Hey guys,
I hope this question is not too redudant. I checked the archives, but have not found exactly the answer I am looking for.
I finally have access to a tumbler. I am just finishing a WT hide, will have it out of the tan on Sunday. My question is, when exactly should I put it in the tumbler? Should I pull it out of the tan, rinse, let it drain, oil, sweat it, then let it dry for some time before I put it in? Should I let it dry enough to begin breaking it by hand first? I have secured about 50 pounds of hardwood sawdust, and I am going to get more- hopefully 100 pounds worth.
Any suggestions would be appreciated!
Michael
Return to Tanning Category Menu
Then tumble in Hwood sawdust. Some prefer corn cob grindings, we warned cob grindings will grow MOLD and slip hair after being used and not dried out.
i think you are talking about a flat hide rather than a cape for mounting. if you want a soft hide you need to oil then hang to dry. put it in your tumbler when it is 95% dry. i assume you have a large tumbler?
Yeah, this one is for fur or a wall-hanging, not for mounting. Thanks guys for your help! I have oiled, sweated the hide, and have it tacked up drying. I have access to two different types of tumblers. Both have 55 gal. drum capacities. One is a typical fashion tumbler, with a tip up drum and a variable speed control. The other was an idea I had- using a roller type setup that is used for polishing stones, and putting a plastic 55 gal drum containing the hide and sawdust on it. What do you guys think? I thought I saw a picture of a tanning tumbler in a catalog that was built this way- using rollers..
Thanks again guys!
Mike