Alum?

[Nicos]

I'm curious too - not that I could do it but I do believe that if an animal dies, every part of it should be put to use. Seems you're not alone in France Curing rabbit skins - View topic :: Total France

Hmm..interesting...but I've still no idea where to get the 'stuff' from!!!!

[Bigmallly]

Ah well- why would a GP prescribe it for treating/preparing bunny skins?- clearly that's going to be a non starter for me - darn.

Never say never.......we'll keep looking.

[Aberdeenplotter]

I'm curious too - not that I could do it but I do believe that if an animal dies, every part of it should be put to use. [/url]

Reminds me of what an old worthy used to do with dead rats. The skins were used for fur coats, their nails and teeth were used for necklaces, their tales were used for ropes and the excrement was used for ----- wait for it ----ratchet screwdrivers

[veggiechicken]

That's a terrible joke AP - I like it!

[Capsid]

I know alum as an adjuvant used in vaccines which is either aluminium phosphate or aluminium hydroxide. Can you be specific as to which chemical form you mean as the alum you google may not be what you really want.

Labpak chemicals sell both of those aluminium salts.

[Bigmallly]

Alum Powder (Fatakdi Powder) - Top-Op

And it looks like you can buy it from them in Dorset.

Contact Us

[veggiechicken]

I've learnt so much this evening. How have I lived without a shedful of alum for so long?
Natural Spa Supplies » Shop » Volcanic Alum Crystal Deodorant/Shavers Styptic

[Nicos]

Can you be specific as to which chemical form you mean as the alum you google may not be what you really want.

.

Nooo- that's the problem!....I've no idea what I'm actually looking for!
Just for curing/tanning bunny skins is a starter!

Any suggestions?

[Capsid]

Ok you need aluminium ammonium sulphate for tanning.

[Nicos]

OK- thanks.

Tanning- and curing??? ( not quite got the term sorted yet!)...ie -want to keep the fur.

And so...where on earth can I buy that???

[Two_Sheds]

I'm still looking (and learning. I like learning). This seems very thorough: http://www.tn.gov/twra/pdfs/tanninghides.pdf

"rabbit are thinskinned and require more care to avoid damage... To preserve small animal pelts, such as rabbit, airdry them... alum tanned skins often come out stiff and hard. Alcohol and turpentine tanning is a simple method best suited for small fur skins [like rabbit] "

[Two_Sheds]

Tea and vinegar recipe here: Curing rabbit skins - View topic :: Total France

[Two_Sheds]

and a forum "how to" using alum (ordered from an English chemist for bedsores): Tanning a hide- 10 easy steps to a well cured pelt or hide.

[Patchninja]

Have a read of this article about tannage végétal - he uses tree bark! Might be a mite nicer than nasty chemicals.
La Fabrication du Cuir et Le Tannage Végétal en Détails | Articles à propos du Moyen-âge

[Capsid]

Nicos wants to cure the hide so that pdf article two sheds cited also uses aluminium ammonium sulphate which you can buy from LabPak chemicals.

Lab Supplies - ALUMINIUM AMMONIUM SULPHATE 12H2O GPR RE - P&R Labpak Limited

Please be careful when handling chemicals and read the safety sheet that comes with it; it is an irritant.

http://www.sciencelab.com/msds.php?msdsId=9922848