I have been reading these posts on self-tanning, with many respected taxidermists strongly suggesting sending hides to tanneries instead of "wasting" time doing it yourself. I know this is a taxidermy site, but I do not do taxidermy. I am tanning for the sake of tanning, because I enjoy getting bloody and nasty and handling dead things : ) Some of us who lurk or even post here are tanning for wall hangings, rugs, leather for making stuff, etc. Perhaps there needs to be another forum added, one that addresses tanning specifically and not in relation to taxidermy. I admire taxidermy and think it is a wonderful art, however, I am more interested in learning tanning methods. I give away the majority of stuff I tan, just as I get the hides mostly for free. I just enjoy doing it, seeing what happens.
And btw, I want to say thanks to Bruce, and all of you who frequently answer my questions!
Mike
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I tan all my stuff as well and I love to tan skins. I have nothing against tanneries although I have heard my share of and have had a few horror stories myself but that's the minorety ( I hope ). There is good argument for and against in house tanning and it all comes down to the same damn thing -- if it works for you and your happy with it , stick with it. B.Bishop
Having been on this forum for a few years, I have posted a few and read hundreds of replies under the TANNING BUTTON.
I think, even a very green beginner can spend hours reading all the post and archieves under tanning.
Except for a few who post here, most (85-90%) of the people who read these posts are taxidermists
or they are "taxidermy related". (this forum is on Taxidermy.net) The tanning button gives
mostly tanning hits. There are strayings from the subject, but that happens in everyday conversation also.
You just have to learn to sift through the stuff that is silly or unrelated
and concentrate on the things that are helpful to you.
Anyway, that is just my suggestion.
Lonestar
Being a LIFE member of the AMERICAN LEATHER CHEMISTS ASSOCIATION, I urge anyone in the Taxidermy Industry to join this scientific group. It is 100 years old and is comprised of chemists and other professionals devoted to the manufacture of modern methods of "Tanning" as well as other aspects of Leather manufacture.
If you are interested, send me an E-Mail at SENTRY/Custom Services and we'll see that you get the information you need to join us. You can also reach us by calling 1-570-421-7900.