Fur Handling Forum


No Profanity *** No Flaming *** No Advertising *** No Anti Trappers *** No Politics
No Non-Target Catches *** No Links to Anti-trapping Sites *** No Avoiding Profanity Filter


Home~Trap Talk~ADC Forum~Trap Shed~Wilderness Trapping~International Trappers~Fur Handling

Auction Forum~Trapper Tips~Links~Gallery~Basic Sets~Convention Calendar~Chat~ Trap Collecting Forum

Trapper's Humor~Strictly Trapping~Fur Buyers Directory~Mugshots~Fur Sale Directory~Wildcrafting

Trapper's Tales~Words From The Past~Legends~Archives~Kids Forum~Lure Formulators Forum


~Dobbins' Catalog~

>
pcsoutdoors
(Please support PCS Outdoors, our sponsor for the Fur Handling Forum Page)


Print Thread
Hop To
Page 2 of 3 1 2 3
Re: Baby powder vs borax [Re: rpmartin] #5957608
07/23/17 11:59 AM
07/23/17 11:59 AM
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 5,445
Southern Michigan
T
trappergbus Offline
trapper
trappergbus  Offline
trapper
T

Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 5,445
Southern Michigan
Ive sent alot of pelts to Moyle's to tan. All have been boraxed with zero issues when returned. Some have hung for a year before I've sent them. So my question is this, If borax impedes or causes problems with the tanning process what is it?? I don't use it as a crutch but to help speed the drying process.


Common sense catches alot of fur..
Pay homage to all you harvest..
Re: Baby powder vs borax [Re: rpmartin] #5958643
07/24/17 08:03 PM
07/24/17 08:03 PM
Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 3,232
S/W Wisconsin
rpmartin Offline OP
trapper
rpmartin  Offline OP
trapper

Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 3,232
S/W Wisconsin
I know what you mean trappergbus. It seems to be a he said she said deal with the borax. Like said above I just use it sparingly on coyotes.

Here is another question for anyone that would like to offer their opinion. I rub borax like crazy on bobcat bellies to whiten and brighten after they are dry, anyone doing this knows it makes a huge difference. So what could be used besides borax to do this?
I doubt if baby powder would as good as borax.


Life member,
NRA, NTA, RMEF, Pheasants Forever.
WTA,TTA,FTA,SA,GOA, member


Re: Baby powder vs borax [Re: rpmartin] #5958687
07/24/17 08:53 PM
07/24/17 08:53 PM
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 45,270
james bay frontierOnt.
B
Boco Online content
trapper
Boco  Online Content
trapper
B

Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 45,270
james bay frontierOnt.
Powdered chalk is used in the industry as a whitener and cleaner for white fur.


Forget that fear of gravity-get a little savagery in your life.
Re: Baby powder vs borax [Re: rpmartin] #5958783
07/24/17 10:12 PM
07/24/17 10:12 PM
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 2,794
100 Mile House, BC Can
bctomcat Offline
trapper
bctomcat  Offline
trapper

Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 2,794
100 Mile House, BC Can
Borax is a great fur cleaner and brightener IMO as can be seen in the following before and after coyote pelt pictures. Just be sure you shack and brush it out of the pelt so it does not annoy the graders. And, it's my understanding that it has nil effect on the pelt tanning process, at least when brushed and well shaken out of the pelt before processing.


The only constant in trapping is change so keep learning.






Re: Baby powder vs borax [Re: rpmartin] #5958854
07/24/17 10:59 PM
07/24/17 10:59 PM
Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 3,232
S/W Wisconsin
rpmartin Offline OP
trapper
rpmartin  Offline OP
trapper

Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 3,232
S/W Wisconsin
Boco, that's good to know, do you mean the kind that is used on a chalkboard? Where do you get this chalk?

Bctomcat, I remember seeing those pics I think in the archives. Big difference!

Imo the graders still know if borax was used no matter how well you clean it up. but they don't know if it was used before or after the pelt was dry. Do you think this makes a difference?


Life member,
NRA, NTA, RMEF, Pheasants Forever.
WTA,TTA,FTA,SA,GOA, member


Re: Baby powder vs borax [Re: rpmartin] #5958867
07/24/17 11:13 PM
07/24/17 11:13 PM
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 2,794
100 Mile House, BC Can
bctomcat Offline
trapper
bctomcat  Offline
trapper

Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 2,794
100 Mile House, BC Can
Originally Posted By: rpmartin


Imo the graders still know if borax was used no matter how well you clean it up. but they don't know if it was used before or after the pelt was dry. Do you think this makes a difference?
NO


The only constant in trapping is change so keep learning.






