I am new at tanning and do not own a tumbler.I've tried all kinds of different ways to get the moisture out,like blowing w/compressor gun, corn cob grit in a trash bag,and wrapping hide in a bath towel. Today I used my shop vac to vacuum the moisture out and it seemed to work, it was quick and easy. Has anyone tried this and is it a good idea?
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I have a washing machine in my shop, and when I neutralize and wash my capes, I put them down over the agitator,(tube skinned) and run them through the spin cycle.After spinning, I wrap in a towel to further dry them. After this, they are just right for me to mount.
I'd be extremely careful vacuuming a wet cape (or even a dry, mounted one). IF the hair is a little loose (but will tighten up as it dries), you run the risk of pulling out hair and ruining the cape.
I've heard of people putting tumbling sawdust in a large plastic bag and hand tumbling (skaking) it in that. Of course, that wouldn't be feasible for a large skin/cape.