Should I be putting some salt along with the baking soda in a neutralizing solution? I never have before and I am wondering if that could be the reason for loose hair problems.
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salt should not be nessessary. try shortning your time in the neutral solution. this skins about 2 min. thicker ones up to 5 min.
eric
Loose hair is usually the result of slow drying after its been tanned and oiled. Do you have a dehumidifier in your shop - they help tremendously. Also try this - after oiling - sweat in the oil for 3-4 hours - then place the cape in a garbage bag along with some sawdust and just enough odorless mineral spirits to slightly dampen it - tie it off and bounce it for several minutes. Then blow it off, prep and mount or let it dry and rehydrate it later, prep and mount.
Dont wash your capes after tanning and before oiling - rinse instead with water. Sometimes the detergent doesnt rinse out well and it can also loosen hair.
I have two deer skins in the freezer for two years now. The freezer broke now so I am in the proccess of trying to tan the hides myself with the hair on. What are the next steps to do this . Thanks