making rawhide

[razorback]

I'm really enjoying this process and may try to get a little more serious about it. I'll get a copy of that book as I have seen several people recommend it. When I have this stored as rawhide, can I then take it at a later date and tan it to make leather?

[vanillabear?]

I put 2 gallons of ash in about 10-15 gallons of water on the last one I did and it took over a week for the hair to slip all over. I don't know how much is too much, never had that happen.

[Trapper Rob]

razorback if you are going to brain tan it take the epidermis off when you dehair it then after soaking in a creek for 2-3 days when you take it out ring the water out mix some brains with about half gallon of warm water I use a old blender I bought at a yard sale then pull on the hide so it stretch's the fibers apart some then put it in the brain solution I leave mine in overnight I put it in the fridg at the barn then the next day ring the brain solution out then I roll it up & freeze it until I'm ready to stretch it after you finish stretching it sew it like a bag leave the neck open sew a old blue jean leg to the neck then smoke it.
Rob

[razorback]

Thanks Rob,
I may keep this one as rawhide for backing bows, though I may also take a small section and tan it to make a small bag for my daughter.

[Trapper Rob]

razorback I forgot to tell you if you use hydrated lime make sure you wear rubber gloves the lime will dry your hands bad the first one I did the skin peeled off my hands.
Rob

[razorback]

What is the best way to store the rawhide once it is dry. Also while dehairing it the grain lifted in a few places. Will this effect its ability to be used as backing. Will I have to cut strips around these spots to get good backing.

[macbow]

It can be,stored flat or a loose roll anywhere mice etc. Can't  get too it.

On the grain it depends on how much. In some cases I sand,off some of the thickness, but this is usually from the flesh side.