When putting fur up for tanning, is it okay to be kinda sloppy? I have some beaver that I plan on tanning, so I wasn't very careful about hot I put them up. I only used like 10 nails, so they've got huge scallops. Will these go away when I rehydrate, or do I need to use a bunch of nails to get a nice shape like when I put them up to sell?
Same with coons....I use wire stretchers, an normally I use clothespins to get maximum length and keep the skirt straight, and to keep the tail open. I've been just hooking the legs and tail on and calling it good, since I don't plan ons Elli g and I'm not really concerned with maximum length.
Will this affect the final product, or when I rehydrate will these critters go back to their normal shape and size?

You should be OK,you may have to scrape around the scallops to get them to re-hydrate quicker.If the thick skin doesnt re-hydrate quick enough and you are worried about leaving the skins in the rehydration solution too long,you can just trim the hard edges off with a knife.Worst is you will lose a size.

there are many tanning methods out there but i have only used the stuff in the orange bottle. it is my experience that freshly fleshed hides give best results. if have dried skins only soak till soft. keep checking them.

You don't salt the hides first before the salt water bath ?