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Tannery

Wikipedia: Tanning Leather in Marakesh

Building a tannery on a small farm or homestead can be an interesting project, but it’s essential to ensure safety and follow any local regulations or guidelines. Here’s a short guide to understand how to build a basic tannery using locally available components:

  1. Location and Safety: Choose a well-ventilated area away from living spaces to set up the tannery. Safety should always be the priority, so make sure to wear appropriate protective gear like gloves and goggles while working.
  2. Pit or Container: The first component you need is a pit or a large container where the tanning process will take place. A pit can be dug into the ground, while a container could be made from wood or a sturdy material like plastic or metal.
  3. Tanning Agent: The tanning agent is a substance that helps preserve the animal hides and convert them into leather. You can use locally available materials like tree bark (e.g., oak, hemlock), tea leaves, or vegetable tannins (from oak, sumac, or chestnut). You can also use urine (more detail below).
  4. Salt and Water: You’ll need salt to preserve the raw animal hides before tanning. Additionally, you’ll require water for soaking and rinsing the hides during the tanning process.
  5. Scrapers and Knives: Tools for fleshing and removing excess fat and tissue from the hides. These can include simple blades or knives and scrapers made from metal, wood, or bone.
  6. Wooden Stakes: Stakes can be used to stretch and secure the hides during different stages of tanning.
  7. Tanning Drum or Tanning Box (optional): While not essential, having a drum or a box that can rotate the hides with the tanning agent can make the process more efficient. This can be improvised using locally available materials like a large barrel or a wooden box with a handle.
  8. Rope or Straps: These will be helpful in securing the hides to the stakes or the rotating drum/box.

Now, let’s briefly go through the basic tanning process:

  1. Prepare the Hides: After obtaining animal hides, salt them thoroughly to preserve them temporarily until you’re ready to start the tanning process.
  2. Soak the Hides: Place the salted hides in water to rehydrate them. This helps prepare the hides for the tanning agent.
  3. Tanning: Submerge the hydrated hides in the tanning agent (tree bark, tea leaves, or vegetable tannins) in the pit or container. Stir or agitate them occasionally to ensure even tanning.
  4. Fleshing and Scraping: After a few days of tanning, take the hides out and scrape off any excess flesh or fat using the scrapers and knives.
  5. Stretching: Secure the hides to the wooden stakes or inside the rotating drum/box. Regularly rotate or stretch the hides to ensure they get uniformly tanned.
  6. Drying: After several weeks of tanning, remove the hides and allow them to air dry. The tanning process should now be complete, and you should have your leather!

Remember, this is a simplified and basic guide for educational purposes. Proper tanning can be a complex and involved process, so it’s essential to research and learn more about tanning techniques, safety precautions, and local regulations before attempting to build a tannery.

Links:

https://www.thetanneryinc.com/complete_home_tanning_kit.html

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