Re: Baby powder vs borax [Re: rpmartin] #6066297
11/27/17 12:58 AM
11/27/17 12:58 AM
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 154
Billings Mt.
K
kda Offline
trapper
kda  Offline
trapper
K

Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 154
Billings Mt.
I put toilet paper tubes in front legs to hold them to dry. Really quick and simple.


If you need a muzzle break. Shoot a smaller gun!!!!!!!
Re: Baby powder vs borax [Re: rpmartin] #6196327
03/22/18 09:26 PM
03/22/18 09:26 PM
Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 3,232
S/W Wisconsin
rpmartin Offline OP
trapper
rpmartin  Offline OP
trapper

Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 3,232
S/W Wisconsin
Hey Boco, I used your suggestion to dry my coyotes horizontally, it worked great. You da fur man! Thanks


Life member,
NRA, NTA, RMEF, Pheasants Forever.
WTA,TTA,FTA,SA,GOA, member


Re: Baby powder vs borax [Re: rpmartin] #6196339
03/22/18 09:34 PM
03/22/18 09:34 PM
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 9,947
Central Pa. 62
B
bic Offline
"Mr. Sensitivity"
bic  Offline
"Mr. Sensitivity"
B

Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 9,947
Central Pa. 62
Wouldn't any residue from Borax be completely gone before the pelt hits the graders table due to the drumming process?


Life always offers a second chance.
It's called Tomorrow
Re: Baby powder vs borax [Re: rpmartin] #6196407
03/22/18 10:43 PM
03/22/18 10:43 PM
Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 3,232
S/W Wisconsin
rpmartin Offline OP
trapper
rpmartin  Offline OP
trapper

Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 3,232
S/W Wisconsin
You would think so, but the way greg talked, (he is a fha guy) the graders could tell. How I have no idea. Good question. Maybe just trying to curb the use of borax.
I do know one point he was stressing was do not skip the flip. As in do not put a bunch of borax on a stretched hide fur out and then put a mink board in it to help dry. This seemed to be his pet peeve, he said if he seen this done he would throw straight in the garbage.

Edit, don't think he said he would throw in the trash but should be thrown in the trash.
I believe he is a receiving agent for fha and said if he seen coyotes like this would not except them.

Last edited by rpmartin; 03/23/18 08:31 AM.

Life member,
NRA, NTA, RMEF, Pheasants Forever.
WTA,TTA,FTA,SA,GOA, member


Re: Baby powder vs borax [Re: rpmartin] #6196740
03/23/18 10:43 AM
03/23/18 10:43 AM
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 23,797
Wisconsin
T
The Beav Offline
trapper
The Beav  Offline
trapper
T

Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 23,797
Wisconsin
In the fur trade I don't see any reason to even leave the front legs on any critter. Except when dealing with cats. Are you going to get down graded on commercial type coyotes and fox If the front legs are gone?
Now If you working with wall hangers maybe.

When dealing with the front legs I just place the end of the stretcher between the steps of a ladder. Now the legs are hanging straight down and will dry In the arm pit area. I have alway's done this with coyotes and fox. And when leaving on the front legs I split them up to the elbow and then pin them to some cardboard strips. And of coarse if your getting them tanned you can skip the flip.
I was told when Howell boys were In the processing business the walls In the drying room were set up with slots so all the streachers were placed In a somewhat a horizontal position.

I don't use any borax or baby powder on my skins. But I do use a spray on stain remover that does a exceptional job on removing blood stains. And works pretty good on those stained bellies.


The forum Know It All according to Muskrat
Re: Baby powder vs borax [Re: rpmartin] #6197235
03/23/18 08:12 PM
03/23/18 08:12 PM
Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 3,232
S/W Wisconsin
rpmartin Offline OP
trapper
rpmartin  Offline OP
trapper

Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 3,232
S/W Wisconsin
I put mine on saw horses where no hide is in contact of them so they dry great. The front legs are only about 2" when dry, then when turned fur out the legs get pointed toward the middle. I was going to use the bands but this is easier and in my opinion looks just as good. You can barely see where the legs are.

I still use borax on the tail before I turn. I'm to lazy to pin the tail.
What do you with your tails, sorry if you have told me already.

Last edited by rpmartin; 03/23/18 08:15 PM.

