Bruce, I see guys referring to your degreaser for small animal cleaning. Would you be able to put a porcupine into this solution or just paint it on the skin side? What I'm wondering is will it make the quills soft? At least I could get the extras out of my hands! Would it damage the quills and/or successfully clean the oily skin? Rather than e-mail you, I thought others might wanna know, too. Thanks much, Bill.
Billy, Just thugh Id throw in my 2 cents worth .I really dont think Bruce's degreaser will harm the quills.They're only souped up hair as far as I know.Why dont you take a couple of the quills and put them in some and see if it does anything to them.Talk at you soon buddy. Bob C.
Having done these living pin-cushions, I can relate that I've never experienced any "water-logging" of the quill hairs. Though they are hollow, they also float. As you guys might have guessed by now, I pickle and tan everything - porkies included. I've used Bruces' Super Solvent on them without a problem. I guess that's the product you're thinking of? Anyway, hope this helped some. John.
PS: Wow, was that a short answer or what!? :)
Hi Bill - This is too easy!! Super solvent was designed for pig skins! Its exremely doubtful that it would attack the quill material. In fact, I would highly recommend it for Porkies! An excellent choice. I always tell my customers - if you want it squeeky clean - use it!! Don't paint it on though - use it as a solution. I'll even forward you instructions if you need them. Do you? Let me know.
Bruce, yes send them to me, if you want just send me a bottle of the super solvent, ups COD. Bill Yox Taxidermy 5554 Redman Rd Brockport NY 14420. Thanks Bruce !
Many years ago when the trout started getting smarter than me, I made up some floats with the quills. Whipped a eyelet on the small end and a rubber band to hold the line to the quill, They worked great then the trout farmer learn how to keep his fish from escaping. John C.