james w Posted September 18, 2009 Report Share Posted September 18, 2009 (edited) ive got a squirrel skin sitting in my room all dried out and i was wondering if any one new how i go about softening it into leather? ive followed this instructable up until the neat's foot oil bit but it wont soften at all. any one know what im doing wrong? instructable Edited September 18, 2009 by james w Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
steve_b_wales Posted September 18, 2009 Report Share Posted September 18, 2009 (edited) There is a firm called Snowdonia Taxidermy supplies. They have lots of chemicals for tanning etc. I've been told that they are good on prices etc. Look them up on Google. Steve. Edited October 3, 2009 by steve_b_wales Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
miniwizard Posted September 23, 2009 Report Share Posted September 23, 2009 keep putting neatsfoot oil on it untill it wont take anymore,working it in,make sure you give it time to soak in,a week or two,then just throw it in the washing machine,it will come out soft and supple,i did this with a dear skin,(oil tan) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
james w Posted September 24, 2009 Author Report Share Posted September 24, 2009 ill give it a try. was the skin still stiff when before you washed it? and will hand washing do because my mum wont be too pleased if i put a squirrel skin i the washing machine Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
miniwizard Posted September 27, 2009 Report Share Posted September 27, 2009 yes stiff as a board,if you hand wash it,you will have to work the skin hard,nachine was is better,dont tell yer mum! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
steve_b_wales Posted September 28, 2009 Report Share Posted September 28, 2009 I've just bought a tanning/preserving kit from Snowdonia supplies. It makes two gallons. I tried it on a fox tail yesterday (leave soaking for 24 hours) and it's brilliant. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
james w Posted September 28, 2009 Author Report Share Posted September 28, 2009 thank you both miniwizard ill give it a go in a few minuets and tell you the results and steve b what number was the kit and how much did i cost cos i make lots of knife sheaths and i know people will want some skins: rabbit , squirrel etc so ill probably be doing alot of tanning in the future to make some ££. hopefully Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
steve_b_wales Posted September 29, 2009 Report Share Posted September 29, 2009 (edited) The kit cost around £17.25 with postage. Not sure of the number of the kit, but if you ring them, they will tell you. It's easy to mix the chemicals and also easy to use. Steve. EDIT. The pack I bought was CP5 (2 gallon pack) Edited September 30, 2009 by steve_b_wales Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
james w Posted September 30, 2009 Author Report Share Posted September 30, 2009 thanks mate ill have a look i tried washing the skin and its all dried and supple. it can just hold up is weight when held horizontal which for my use is perfect thanks again Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pigeon_snIPer Posted November 18, 2009 Report Share Posted November 18, 2009 Any snaps of the finished product mate. :-) /s/ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
james w Posted November 21, 2009 Author Report Share Posted November 21, 2009 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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