I've been reading books on tanning lately and can't seem to find a simple list of steps on tanning. I understand what each step is, but don't know the order to do them in. So, I am asking for a simple list of the steps used to tan with alum.
Thanks,
~Wakeboarder
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just posted this week !
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Wakeboarder;
look in the catalogs,they all have what you need to get started tanning.
coyote
Alum pickle tans and Aluminum sulphate tans are both called "alum" tans by some.
A basic alum (ammonia) pickle for mounting is one half pound alum and one pound salt to each two gallons of water.
1. Flesh and degrease hide.
2. Double salt the hide.
3. Prepare pickle: Boil water and add alum and salt and stir until dissolved. Add another 1/2 pound of salt per gallon after the mix cools......you really can't add too much salt. Make and store pickle in ceramic or plastic container - no metal.
4. Place hide in pickle for from one to two weeks, depending on the thickness of the hide and size.
5. Stir at least once a day to insure complete wetting. A rock or other inert weight may be placed on top to keep the hide submerged.
6. Cut a small sliver from the edge of the hide after one week and check on progress.....hide is ready when it is white through and through.
7. When the tanning is complete, remove from the pickle and wash in a relaxing compound. If you do not have the relaxer, wash the scalp or hide in hot water containing 1/2 cup borax to each gallon of water. Let the hide soak overnight.
8. Remove from the borax water bath, wring out, shave down thick spots and mount.
9. If the hide is to be a rug or hanging, you will need to break it by standard procedures.
There are better tanning methods, but none cheaper.......I am not recommending this method, I just answered your question.
Almost ready to start tanning. A few questions before I begin. Where can I get alum, neat oil and other ingredients I may need?
eggman