What is a Tanner Job?
The tanning of hides to produce leather is an ancient craft that has been used to fashion clothing, furniture, leather goods and other leather products since pre-historic times. A Tanner is responsible for the entire process of transforming raw animal hides into quality leather products.
Overview of a Tanner Job
A Tanner is a person who is skilled in the process of tanning hides or skins into leather or chamois. This job usually requires knowledge of the chemistry involved in tanning and the proper use of the tanning agents used to treat the hides or skins. The Tanner is responsible for the entire process of transforming raw animal hides into quality leather products.
The Step-by-Step Process of Tanning
The basic steps involved in the tanning process are as follows:
- Soaking – The hides or skins are soaked in water to remove any dirt and debris.
- Liming – The hides or skins are treated with a chemical solution that reacts with proteins and collagen to remove hair, flesh and other contaminants.
- Fleshing – The remaining fat and flesh are removed from the hides or skins.
- Pickling – The hides or skins are treated with an acid to prepare them for tanning.
- Tanning – The hides or skins are treated with either vegetable tannins, metal salts or other chemicals to create leather.
- Softening and Finishing – The leather is treated with oils and waxes, then treated to create the desired finish.
Qualifications for a Tanner Job
The qualifications for a Tanner job usually include knowledge of leather chemistry, knowledge of the tanning process, and the ability to identify and grade different species of leather. The Tanner must also have good manual dexterity and be able to distinguish different quality grades of leather. They must also be able to interpret customer specifications and determine the best methods and materials for producing a finished product.
Conclusion
In conclusion, being a Tanner is a unique job that requires both technical and creative skills. From processing raw hides and skins to creating quality leather products, the Tanner plays an important role in this ancient craft. With the right knowledge and skills, the Tanner can create durable, beautiful products that will last a lifetime.