A while ago, Myself and another taxidermist tanned some capes for someone. Everything looked fine and the hair was set. The capes were frozen and then returned to the other shop. The problems came as he thawed and TRIED to mount the capes. The hair started falling out in large patches on 28 out of 31 capes. My question is, is this due to the freezing after being auto tanned? Or are there any other suggestions or theories out there? Any help would be greatly appreciated. THANKS!
Troy
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I freeze all of my capes that I tan in the auto tanner which has been several hundred and have never had one slip. The auto tanner does a very good job of saving iffy hides. Are you using the auto tan crystals?
If you are getting water from a well it could be your problem, use water from a treatment plant (city water) bet you solve your problem.
Causing the problem. I used well water all of the time when I had an auto tanner. I never had that problem.
I'm using city water. But I was wondering if the vacuum action of the tanner was maybe swelling the epidermis and then freezing was tearing that out. Any ideas? Do I need to towel bry too bfore putting in the freezer? Thanks!
Troy
Maybe you could run down your method of tanning with the machine. Then maybe someone could help more. I have done piles of capes in mine and piles of small mammals with no problems at all. I use the tanning crystals that are supplied with the machine from Steve R.. I would be curious to know your method of use. I also freeze right after tanning. When I am ready to mount. I throw the cape in the washing machine on spin for a couple minutes. If the wife ain't lookin. This removes most of the water I don't need. Jack F
I start by turning and splitting. Then getting rid of the red meat. From there we go into the auto tanner at 1 lb. per 1 gal. for 2 hours. The capes come out, fleshed and retuned to the same solution for another 1 1/2 - 2 hours. Taken out, drained and oiled (any sewing is done now). Then they are rolled up, put into a bag, tagged and placed in the freezer. I don't think I've missed anything. What do you think?
Troy
I have yet to have a problem with mine. You have to get off all the membrane from the skin to get the tan into it real well. I use warm water not all that hot like dish water. Are you using enough crystals for the amount of capes? I use one pound per cape in mine some times a little more.
I have started doing my own tanning, and have been using the Krowttan 2000. I have been very pleased with the results, however, I am still contemplating buying an auto tanner. Could someone please guide me with this decision, in an effort to get rid of all the buckets for the krowttan!