Wood stretchers...finish?

[an22]

Bought a half dozen new wood stretchers from Otis Latham and wanted to know, should I put some kind of finish on the wood or leave them natural?
Thanks

Alan

 

[catwhacker]

I have worked for a few different fur buyers in the past and have never seen a finish on wood stretcher. They will be covered in grease and natural animal oils in no time.

 

[reb8600]

I have never seen a finish on any and never put any on mine.

 

[J.W.]

Spotted cats work nice.

 

[an22]

Thanks fellows. New to trapping and the stretching process. Trapping is a tuff learning curve but very enjoyable. Just wanted to start things off correctly.

Alan

 

[jbmaster]

Take some long slender pieces cut from a board.About the size of a common yard stick.Taper one end down to a point.Not sharp though,so it won't damage a hide.When you put a skin on your stretcher to dry,slide this up along the belly,with the edge against the stretcher and skin.When the hide is dry,or ready to be flipped fur out,slide this stick out and it makes the hide loose on the stretcher.They can be a pain to get off without this sometimes.Unless, of course,your stretchers are hinged at the nose.Then never mind what I just said.

 

[Smackem223]

PVC 3/4 makes a good belly wedge also. Slick, cheap and no splinters.

 

[Tactical .20]

Dry wood will take some of the moisture from the skin, wire or plastic will not. I prefer plain clean wood.