Ok I just pulled another cape from the pickle,shaved,pickled again, then neutralized it, then tanned with Liqua Tan. I let the Liqua Tanned cape sit for almost 18hrs before I did a test fit. I really cant figure out for sure what is going on with my tanning, my last cape had slippage around the eye. On this cape I did a test fit as I always do before mounting and I cant even get the cape to come together on the back of the neck, it has about a 3" gap.I have never had any problems with slippage or capes not fitting till these last 2 I have done, I am how ever using a New Bottle of Liqua Tan and wonder if it may be BAD. I know everyones gonna ask so here goes:
I take eye to nose measurements, skin out head, measure neck on meat about 4" below the ears.
I rough flesh,turn everything, salt 24hrs, resalt till rock hard, rehydrate and drain, pickle in Saftee Acid for 3 days, shave, pickle for 24hrs, neutralize cape to PH of 4 on the skin, then Liqua Tan, mount after 12hrs.
My pickle consist of 4 gals of water, 4+ lbs of salt(Salinometer reads atleast 40%) and 2oz of saftee acid or at a PH of 1.5
I am really having a hard time figuring out the problem here since I have never had any problems with slippage or stretch on my capes till these last few deer, the only thing I have used Different is a New Bottle Of Liqua Tan..
Can anyone help me out here please !
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Why would you think it's the tanning product for your problems. Yep tanning can make a hide shrink a bit but not 3". There's something else going on here. Now haing it on for that time limit won't hurt a thing and won't shrink it that much as you claim.
After I tan them I wash them in pert shampoo and then tumble them to dry out the hair. I get more than enough stretch from the tan and I could even go up a size if I would like.
The problem may be in how thin your shaving the hide. It may not ne thin enough in the neck area. If your deer is in the rut the neck seems to get a bit thicker in that area. So you may have to shave it down a bit more.
Also you should have a reading of 42 to 44 on you salinometer, but that shouldn't create this problem. Some where it lies in what your doing but no way is it the Liqua-Tan.
Your step are right but I think it may be in the shaving part giving you your troubles.
I would try measuring the cape after tanning. You said you measure 4" down you may try tight behind the ears and go with that. Also depends on what forms you use McKenzies have diferent swells to there necks that is why I would go tight behind the ears and then match the swell. Just some thoughts. Jack F
I'm familiar with your problem. If you haven't already mounted this cape, put it in the freezer.
Then e-mail me with your address and phone number. I will send you a product that will in all probability remedy the situation. I will do this at no expense to you.
Glen
Are you using ligua tan? I ask because you say you wash them after tanning which I would think would wash the ligua-tan out.
Rick- I didn't see where you refregerated or froze your cape after tanning. This is even a step on the container which should't be skipped.
Even though I have my favorite tans, I cant see anything that would point to LiquaTan, except the new bottle, and I still doubt its the product. Maybe, MAYBE the water quality has changed, like bacteria, etc. Thats just a guess, though.
I know suggestions can be irritating when you had good success before using the exact same methods. Thats why I wonder about the water.
I will say this, though. If all the major form companies suggest measurements at the neck juncture, and 3 inches down, why do you go 4 instead? I never understand that "logic" as Ive often seen this kind of thing mentioned in the forums. I doubt it has anything to do with this, as you were doing it that way before, too. Also, trust Glen Conley and his products. I do, too.
You never mentioned oiling your cape.This helps with stretch.If you oil,you can then work the cape or hide to stretch it out to make it even wider than it was if you shave it down respectively.
Yes I do use Liqua-tan and after a 24 hour tan I do wash the hide. I wash all my hides in pert shampoo. I wash twice and then rinse well. I don't oil the hide but after I mount it you can use a bit of oil around the eyes and nose pad to slow down the drying process.
You can e-mail if you need any more info.