Rattle Snake Skinnin

[AHBH]

Lol, I second doing it outside.The wife isn't too keen on snakes, until after they are tanned and ready for use.Good video, thats pretty much how I do it too.Sorry can't help you on kits, I tan mine using a solution taught to me by a Taxidermist.I use a solution of 1/3 denatured alcohol,1/3 acetone and 1/3 glycerin.After thoroughly washing and drying the hide, I stake it out and apply the solution numerous times, then hang to air out and dry.I then sprinkle baby powder on it and roll up and bag for use.good luck.Dave

Hi Dave here is a few questions please from a rookie. I saw on youtube that they use only alcohol and glycerine what is the purpose of the acetone? They also put the solution on the "meat side" every day for a week so my question is do you put it both sides or not and how many times is numerous? I intend tanning puffadder skins here in South Africa and we have a hot climate and not very humid.

Thanks David

[DCKNIVES]

David, it was not told to me what exactly the acetone does, but I assume it helps in drying out the skin.I just know that it worked for me.Numerous is about 5-6 times for my work, and yes I did both sides.Dave

[Spinner]

Hi Dave here is a few questions please from a rookie. I saw on youtube that they use only alcohol and glycerine what is the purpose of the acetone? They also put the solution on the "meat side" every day for a week so my question is do you put it both sides or not and how many times is numerous? I intend tanning puffadder skins here in South Africa and we have a hot climate and not very humid.

Thanks David

Judging on the makeup of the solution, the acetone is just a secondary cleaner/drying agent. Alcohol is great stuff but won't dissolve some oils effectively. Acetone is slightly more caustic and will clean those left behind by the alcohol. The Glycerine portion is likely a moisture content replacement for the water/oils being cleaned out so the leather doesn't turn into cardboard during the process.

[AHBH]

Thanks for the replies

[Hilly]

I wonder if this method works well on all types of snakes? I've been seeing some MONSTER pine snakes around here. They have some interesting patterns on their skins...

[alb]

That reminds me, I have a snake in the freezer I need to deal with.

What do you all use to get the flesh off? I've only skinned one snake and ended up tearing the skin trying to get the flesh off.

Ann