Home tanning

[Caribou Dreamer2]

Anybody on here do there own tannig of there hides??If so what kind of preperation do you do to your pelts,also what kind of perserative have you used and which is the best?/,Has anybody used the kits that you can buy and tried them are they any good???

[countyroad]

My dad is in the process of using a kit on a deer hide. Last he mentioned something wasn't going all that well with it. I'm not sure if it's his fault or the kits. I believe my dad did something wrong though.

[M.Magis]

Most of the kits work, but they typically require a good understanding of tanning principles to get good results, and most people would have no way of knowing everything needed unless they study tanning beforehand. No matter what type of tan, the hide will need to be broken to remain soft, and that is very difficult to do at home. I do all my own tanning for taxidermy, but any soft tans get sent out. Certain animals are more risky to begining tanners as well. There are some very simple tans out there, but they aren't as popular as the ones that have been around a while and have proven to be good, long lasting, tans. What kind of animal and what did you have in mind for it?

[Q2XL]

it is for a coyote hide and just wantin too tan it too either put on wall or use for an arrow quiver.

[M.Magis]

Personally, I think Rittels EZ 2000 kit would probably work best for you. It's simple, and it won't wash out if it were to get damp. Honestly though, most of the home tans aren't really made for things like quivers where they get used a lot and possibly wet. The kit should come with good instructions. It may require a couple addition things that aren't included. Litmus papers are one and are very important to keep the correct PH in the pickle, order at the same time as the tanning kit. Salt is easily availabe, as is baking soda. You can get the kit directly from Rittel's:
http://rittelsupplies.net/
He also has a page of downloadable directions, VERY helpful. There's enough tan to try it out first on something your not worried about losing. Often times the first attempt at tanning doesn't go as well as hoped.:D

[Caribou Dreamer2]

Thanks for the info guys,Does anybody know off hand what the average cost to have hide tan through a taxidermy