankz Witty
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Witty,
The tan type on a bever hoop is generally not important. The beaver hoops that I have done all hang on the wall, so leather softness is not a concern. I would go with one of the "paint on" tans, unless you are familiar with and regularly use a different tanning method. In terms of a degreaser Mr. Rittels Super safety Solvent works great; if you are on a very limted budget you can get buy with Dawn dishwashing soap. When you skin the beaver you want to do the typical full length belly incision and then tube skin the legs, minus the feet. This will give you a nice oval hide that will fit a hoop nice, this is the same method you would use for skinning for a fur buyer if you are familiar with that technique. I lace my pelt to the hoop before the tan is completely dry, that way as it dries completely it will stretch the hide fairly smooth and flat. Hope that helps.
Chris
Just a little something I found out when a guy skinned his own. By cutting from the rear leg holes outward and a little trimming, it will be shaped like an arrowhead. A few customers (and myself) like this different look.
Dan K