De-fatting bobcat skin

Bow Hunter

Bow Hunter

New member
River Runner,

I am currently processing my second bobcat hide. The previous one did not appear to have any significant fat. However, this one had quite a bit of fat, by comparison, in the back and thighs. I fleshed it well before putting it into the pickle (currently in Safetee-Acid) but, the hide still seems oily and greasy.

Since I don't have any degreaser on hand could I safely soak the hide in Coleman Fuel after the pickle, rescrape and return to the pickle?

If so, how long in the Coleman Fuel?

If this is not safe for the hide, what would you suggest? Do the degreasers that are added to the pickle really do a good job. I was thinking of using Polytranspar Degreaser. Any thoughts?

Thanks,
Don
Bow Hunter /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/confused.gif
P.S. How's the video coming?
 
Coleman white gas works great. I've used on bears before but I don't really care for the fumes and other dangers involved with it. If you do use it, I'd say soak it about three hours but stir it up, agitate it around as often as possible.

The best types of degreasers in MY opinion are the ones that work alone. Meaning you soak the hide in just that chemical for a period of time. I use Rittel's super solvent, it's like a higher then highly concentrated soap. Kinda smells like a cheap new plastic table cloth /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/tongue.gif

Another good chemical to use in addition to anything you do use is acid bate. Its kind of expensive but it mixes with the pickle and only works at a low PH and it actually works to dissolve the fat and grease thats IN the skin tissue.
Your stand alone degreaser will clean up the skins surface and some of the large greasy spots. Then when this acid bate is used behind it in your pickle it makes for some really soft skins because it's able to penetrate into the newly exposed skin and it works on it that way while pickling.
/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif

{edit} For got to add that I've never used Polytranspar Degreaser. I'm too hooked on the super solvent.
 
River Runner,

Thanks for your input I really appreciate. I will give the Super Solvent a try on my next project as I don't have time to order and receive it before I need to take the hide out of the pickle.

My hunting partner used his new tumbler with the alder sawdust on a coon this week and the skin turned red. I know when an alder tree is cut the fresh wood turns reddish but, I never dreamed it would stain the hide. The sawdust itself didn't look reddish at all but then, it was dry. Have you ever heard of this? Would this pose any problem that you could think of? What about hair-off tanning? It might look interesting but, would it be permanent! I guess time will tell.

How much Acid Bate should be used per gallon of pickle? Could/should it be used following the Coleman fuel treatment?

Thanks again,
Don
Bow Hunter
 
The saw issue makes me think that maybe the saw dust wasn't dry. But I'm just shooting in the dark here. I would think that if it was nice and dry, that the red would simply be a dust and you could shake it off.
I've mainly used oak sawdust myself. But who knows what they are RReally putting in that package. It's never stained anything.

The acid bate shouldnt pose any problems if you saok your hide in the whie gas first, just be sure to rinse it well in luke warm water. The luke warm water will open the pores and allow it to be rinsed more thorough.
As far as how much bate to put in your pickle, I can't tell you that right here without running back out to the shop, but there's full mixing directions that do come with it.

(A little tip on the acid bate)
Always dissolve it in a small amount of hot water before adding it to your pickle.
The cooler water in your pickle won't allow it to dissolve and youll have lumps rollin around on the bottom of your vat.
I use a small jar and fill it half way with scalding hot water, add my bate and shake it up. I still have to go in with something and break up clumps before I add it to the pickle once in a while.
 
River Runner,

I used the Coleman fuel on my 2nd Bobcat. It did degrease the hide fairly well. Found fatty residue in the bottom of the bucket. Didn't have time to order & receive the Acid Bate. The hide came out pretty good. However, I tubed both Bobcats. the first one came out good except it is a little stiff in the neck and head. The second one I am a little more vigilant. Tumbling and stretching/staking every hour or so. I think I let the first one dry the last bit without working it and it dryed a little stiff. I will work this one more. The Acid Bate may have helped and I will try it on my next endeavour.

Am not really sure how to stake the 2 Bobcats I have since I tube-skinned them. Doing the best I can with the limited knowledge I have. Has been interesting. Have wanted to do this since I was a kid. Thanks for your help and mentoring!

I believe I'll send you my next coyote hide (when I connect) to use as a "control" for my experimenting. I was out last week-end and called in two to 200 yards. Didn't feel steady enough to try it so I passed. They must have winded me and were gone.

Don
Bow Hunter

P.S. Both hides have turned out a brownish color using the alder sawdust. Looks nice. Fur looks great and natural. I don't know if I'll just hang them from a nail, make rugs or maybe eventually mount them. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif
 
The acid bate would help a lot with your stiff neck. Wait a minute...that didn't sound right. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif

Cats are notorious in this business for the thick skin on their necks and shoulders. The best way to soften the hide is to shave that area down before tanning the hide. That's where the wheel comes in handy but you can do it with a good Necker knife or similiar.

I'm glad to hear your getting the hang of it....I feel retirement coming on. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/tongue.gif J/K
 
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