What is the cheapest tanning solution? Is there a way to do Borax without the Alum?

Depends on the end use.
Simple paste preservation is fine for a wall hanger but would not be suitable for a garment which requires a stretchy leather.

I don’t think this thread should be moved. It is not a trapping question.

More people will see it on the main forum.

I am using it for a wall hanger. Doesn't need to be really soft although I would if it was cheap. I was wondering if the Borax and Alum paste worked or not?

And do these instructions make sense? Any changes or mistakes?

Soak the skin in several changes of cool water. Use a 5 gallon plastic garbage can for all soaking and tanning processes. Never use a metal container, as the salt and tanning chemicals can react with the metal. While the skin must be soaked until soft, do not allow it to stay wet longer than necessary because the hair may start to slip. Soaking time depends upon the condition of the skin; some skins require only about two hours while others need a much longer time. When the skin begins to soften, lay it on a smooth board and begin working over the flesh side to break up the adhering tissue and fat. All dried skins have a shiny tight layer of tissue that must be broken up and entirely removed; this can be done by alternately scraping and soaking the hide. Take care not to injure the true skin or expose the hair roots, especially on thin skins like squirrel and rabbit. When the skin is almost soft, put it in lukewarm water containing an ounce of baking soda or Borax per gallon. For greasy skins, adding a tablespoon of dishwashing soap per gallon of water may help clean the skin.

I had a link to one of Bocos old tanning posts he started on here. My ipad did some kinda reboot and lost all my saved links.
I’ve only used one of the Tru Bond kits. They work fine but it’s nothing like a real taxidermist job.

That is your rehydration step.
Pickle comes after that then neutralizing, tanning, then oiling and tumbling.

"That is your rehydration step.
Pickle comes after that then neutralizing, tanning, then oiling and tumbling."

I understand that. But does Borax and Alum work?

Does borax and alum work for what?
Borax wont do anything.
Alum can be used as a pickle if mixed with salt and water to a ph 2 or under.
Alum and salt can be used as a tan if adjusted with washing soda to a ph of 4-4.5

to rub into the hide after soaking. Tanning solution/paste.

Brains.

Alum paste tan for small skins.

2oz washing soda
4oz salt
8oz of ammonium or potassium alum
Add enough soft water to make a paste.
If too watery add some flour to thicken.

Apply to flesh side of skin and cover with plastic so it doesnt dry out
Leave for a couple days then scrape off and apply fresh coat. Repeat two or 3 times until tan has struck thru thickest part of skin.
Then neutralize and finish.

Does baking soda work instead of washing soda? And is coyote a small skin?

No And No.
Baking soda is for neutralizing after pickle.
You can paste tan a coyote just takes more applications to penetrate.When you paste tan you are skipping the pickle.
I presume you know the cut test for tanning?

You can buy washing soda in the laundry aisle at most grocery stores for a few bucks.

Straight borax you can turn a hide into a lethat weapon!

Don't use washing soda/sodium carbonate for tanning. Raises the pH too much and you risking slippage. Somentanneriers do use sodium carbonate but they know what they're doing

Good discussion on this topic
https://www.taxidermy.net/threads/414369/

And there is a fur handling forum

So in Bocos Home Tanning, what kind of DIY tanning oil can I make?

ttt