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Main Boards => The Bowyer's Bench => Topic started by: Morning Star on March 20, 2017, 12:27:00 PM

Title: Tanning and dying beaver tails?
Post by: Morning Star on March 20, 2017, 12:27:00 PM

Do any of you have a good process down for tanning and dying them?  Or can recommend a tannery you know does a nice job with tails?

I looked through some of the old threads, didn't come up with much.

Title: Re: Tanning and dying beaver tails?
Post by: Pat B on March 21, 2017, 02:52:00 PM

I've never done it but from folks that have I believe they scrape the flesh side, degrease(pretty greasy) and let it dry, no tanning.

Title: Re: Tanning and dying beaver tails?
Post by: Mo_coon-catcher on March 21, 2017, 04:07:00 PM

Do that then when ready to use, just soak in water to soften and its ready to work. Just be careful stitching edges, it tears through pretty easy. I like it for arrow passes, not so much for grip wraps, it's a little hard and tough for my taste. though it does look good.

Kyle

Title: Re: Tanning and dying beaver tails?
Post by: Bowjunkie on March 21, 2017, 05:50:00 PM

I agree. If your grip isn't too, too 'shapely' it will conform. It's very durable in the arrow plate and shelf positions.

I get beaver tails from local trappers for nothing. Split in half, flesh, salt, dry, rehydrate, tan, soften as much as I can without damaging the outer side and that's it. Like Mo-coon-catcher said, don't pull on the thread too hard when stitching... it's tough when it comes to surface wear, but not as much in lateral tear resistance.