Life member,
NRA, NTA, RMEF, Pheasants Forever.
WTA,TTA,FTA,SA,GOA, member


Re: Baby powder vs borax [Re: rpmartin] #6197336
03/23/18 09:40 PM
03/23/18 09:40 PM
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 2,794
100 Mile House, BC Can
bctomcat Offline
trapper
bctomcat  Offline
trapper

Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 2,794
100 Mile House, BC Can
Originally Posted By: rpmartin


I still use borax on the tail before I turn. I'm to lazy to pin the tail.
What do you with your tails, sorry if you have told me already.
Use a heavy piece of cardbord or cedar shake for pinning tails on split boards.


The only constant in trapping is change so keep learning.






Re: Baby powder vs borax [Re: rpmartin] #6197584
03/24/18 07:59 AM
03/24/18 07:59 AM
Joined: Mar 2016
Posts: 3,562
lewis county,new york
N
newfox1 Offline
trapper
newfox1  Offline
trapper
N

Joined: Mar 2016
Posts: 3,562
lewis county,new york
I use bocos trick for the tail.

Re: Baby powder vs borax [Re: rpmartin] #6198003
03/24/18 02:27 PM
03/24/18 02:27 PM
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 23,797
Wisconsin
T
The Beav Offline
trapper
The Beav  Offline
trapper
T

Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 23,797
Wisconsin
I put one pin In the tail to keep It In place and never had any problems with them drying.


The forum Know It All according to Muskrat
Re: Baby powder vs borax [Re: rpmartin] #6198845
03/25/18 09:11 AM
03/25/18 09:11 AM
Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 3,232
S/W Wisconsin
rpmartin Offline OP
trapper
rpmartin  Offline OP
trapper

Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 3,232
S/W Wisconsin
Sounds good, thanks guys


Life member,
NRA, NTA, RMEF, Pheasants Forever.
WTA,TTA,FTA,SA,GOA, member


Re: Baby powder vs borax [Re: The Beav] #6611842
09/08/19 07:39 AM
09/08/19 07:39 AM
Joined: Jan 2016
Posts: 10,007
WI - Wisconsin
A
AJE Offline
trapper
AJE  Offline
trapper
A

Joined: Jan 2016
Posts: 10,007
WI - Wisconsin
Originally Posted by The Beav

I was told when Howell boys were In the processing business the walls In the drying room were set up with slots so all the streachers were placed In a somewhat a horizontal position.

I ran into 1 of the Howell brothers today at our state convention. I was pleased to hear they are back in business in Mauston, Wi. Albeit on a much smaller scale. Only 1 of the brothers runs the shop there now, and he does so on a part time basis when he's not doing concrete work for his regualar day job.

Re: Baby powder vs borax [Re: rpmartin] #6613641
09/10/19 05:08 PM
09/10/19 05:08 PM
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 23,797
Wisconsin
T
The Beav Offline
trapper
The Beav  Offline
trapper
T

Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 23,797
Wisconsin
Well Boco Is partly right.

The first drying stage when you have the flesh side out should be dried In the horizontal position. That leaves the legs hanging down and the pits will dry out before turning. After turning fur out I can't see where drying In the horizontal position would be of any value.


The forum Know It All according to Muskrat
Re: Baby powder vs borax [Re: rpmartin] #6614439
09/11/19 02:17 PM
09/11/19 02:17 PM
Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 3,232
S/W Wisconsin
rpmartin Offline OP
trapper
rpmartin  Offline OP
trapper

Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 3,232
S/W Wisconsin
I hang mine downside up and give a good brushing to finish the drying so the fur has nice full fluffy look. I hate to let the fur get flattened, at least until it's out of my hands.


Life member,
NRA, NTA, RMEF, Pheasants Forever.
WTA,TTA,FTA,SA,GOA, member


Re: Baby powder vs borax [Re: The Beav] #6614623
09/11/19 06:26 PM
09/11/19 06:26 PM
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 45,270
james bay frontierOnt.
B
Boco Online content
trapper
Boco  Online Content
trapper
B

Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 45,270
james bay frontierOnt.
That's how I do it Beav,just horizontal to dry the leg pits before turning.
After turning I hang nose down to finish on the board,and after they are off the board I hang them in bundles in the cold room. [Linked Image]


Forget that fear of gravity-get a little savagery in your life.
Page 2 of 3 1 2 3
Previous Thread
Index
Next Thread

Powered by UBB.threads™ PHP Forum Software 7.7.1