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Back of the Neck What the Heck

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BowEd:
Zuma...All those charateristics you've seen epidermis have sticking onto the leather are the same that are the toughest for brain penetration too.That's why it's important to concentrate extra efforts of stretching on those areas.The neck area and the spine lines mainly.For some reason the hip joint areas even though thick aren't as stubborn.Thinning areas like this are a lot of work.Only 2 ways and that's either skiving it with a sharp blade while tender and that's tough doing a nice job or sanding after dried.At least 60 grit needed and then it will still take quite a while.
Ash soak will remove hair easily but not epidermis.For just rawhide to use just removing the hair is good enough with the epidermis a part of the rawhide.More then likely that epidermis that did come off power washing was a result of just getting tender enough from a long enough water soak.
Being a tanner is'nt a very glamorous hobby but the products produced and used from it are I think.

Zuma:
Bob as always so helpful. Thanks for takin the time to pen your experiences
not just for me but also the casual reader  that may want to get their hide tanned.
The same goes for you too Ed. Great education here.  :) :)
It always helps to know what you are in for when doing projects like these.
I guess I'll have to set my wood planner down mighty thin.  ??? ??? >:D .
All in all the power washer is a little better for me, Having the pvc pipe in my gut
is somewhat painful ( colon-ectomy).It's also better for my back and legs.
I know I still have a lot to learn and reading one of Pappy's post in another thread
helped me in the (Rush) department. He told how he would work a hide till he
wanted to stop. Then just put in the freezer till later. Pretty sure I'll be doing this
if I continue. Other wise I'll have to just salt future hides until I have enough to make
the trip to BJ's worth while. I could sit there with a toddy and let him have at it.  )P(
I agree with you all that it is less messy if you get set up properly and just do it.
Rubber gloves and an apron are good ideas. ;)
Zuma

Outbackbob48:
Don, another tip on the sore stomach against your PVC or fleshing beam. Just wad up an old bath towel or a pc of burlap and put between you and beam, a little padding and also helps slippery hides from moving around. I also always start graining on the neck first. I am at my strongest both physically and maybe more so mentally, It is easy to just say ah heck good enough if I do the necks last when I am wore out.  I watched a guy this summer grain a small doe with a split deer leg bone. He made it look easy with his crude scraper. Tuff SOB naa just young. How did the coon ever turn out, curious ? Bob

Zuma:
Bob I use an old sheet . It was handy. But still a little sore.
The coon survived ok.Nothing great but the hair is all there
and flies haven't taken aa liking to it,  It wasn't really a good prime fur.
I skinned out another tonight. A much better hide.
Zuma

GlisGlis:
Zuma make a little how to for that coon hide please
just a few picts  :OK

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