OK a few folks have asked me to post this so here goes. First these are heavy #5 wire stretchers, you can do the same with #4 or for any other animal hide you want to do this way.

Here is a "jig" I made so I can make these conversions myself.




To make the Jig...
I lay the wire stretcher on the plywood. Then lay a piece of 1x2 against each side of the stretcher and nail them down. Then after cutting to length and with the insert in position I put in a couple nails to hold the stretcher against the wood insert.

Next I place a wire stretcher in the jig...




Then I place a wooden insert in to get the correct position so I can cut off the hooks...





Then using a big pair of bolt cutters I cut the side rails so they are about 1/4 inch shy of being flush with the bottom of the board insert.



Once the hooks are off I measure to insure the board is able to get my longest measurement, in this example 5X, then add the rest....




I put 3 1/2 wraps of duct tape making sure the side rails of the stretcher are centered. I do the bottom first...




then I do the remaining marks, insuring the duct tape is tightly pulled on each wrap, I end with the cut on the tape being on the top right....The top of the tape is the length measurement when stretching your coon hides...

Here are the NAFA measurements I use...

Raccoon size, length
5XL. Over 38"
4XL. Over 35"
3XL, 32"-35"
2XL, 29"-32"
XL, 27"-29"
LGE, 24"-27"
LM, 22"-24"
MED, 20"-22"
SML, Under 20"





Then I mark the sizes for easy reference...




The width is 8 inches at the bottom...




FHA Measurements
Raccoon
2" = 3"
6" = 5"
12" = 6 1/2"
24" = 7"
36" = 7 1/4"
48" = 7 1/2"


NAFA measurements
Raccoon (large):
5.5" to 6" @ 11"
7.5" to 8" @ 30"
8" @ 48 to 54"

Raccoon (medium):

5" to 5.5" @ 8"
7" to 7.5" @ 25"
8" @ 48 to 54"

Raccoon (small):

5" @ 11"
6.5" @ 30"
7" @ 48 to 54"


they are then hung up to be added to the inventory...






here is my one of my work stations with the J and S hooks I make and some bought and home made swivels...




The insert is 3/8 thick by7 1/2 inches wide by 16 inches long in the example I have used here... I now use a 24 inch long insert to handle smaller and larger coon.

Keep your wraps tight and where you want them. The jig was made of scrap plywood, trap stakes that I cut to short...and a few nails from when I used nails....GET A PNEUMATIC STAPLER....so much faster.

This conversion will allow you to make the money cut on your coon and get from 1 to 3 inches or more in length with out over stretching.

The idea for this is old but the guys that helped me get started are "nebowhunter" and "bluetick".
Pro-Hunt recommended the cross piece on top and rags the measurement charts I forgot...thanks.....well there you have it....Tom

Tom, Excellent tutorial!! I do not own any wire stretchers except those I use for muskrats. Everything else goes on wood.

Many who are wondering on how to make this wire-wood conversion will benefit from this tremendously.

Jonathan

Thank You, Jonathan. I try to help where ever I can...Tom

Thank you Tom,
Was getting ready to make the coversions on mine and had dug through all the archives-you laid it all out though and included all sizes, size of board to add etc. !! Thanks.

*Someone needs to make sure they archive this post pls.

i plan on converting 1/2 dz of mine this year. thanks for the help

If you make a jig like I did, you will be done in about 20 minutes LOL. Thank You and good luck. Tom

Do you trace an outline of a wood stretcher on your worktop to get get the right bend?Cool topic,I was going to give all my wire away.I guess I'll try this instead.Thanks!

No I lay the wire stretcher on the plywood. Then lay a piece of 1x2 against each side of the stretcher and nail them down. Then after cutting to length and with the insert in position I put in a couple nails to hold the stretcher against the wood insert. Tom

Tom make a copy of this great post over on the archives forum as well, PLEASE???

Here's the link... Trapping Archives Forum

THANKS!!!!

~ADC~

bump

These stretchers work well for otter too, they allow you to tack out the tail as it should be.

hey doesnt the duck tape fall off after a while with all of the grease from coons i never seen that type of board before looks like a good idea but does it work ??

thats a good idea i will have to do that

ADC, posted it for you. http://jayme220.proboards53.com/index.cgi

The friend that helped me get going is on about his 4th year with the same duct tape.

Good Point about the Otter....thanks,

I would think any animal with a tail that needs tacked open we could benefit using this system, I am going to do a couple coyote stretchers this way. Tom

I have gone to 24 inch wood inserts, this allows for smaller and larger coon on the same stretcher. Tom