Log In
July 4, 2012
Offline
I originally started out using Krowtann but did not like the fact that hides just would not stretch. I switched to TruBond and really like it. After reading on this forum I am thinking about trying the HQ5000. Has anyone tried both and prefer one over the other? It seems this site is by and for HQ and wasn’t sure what kind of answer I would get but I really have only been doing this for 4 years and am always trying to do better each year. I prefer the control of in house tanning but if my workload continues to increase might try sending them out someday, I started out with 14 deer from family and friends and am now doing 52 deer plus other small animals. As others have stated, I am not trying to start a war between suppliers I am just looking for answers to improve my business.
Ittybit I have not used the tan Trubond and am not familiar with it. I do not use the HQ5000 for any other reason than it works very good for me. I would suggest you get a small bottle and try it. A pint is around 11.00. I have used a lot of products over the year but for right now HQ5000 works very good for me. Tanning products are like forms and everything else in this business. There is a lot to chose from so use what works for you.
July 22, 2011
Offline
Ittybit,
I do work at HQ/CFD, but I will respond none the less. I’m not gonna try and sell you anything, I’m just gonna state facts.
HQ5000 was developed by a man who has started and operated a successful commercial “Taxidermy” tannery for 32 years, whom also had a taxidermy business before.
We tan 10’s of thousands of skins every year, from Squirrels to Elephants.
We are one of the 2 largest if not “THE” largest such tanneries in the US and probably the world.
We understand taxidermy tanning.
We have not developed our tanning products from reading on the internet.
We actually do R & D on skins before selling to the public.
HQ5000 is “THE” closest thing you can get to Carolina Fur Dressing’s Wet Tan from an in shop tan, period.
…And yes I use it as well as the CFD Wet Tan. I am mounting a W/T right now that was tanned with HQ5000.
Now, before you take my word for it, do your home work and check out the credentials of who developed ANY other tanning product and compare. See if they have an in house taxidermist that uses it on a daily basis and can truly answer any tech support question. See if they have the “Hands On” knowledge and experience that compare to 32 years of trial and error.
Here is the deer I was working on when I took a break and saw your post.
Hey D, I also use krowtan. I have 10 deer left to tan , i have had good results, but have a tough time getting it back to the original measurements. Said all that to ask this,does the 5000 give good shretch, and little shrinkage.I am wanting to do my last 10 with it so can you give me some pointers on the 5000.reason i ask you is that i respect your insite on tanning.I am not wanting to get a 17″ around a 20″ just wanting the best for my customer and a good workable hide.
Ill chime in. I’ve used many tan’s and have a choice to use anyone I want. I’m results oriented.if it shrinks like crazy or is not soft and pliable, manageable and doesn’t set the hair I will not use it because my name and reputation is on every deer, gamehead and mammal thaT goes out my shop.
I use hq5000 because it’s made by a tannery with an excellent track record.it yields a soft strechy hyde that shaves and preps so nice and easy.
I easly get my original measurements back. That., no shrinkage and a soft look and doing it consistantly sold me.
I don’t use it because it works.I. use it because it works very well and exceeded. My expectations.
Excellent product Hq.
Ittybit wrote: …I am not trying to start a war between suppliers I am just looking for answers to improve my business.
Ittybit, to start off I would like to welcome you to taxitalk, second, we do not have “Wars” here, we have civilized discussions without name calling and degrading others who share the same interest. Even if we disagree.
Once again, welcome and enjoy this site for what it is meant for, learning, teaching and socializing without fear of ridicule.
Mr. Moderator
July 22, 2011
Offline
Alright Honeybee, you have asked me a loaded question. LOL
Assuming you:
took correct measurements when skinning,
followed the step by step instructions for HQ5000,
shaved/thinned the cape properly,
the answer to your question is yes, you will have good stretch with minimal shrinkage and have the same measurements as when you first skinned it.
Now with all that said, skrinkage is a tricky subject. Are you having shrinking issues or pulling issues? Because they are two different things.
You will always have some shrinkage, no matter what process you use. Any time you have a porous material that is wet and then dries, it will always shrink. You can keep it to a minimum with the right product and a correctly thinned skin.
“Pulling” or the skin not staying where you originally put it is due to the wrong size form, or poorly sculpted form, or you putting the skin and/or antlers in the wrong location.
If you will notice the deer I mounted today posted above, there are no cards or pins anywhere in it. If you have everything correct you do not need them.
Gotcha! Pulling would be the correct term. I have gotten all my deer back to the right measurement,the gland in front of the eye pulls out ,not all the time ,but some. So I am going to try the 5000 next week. Any suggestions,let me have it.
OK. soon as it gets here i have got some deer heads ready to try .
Got my order in from Head Quarters today. TT581,5000 and degreaser. I will be tanning some of my deer hides very soon. I have always been a quick tan man , i have seen alot of deer posted with the 5000 and i like what i see.
I have recently tried the pro1 tan, and liked it. I was going to try the HQ5000 next, and I forgot to add it to my order today!!
just put my 1st hide in the TT581 tan,i will be posting more soon to let yall know how it comes out. 1 question, do you have to rough shave every day or can you wait till the 3rd day?
honeybee man wrote: just put my 1st hide in the TT581 tan,i will be posting more soon to let yall know how it comes out. 1 question, do you have to rough shave every day or can you wait till the 3rd day?
to get a cape properly shaved you should shave it completely then put it back in for a day and go back over and touch up any spots that may have swelled up, I have found it best to shave it on day two, put it back in for a day then hit a few spots on day three then its ready to go
Good! Just walked out of the shop for the day. I will shave it tomorrow, then Saturday. It has been busy this week for me , sent 3 out yesterday and got three ready for the forms ,so this will give me extra time to shave the cape. And for a full time beekeeper and part time taxidermist,it has been busy. People just brought in 4 deer in the past two weeks from this past season.:p
OK, Shaved my 1st TT581 cape. I was well pleased how it shaved.It was plumped, and it also was very white when i got through,so far i love it. I will be ordering a Wo5 tommorow,The customer love the pictures in the catalog.Hope to post a picture in a few days of it mounted and drying.Thanks Head Quarters for a fine producted.:love:
