Alum (what to do)

[REIDY10_0]

I have some bird skins that have been drying out naturaly in the garage.
Due to the hotter weather i was worried the blue bottles will find them so I asked in my local chemist for Alum and i got some strange looks, i should have bought condoms while i was there as it could not have been more uncomfortable.

Pharmacist "And what do you use this Alum for".
Me "Flytying stuff" trying not to sound like a complete nutter wanting to dry out animal skins in my garage.

Anyway my neighbours wife works in a chemist and she already knows that i am a nutter so she ordered it in for me.

I open the box tonight and it is in rock form (like rock salt) the Alum i have had in the past has been a fine powder that i sprinkled over the bird skin.

What should i do with rock alum?
Should i dillute some and paint it on?

Any advice welcome.

Munro

[woz]

Hi Reidy...

Could you not break it down further and put it through some kind of grinder, like a cheap salt or pepper grinder from the pound shop? Just a thought fella!

[neil26]

i have used borax to assist drying bird and fur skins but never alum. is alum used as part of tanning rather than drying?
the borax i just sprinkle on the skin side and leave the hide/pelt in between sheets of newspaper changing the pelt to dryer pages every day then every so often until dry, then dry in warm place till fully dry.

[REIDY10_0]

Originally Posted by woz

Hi Reidy...

Could you not break it down further and put it through some kind of grinder, like a cheap salt or pepper grinder from the pound shop? Just a thought fella!

I considered that Woz but i dont have such a thing.

Munro

[breezey]

Try crushing some down in a pestle and mortar and sprinkle it over the skins that way. And when its dry place some of the rock peices in the bag along with it keeps it bug free hope you solve your problem

[REIDY10_0]

So i guess i am right in thinking that the rock alum is not the best for such a job.
I cannot be ar$ed grinding it down, i think i will order powder Alum and condoms from my neighbours wife.

Munro


P.S you shoudl read about all its uses on Wikipedia, amazing stuff!

Alum - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Alum - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Alum - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

[Orcadian]

If you know anybody that works at a Water Treatment Works, they should be able to help you out with some powdered Alum as it is widely used there,
Cheers Ken