How is maximum stretch/cape size acheived during the Liqua-tanning process?
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By following the proper methods used in home tanning, good fleshing, double salting, drying hard, acid pickle, shaving hide thin, neutralizing, then Liquid Tan. No real secrets here, just a simple step by step formula to acheive a good final piece. I always get the same size cape as I started with using the Liquid Tan method...Paul
Liquid Tanned capes prepared properly have good stretch. A little trick I learned gives even more stretch on tube skinned capes. Start with two 2x4- 4 foot-long pieces of lumber. Lay them on top of each other, 4 inch ontop of the 4 inch side. Drill a hole 2 inches from the end through both of them large enough to put a bolt in. Use washers and a nut to put it all together. Right before you are ready to put the hide on the manikin slip it over the 2x4s. With the head and connected 2x4 end away from you hold a 2x4 in each hand. Then carefully stretch the hide as you pull the 2x4s apart . Rotate the hide a little on the 2x4s and repeat. Do this several times and smile as your hide goes over the manikin with ease. Good Luck!
Thanks to Rocky and Paul. I can't express my appreciation enough for the wealth of quality information available here. I again thank everyone that have answered by recent barrage of questions.