TANNING SKINS

Submitted: Tuesday, Nov 16, 2004 at 21:49
ThreadID: 17863 Views:6184 Replies:5 FollowUps:9
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yeah i know not really 4wd related but i need some advice.

Kids want to have a go at tanning a few skins - sheep rabbit etc, but not to keen on the chemicals in the kits you can buy when my kids are using them
I remember when i was younger we used (i think) baking soda and vinegar. Pretty sure all we did was mix the vinegar and baking soda into a paste and worked it into the skin several times over a week or so. Can anyone confirm this? Memory is not what it once was im afraid.
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Reply By: Andrew from TrekTable - Tuesday, Nov 16, 2004 at 22:14

Tuesday, Nov 16, 2004 at 22:14
Mikell,

We used tee tree shavings and water. You need the tee tree oil to leech into the water so we used to put the tee tree shavings into the water for about 3 days prior and stir regularly. Then add the skins for a week or so, stirring daily.

I think the tee tree timber had to be core timber not bark.

This is all from memory so I'll do a few searches and confirm if my memory is correct.

Andrew
AnswerID: 84642

Follow Up By: Member - DickyBeach - Wednesday, Nov 17, 2004 at 03:56

Wednesday, Nov 17, 2004 at 03:56
I (vaguely) remember Dad using the bark from Wattle trees steeped in water.
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Follow Up By: Member - Melissa - Wednesday, Nov 17, 2004 at 10:13

Wednesday, Nov 17, 2004 at 10:13
Yeah DB, the bark from Wattle trees contains natural tannins which were used for centuries by the tanning industry. As a kid my dad spent many school holidays "wattle-barking" with his uncles in Vic. The dried bundles of bark were then sold to a tannery.

:o) Melissa
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Reply By: Andrew from TrekTable - Tuesday, Nov 16, 2004 at 22:44

Tuesday, Nov 16, 2004 at 22:44
Mikell,

Did a quick search on google and found:

link Tanning Rabbit Skins

link plus more

plus heaps and heaps more.

Try searching on 'hide tanning ingredients' and have fun!

Andrew
AnswerID: 84647

Follow Up By: Nudenut - Wednesday, Nov 17, 2004 at 07:47

Wednesday, Nov 17, 2004 at 07:47
mmm acid and water is a Dangerous Mix if one doesnt do it correctly.

one spits when attemping to mix if not done the right way...and in a very real way you could end up with acid in your eyes (probably the worst scenario)

Maybe someone can enlighten more on what to add to what when attempting to mix
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Follow Up By: Member - Stephen (WA) - Wednesday, Nov 17, 2004 at 15:45

Wednesday, Nov 17, 2004 at 15:45
Always add acid to water.
NEVER never never add water to acid.

Should it react violently as you start to mix them, you are better of being covered with water that has a bit of acid in it rather than being covered in acid with a bit of water in it.

If you do nothing else - please, please protect your eyes from any possible splashes.

Cheers
Stephen J.
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Follow Up By: Mikell - Wednesday, Nov 17, 2004 at 20:51

Wednesday, Nov 17, 2004 at 20:51
Thanks Andrew. Will have a look
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Follow Up By: Nudenut - Wednesday, Nov 17, 2004 at 21:47

Wednesday, Nov 17, 2004 at 21:47
thnaks Steven for clearing that up.....i knew one spat but not sure which
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Reply By: fisho64 - Tuesday, Nov 16, 2004 at 22:55

Tuesday, Nov 16, 2004 at 22:55
I thought it was salt and maybe kerosine? certainly if you rub salt into it and then fold it skin to skin you dont need to tan immediately, but you must remove all meat and fat
AnswerID: 84649

Reply By: Nudenut - Wednesday, Nov 17, 2004 at 07:37

Wednesday, Nov 17, 2004 at 07:37
i tanned a fox tail back a several yrs ago using salt...seemed to work ok
but it stll had this fatty smell and feel to it.......soaked it in shellite for about an hour .......fixed that problem and still looks good but will soon need a new one cos the one i'm using is getting a bit light on. (use it for tying flies for trout)
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Follow Up By: Willem - Wednesday, Nov 17, 2004 at 19:41

Wednesday, Nov 17, 2004 at 19:41
How long did it last on the Lancruiser's aerial....................?
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Follow Up By: Nudenut - Wednesday, Nov 17, 2004 at 21:40

Wednesday, Nov 17, 2004 at 21:40
at 160 klm /hr.....not long

but you wouldnt need to worry with that...nissan owner
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Reply By: Member - Melissa - Wednesday, Nov 17, 2004 at 10:15

Wednesday, Nov 17, 2004 at 10:15
Mikell,

I do a bit of contract work for a leather manufacturer. I'll be in the office tomorrow so I'll have a word with the technical manager and see if he has any suggestions for you.

:o) Melissa
AnswerID: 84679

Follow Up By: Mikell - Wednesday, Nov 17, 2004 at 20:49

Wednesday, Nov 17, 2004 at 20:49
thanks Melissa
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