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Oxalic Acid Pickle

Discussion in 'Tanning' started by drob, Jan 8, 2021.

  1. Jan 8, 2021 #1
    drob

    drob Well-Known Member

    361
    329
    western new york
    Need help understanding why my pickle gets weaker after two deer capes.I always add extra acid as well as salt when I make a pickle bath but the ph always rises slightly just before second cape is pulled.I run each cape for four days ( not together ).Seems strange that the pickle weakens.
     
  3. Jan 9, 2021 #2
    livbucks

    livbucks Well-Known Member

    29,871
    22,610
    I thought that was normal.
     

  5. Jan 9, 2021 #3
    drob

    drob Well-Known Member

    361
    329
    western new york
    OK,wasn't sure.Thanks for the reply,I'll just start watching it closer!
     
  6. Jan 9, 2021 #4
    Frank E. Kotula

    Frank E. Kotula master, judge, instructor

    3,439
    1,526
    wilkes barre
    Two reasons
    Absorption
    Evaporation
     
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  7. Jan 9, 2021 #5
    drob

    drob Well-Known Member

    361
    329
    western new york
    Thankyou!
     
    Frank E. Kotula likes this.
  8. Jan 10, 2021 #6
    Vulpes Vulpes

    Vulpes Vulpes Active Member

    162
    67
    MD
    The skin has its own moisture and pH that dilutes the pickle closer to neutral. The bigger the batch of pickle you make, the less spiking it requires.
     
    drob likes this.
  9. Jan 11, 2021 #7
    Tanglewood Taxidermy

    Tanglewood Taxidermy Well-Known Member

    8,819
    8,351
    dallas oregon
    When I went from 2 gallons to 5 gallons, I experience less fluctuations. When I went to ten gallons, very little fluctuations.
     
    drob likes this.
  10. Jan 11, 2021 #8
    DTS 1046

    DTS 1046 Member

    56
    11
    Citric Acid is what is used in canning, to keep fruit from turning dark. Switch to saftee acid,..it holds the ph better.
     
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  11. Jan 11, 2021 #9
    Jimmy Rimrock

    Jimmy Rimrock Yeah, they come to snuff the rooster

    336
    20
    Southwestern Oregon
    X2 for saftee acid, works way better for me. Makes getting to the end result of a tanned hide faster and easier.
     
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  12. Jan 12, 2021 #10
    Frank E. Kotula

    Frank E. Kotula master, judge, instructor

    3,439
    1,526
    wilkes barre
    Every acid works well those who don’t understand this don’t understand the value of using citric ( which is in saftee acid) .
    It’s works great on greasy skins does make or aids in softer skins. Now different acids will swell the hides differently but unless you’ve been in this for yrs and used different acids you wouldn’t understand the minor difference. If citric was so good over saftee acids why do tanneries use citric , Formic alum? Reason they know how!
    All acids are acidic and will cause you damage if it gets on you. Formic will burn you as soon it touches your skin and the fumes take your breath away. To where citric, saftee acids will do the same as burn you ( but not harm your lungs) but it takes much longer hence it’s why they call saftee acid.
    Plus acids or pickles does not tan your hides any faster or easier.