Jack Edmondson

I have been told that one can boil the bones to loosen the flesh.  Don't have any personal experience.  However, it will weaken to bone, so don't do a hard boil or for a very long time.  

You need to scrape the hide to get all the flesh and membrane off the pelt before curing it.  One can use a knife blade pulling it rather than slicing it to scrape.  A cabinet scraper works well, just don't put a large bur on the edge.  A smaller bur will take the flesh and leave the hide.

As for what you can make, that is up to one's imagination.  I 'coon skin may not go very far by itself; but you are learning a valuable skill.  

Rather than letting it decompose in soil, you may want to try worms or flesh beetles.  

A 2 sided multi-grit stone is usually a synthetic stone.  Basically a grit material 'glued' together.  Water is usually hard on the binding material if stored for long periods of time.  The good news is they are not expensive.  Try soaking it, and if it starts to break down; replacement is easy and inexpensive.  

Keep in mind there are lots of types of stones.  Not all have the same care.  Natural (or Arkansas stones) are different from Japanesse water stones which are different from 'synthetic' stones.  Research your stone's characteristics.

What are you using?  Is it backed or mounted?  

In the shipping industry metal banding straps are used to secure loads.  At destination these are cut off and discarded as trash.  They are also somewhat of an occupational hazard as they are a tripping hazard and lead to cuts, as they tend to flop about when being moved.  Bottom line, people want to be rid of them as quickly as possible.  Go to lumber yards, appliance centers, etc. and talk to receiving folks.  A plate of cookies or other gift helps.  Ask them to put aside any metal strapping and you will pick it up promptly.

These straps range from 1/2 an inch wide up to an inch.  They will take a weld readily, and are plenty strong for temporarily or permanently holding cooperage.  They are usually 20 to 22 gauge flat metal but have plenty of tensile strength to hold and secure heavy material.  Compressing a bucket or barrel will be fine as long as a good weld or connection is made.  The one downside might be the thickness.  One might have to use a drift on the edge to tap them in place, as there is not a lot of edge to catch with a hammer; but a hardwood dowel will do the trick.

Alex Kosmicki wrote:
I was hoping for some input as to if the two posts would hold up to high tensile woven wire or if they needed some bracing.

The posts will hold fine.  It is their connection with the ground that is the challenge.  When you sink your post holes, cut a trench at a 90 degree angle to the run of the fence wire.  Bury a log that touches (tangent) to the post in the trench at right angle as deep as possible so the post is supported low in the ground.  As for the top of the arch there are numerous ways to secure the two posts using timber framing techniques.  A bit of carpentry work will need to be done, but a mortice and tenon joint will hold the two together and give it a more organic look.

Sounds like a fun project.  Here is another thought.  If you are several years out from completion of this project, why not grow a couple of osage trees in place!  As the samplings come up train them to bend in the shape you want; and train them to intertwine at the tops.  Once the roots are established and the tops have merged you can girdle the trees so they stop growing or let them continue to develop character.  Either way those gate post are going no where for many decades, as osage is slow to decompose, living or cut.

Isabella Love wrote:
...but, what should I keep an eye out for? I mean, the thumb is sore. There's a small red spot that looks like some kind of strange circular burn, but it doesn't hurt when I touch it. My thumb feels sore when I move it, though, especially in the joint area.

You have a low voltage electrical burn more than likely.  Electric burns (current burns not arc burns) are different from thermal burns.  They damage tissue deep than the surface where thermal burns are most severe at the surface.  Current burns are "inside out" affairs.  From what you described earlier, I would say you had a small jolt of 220volts, not a full dose (or you would not have been typing on the internet.)  If the ground wire was damaged by corrosion or a short, some of the power to your stove, even with the burner off it is energized, found a path to ground faster through you than through the wire.  Think of an pouring a bucket out that has a hole in the bottom.  Even as you pour from the top, the hole will drain, not all at once or even a majority; but the water will seek the path of least resistance.  How much current you took is not possible to tell, but enough that it hurt is plenty.

The deep tissue under the burn is damaged.  It does not sound like a second degree burn, so is not likely serious; but you should have it checked out, especially if not noticeably better in a few days.  The joint is sore due to swelling.  You 'energized' that joint that was not designed to flow current.  It will be sore like you hit it with a hammer (mechanical energy) for a few days.  Likely no permanent damage, but if you can have a doctor take a look to be safe.  A full dose of 220 can damage organs and stop a heart; but you likely did not get that level of current.  Be aware of the energy event and if you feel other symptoms or feel off, it would be a really good idea to get check out.  If not terribly inconvenient, you may want to touch base with a medical provider just for peace of mind.

Something to be aware of is an 'exit wound'.  That current entered through your thumb in a very localized area and dispersed through your body on the way to ground.  It will be most sore at the point of entry, but that current went somewhere.  Where it left your body may also be sore.  Most often this is the feet, but can be a knee or another part of the leg that was in contact with the ground.  Just be aware you may find a sore spot or two that you may not think associated; but may be where the current jumped to ground.  (lighting strike victims will sometimes have their shoes blown off.)

Overall I would not worry (not a medical professional) but be aware and on the look out for anything out of the ordinary.  If the red spot starts to turn other colors or gets more painful, seek medical care.  If the joint is not better in a few days, see a doctor.  If you discover other 'spots', get them checked.  In a week if you still have numbness in your hand you may have some nerve damage.  Get someone to give you advise on that.

Your stove runs off 220V ac.  110 hurts.  220 is enough to do serious damage to a person.  There is an issue with the ground wiring, either in the appliance or in the house wiring.  Don't use the stove until an electrician sorts it out.  Not being an alarmist, but 220 is something you don't play with.

Len Whittaker wrote:Hmm.. wood chipper seems like the best option xD

Perhaps not for the Operator, unless you have really made some enemies in life...  

I am sorry to hear you lost your father, and it was so hard on you and your sister.  My condolences.  Since you invited discussion and other's opinion, I will add my own.  

For religious reasons, I will never self cancel or punch my own ticket.  However, I have been in near death situations over my many years.  it does not scare me to face my 'check out time'.  My decision (after having to face that potential scenario) was to "go out on the ice" as the Inuit put it.  My family all know that when that time comes, I will say my goodbyes and take a long one way hike into my favorite wilderness area.  It is full of bear and especially mountain lions.  I will spend my last moments in the beauty of God's splendor and giving thanks for my time I was given (it has been a good ride.); and the coyotes and wolverines will spread my bones in one of my favorite places.  If I am not able to make this trip on my own, my younger brother, whom recently had a small stroke so we discussed final plans, is willing to take me and drop me on the trailhead, say his goodbyes, and respect the journey I choose to take.  

I was with my sister at the end of her 8 year battle with a brain tumor.  I am sorry she suffered for so many years.  She was a fighter and I respect her to no end for the strength she showed, and the example of embracing life she provided her daughter.  It was tough to see her slide at the end.  The cycle of life is an emotional roller coaster; but it does make us stronger in the end.  I hope your experience becomes a positive in your sister's life with the passage of time.  

Peace and Joy to you and your family.