In just read Norths response to the dehairing topic, I did not want to take that post in a different direction so I started this one...

I received the book Deerskins to Buckskins and am facinated by the process of tanning a hide with traditional methods. With any luck I will be giving this a try this fall.

Do any of you have any suggestions to a beginner?
I do not have a fleshing beam and was hoping for suggestions on how to build one with common household Items.

All information, comments, and laughing in my general direction will be read with fasicination.

buck

Buck-

Just got in from the second day of teaching said process. This session was mostly devoted to breaking and smoking stages. Will be happy to answer any questions!

1) Tip #1 - If, like most of us, you'll be out on a hunt and away from home-base for a few days, perform the following;

2) Bring a box of canning salt with. These are usually 3 lbs. and cheap.

3) Skin beastie. Lay out hide and remove any big hunks of fat and/or flesh. You needn't do a complete fleshing job, but remove the "gross excess".

4) Rub a goodly amount of salt into the flesh side (endoderm) of the hide. On an average deer hide 1-1.5 lbs. will be sufficient. (1/3-1/2 box). Rub in well. Pay attention to get the edges of the hide well worked.

5) Fold both sides of hide into center and then roll up hide from head to tail. Place this tight bundle into a garbage bag and tie off.

6) This will keep hide well preserved until you get it home or get a chance to work on it. Hides treated in this manner are will still be safe (and "pleasant") to work with for some months after harvest.

7) Obviously this isn't strictly traditional. Merely an accommodation to modern situations that still allows for proper brain tanning to be executed.

O.K.- Enough for the moment! 300 miles and a long day. Will get back to you tomorrow on fleshing beam!

Hope this is of help!

Buck-

O.K., I'm a day late! Too much to attend to. I just tried to post an attachment that is a page from my tanning instruction guide. This page dealt with fleshing beams. Couldn't get the "process" to work. Might have to do with file size. Anyway, if you wish to provide me with an address I can ship it directly to you. Would save a lot of extra key punching!

North
I appreciate any help you can give.
Contact me here
gowdy88@msn.com
buck