Making Coon Rugs

What we’re your steps in tanning as that has a lot to do with it?
Then we’ll go from there

 

First issue is you didn’t hydrate the salted hide. Even after 24 hrs the cape needs hydration. Not having the hide in my hand it could be you never got it hydrated enough for any of the chemicals yo properly work.
You should be pickling for three days first, then shave thin( you didn’t do that) then degreased , back in pickle overnight.
That’s all that’s needed with coons as their very thin skinned
Afterwards they get drained on the 4 th day, neutralize drain and then the tan is applied. After 24 hours I’ll then oil the cape for another 24 hrs . Then as it’s drying 85% I’ll start pulling up, down sideways etc to start breaking the cape, then sand it. That should give you a very supple cape. Hopefully this helps a bit.
Now on your situation I might start over as to hydrating the cape again, and follow the steps above as that should get it soft

 

When using a rub on tan, I’ll drain it for about 20-30 minutes, throw it into my dryer with a bunch of towels in it set on cool and tumble for 20 minutes. Then I’ll apply the tan to it .

 

Was wondering how you sand your hides Frank ? Do you use a hand held rotary sander or a drum sander ? What is the grit of the sandpaper ? Thanks in advance !