Submitted by Chad on 11/27/99. ( cswinford@prodigy.net ) 209.156.144.179
I have a deer hide frozen. Could I submerge it in warm water to thaw it out quicker? Would it hurt anything?
This response submitted by Art on 11/27/99. ( hursey1@sota-oh.com ) 216.28.80.76
Chad
Your goal is to prepare your hide or cape without allowing it to become warm.
Warm breeds Bacteria. Bacteria ruins capes.
This response submitted by Bruce Rittel on 11/28/99. ( rittel@ici.net ) 207.180.0.8
Dont try the "quickie" way! Keep it dry! Just let it thaw to room temp - then salt it good, fold it for 2 days and let it drain, flesh it really good, resalt it and let it set folded for another 2 days, and then shake it out and hang it to dry. You can store or hang it dry until next summer.
This response submitted by jeff hughes on 11/28/99. ( grimlock@crcwnet.com ) 209.84.209.100
In addition to using cold water bath to thaw out your hide, I add lysol concentrate every step of the way.
During thaw, pickle, neutralize and even tan solution. I use alot more than I probably should at each step too, but I don't lose many capes either.
Other bacteriacides may work better I don't know, never had to try others and it's cheap insurance.
Good luck- Jeff