I fleshed tanned and smoked 2 sheep hides with help for my first time. I washed and soaked the salted hides before fleshing getting lots of dirt out.. I found the pressure washer much easier and faster than fleshing by hand. Did egg wash with stretching on a rack. Using adjustable toggle clamps was very helpful. I found breaking the hide to soften it was tough. I'd like to find a machine to break the hide. If I read correctly there are toxic chemicals to break down the fibers instead of manual breaking /softening but I don't want to use toxic chemicals. The hides definitely need thorough washing after smoking. I was told that I can use a washing machine - at commercial laundry not my wife's. Now I'm wondering is there some kind of agitator that would help break the hide? One advantage to the natural smoked hide process is that the hides can be washed. However with my back problems I need to find some labor saving options. My back will no longer allow me to do the manual labor. Tough facts of life changes. Psalms say Sow with tears Reap with joy.
Anxious for suggestions.
