Well, I find that it's best to use a combination of softening tools. I use a staker a lot (upright shovel blade) and cable some. I still soften the occasional hide completely by hand, but I always frame them afterwards to get them flattened out and back to full size, more or less. Most of the time, I like to hand soften until the obvious wet spots are gone, then finish on the frame. But for really thick hides, I often put them on the frame sooner, easier on the hands.

I’ve got a couple of questions, if you don’t mind PA. First, does it matter what type of brains and how dry ( I can turn them to powder in a dehydrator ) . When smoking hides does it matter what type of smoke ?

I just called a small grocer on the otherside of town and they have pig brains for only $2.00/lb!

Seems to be a lot cheaper and easier than the chemical concoctions.

Anyone's brains will work. I use pork brains because they're easy to get in bulk. Dryer is better.
The type of smoke only varies the color and smell. When trying to get really dark hides I sometimes burn a bit of pine, But It's Tricky. Best is to use a very slow smoldering fire, and have lots of sawdust on hand to smother when it's needed. Punky wood thats mostly powder over coals is probably even better.

Here's a picture showing the difference between dry scrape and wet scrape hides.

types of wood will give a different color or shade. you want a cold smoke so your not cooking the hides. you want a small smoldering smoky fire, not a lot or any flames. like PA said old rotten (punk) wood is best-the kind you can break apart with your hands.

I have a smoker that I attached to a small old building. I fabricated a lid with a 6" pipe that runs up into the building. in the building I build a rack over the pipe inlet. lay my hide on the rack and then cover with an old sheet to help hold the smoke in even more. I know many build a teepee or a sock over their fire, but this seems to work well for me and I don't have to worry about the hides cooking

I just started my first braining last night. I'm using a smaller, damaged coon pelt so I figured if I mess it up it won't be a huge loss.

I rugged in the brain (only non fur side) and folded the pelt up leather to leather. Put a brick on it and have it sitting in on a table in my shop. The temp is mid 40s. So how long should I let it soak in before working it?