Loco Trapper

Looking for some information on breaker barrel's. I'm gonna make my own breaker barrel and was wondering what should the RPMshould befor it and how long should the fur be turning for.
My idea is to mount a 45 gal drum and use 1/2 motor to turn it.
Any other ideas kicking around would be useful. Will be tanning most small fur like beaver yotes and the such but also have some bear and deer hides to do.

M.Magis

I'm afraid a 45 gallon barrel won't be nearly enough to break hides with. Check out http://rittelsupplies.net/
Somewhere on there he sells plans for an 8' tumbler. That's what your going to need.

Loco Trapper

Thanks for reply but I think a 8ft drum is over kill for some beaver and yotes. I can see using an 8ft if you have some big animals like moose and bears.

M.Magis

8' may indeed be a bit more than needed for small animals, but you mentioned bear and deer as well. I am certain a 45 gallon drum won't do you much good.

Bill Yox

M.Magis is dead on with regard to this one. I think folks sometimes confuse breaking with tumbling. To break hides, it needs material and drop. Small barrell tumblers like a 45 gal is for tumbling to clean them. Bruce Rittel is an expert on this stuff, he can help. Hes set up many tanneries.

mounting man

I had a 45 gal.set up and,as they tell you,it was only good for drying feathers or wet skins!
Have you ever thought of converting an old clothes dryer???????I've seen these also.No quite big enough,but easier than building a barrel tumbler!!!

Loco Trapper

Thanks guys for the advise, I did e-mail the addy you posted for the plans and I a wait there reply. I never would of thought.


Ok that's determined as to the size, what about the other questions??
Speed of the turn 7-10 rpm? and length of time.