Problems Tempering Rawhide

[KT Good]

When I place my rawhide in a bag to temper (after it is cut into strips), it seems like most of it is nice but some times there are soggy places (where it is touching itself?). These places never seem to catch up with the rest while I'm cutting strings and splitting... Is there a way to avoid this or "fix" it without "starting over"...HELP!

[megabit]

Sounds to me like you are soaking it to long before you stick it in the bag. Once it gets over soggy getting it right a major pain. Sometimes you can let it all dry out and start over but generally those soggy spots will be soggy again when you wet it again.

[HorsehairBraider]

Take this with about a pound of salt, because I'm not known for braiding rawhide...

But when I *do* braid rawhide, I always temper it in a damp towel. I have no idea if that would make a difference or not, that's just the way I've always done it.

Sounds like an aggravating problem, hopefully someone with more of a clue than me can help you out.

[Leatherpownder]

I usually soak my rawhide for about 15-30 minutes or until the strings are about half soaked then shake and hang the rawhide for a few minutes so there is no excess water left. Otherwise you will have the problem mentioned. Then leave it in the bag over night (two nights are better) to fully temper the hide. It's hard to describe how long to soak but that will come with experience. It's a feel thing. Keep in mind you can't hurry rawhide.

[megabit]

It's a feel thing. Keep in mind you can't hurry rawhide.

Boy I wrecked lots of hide figuring out those two things. Still get in a hurry every now and then, generally takes lots longer as you have to start over. :rofl:

[Shelly]

This is how I do it, and it generally works out fine. Soak the rawhide in warm water, checking often, until it has the feeling of 10 min spagetti, not quite soft all the way thru, and definitely not 'raggy'. Hang up until it isn't dripping any longer. Here is the part that I think makes a difference - you need to use something that holds in the humidity, but doesn't condensate on the inside - I had the same issue with bagging rawhide, as some areas of the hide will soak more or less thruout when you are soaking it. What happens is that the bag is touching the hide in places, and as the condensation beads on the inside of the bag, it concentrates in only the spots that it touches the hide, leaving it 'rubbery'. Best solutions I've seen are a raised platform humidifier - can be a plastic box with a tight lid - some people use rocks in the bottom of a plastic bin, add a little water, and have a stainless steel grate above to lay the hide on, then will seal it for 24 hrs or so. This holds in the humidity and helps the hide to even out and case completely and evenly. This also can be done with leather that you're going to carve/tool, although I'm usually more in a hurry in that regard, and end up 'quick casing' for leather! Anyway, what I use has been the best for me - I purchased two of the big, round tupperware pie holders, on ebay. I think they are at least 14" or 16" - I will do the above with the rawhide, and then lay my coils in the tupperware container, on top of a double layer of paper towel. Another double layer of towels on top, close it up, and let it sit for 25 hrs or so, checking it a few times. Should work - I should mention that I use hide from Bill Confer at Tejas Industries in Hereford, TX. He sends it already cut in a circle, or full hide, whatever you want. But, time is valuable to me, and he has the best hide available, so I get it cut in the circle, and cut my braiding strings from that.

Edited January 17, 2011 by Shelly

[KT Good]

Awsome! Great ideas... It sure is a long learning process. Thank you all.

[curlyjo]

I agree with Shelly on using a container with a screen. What works for me is a 5 gallon bucket with a screen about 6 inches off the bottom. You can suspend it from the top or put in some small pieces of brick under the screen. Just keep it out of the water. Then soak your strings just a little bit, Sometimes just dunk in water and place on screen with an inch or so of water under the screen. Then lay a pastic bag over the top and keep in a warm place. Not to hot of a room. This will pull moisture up into the strings evenly and you need to check once in a while to make sure they are not to wet. I did this with heavy honda strings on Sat. morning and they should be ready today. If you don't have the time to work with the strings when they are ready just pull back the plastic on top a little and let it breathe. But not to many days or just take out and start over. I do that now when I'm braiding and can't quite finish a bosal or something, I throw it in the bucket and finish the next day. I also use a long plastic container with a screen to prep large amount of string if I'm running late between splitting and finish work. I hope this helps and is understandable. Brad

Need to clarify. Just put an inch of water in bottom of bucket, not inch under screen. Sorry, Brad

[KT Good]

I really appreciate all the advise. I've been struggling with the whole tempering thing for a while. I played with some string this week and I've had some success! Now I have quite a bit cut up and I'm ready to start some new projects.

[Sissy Ledlow]

Thanks for all the great info. Trying to do five knife scabbards for my little grand children, just something to remember me by. My hands do not work very well anymore thanks to a stroke and MS, but it never hurts to try. Besides doing something out of rawhide has always been on my bucket list. Thanks again.

[bucksnort]

A little on the dry side is better. You can add a little much easier than take it out. Once you have a little moisture in the hide, a quick dip & back in the humidor for a couple of hours will usually do the trick. Buck