NAFA Stretcher Dimensions

[Itrapny]

Here's the NAFA dimensions if you wanted to make your own boards. Most boards are made out of basswood but you can you clear pine as well.

[tstew]

Learning to put up my own hides this year and am looking for dimensions for wire stretches. I couldn't find anything for wire on nafa. Any help would be appreciated.

[Itrapny]

What critters are you looking to put up?

[tstew]

coon,fox, coyote, for now hopefully after the 25th mink and rats

[Itrapny]

There are different manufacturers, but they are generally similar...These are Sleepy Creek stretchers

The #1 Wire Stretcher is manufactured by Sleepy Creek for muskrats.

The #1 1/2 Wire Stretcher is manufactured by Sleepy Creek for mink

The #23 Wire Stretcher is manufactured by Sleepy Creek for raccoon (up to about 14 lbs.), jumbo muskrats and opossum.

The #4 Wire Stretcher is manufactured by Sleepy Creek for raccoon and fox.

The #5 Wire Stretcher is manufactured by Sleepy Creek for raccoon, bobcat and small coyotes.

The #6 Wire Stretcher is manufactured by Sleepy Creek for coyotes.

[tstew]

this is going to sound like a stupid question but here goes. I have the wire stretchers do i just place the hide on until it is snug or should I should I pull it down to best match a size (example m,l, xl etc.) for length and this will best match the recommended shoulder, neck , and base without over stretching.

[Itrapny]

Never a stupid question but usually a smartass answer.... You want to snug the pelts but not really stretch them. The measurements for the wood stretchers can be used as a general guide for the wire forms as well. They can be shaped and they'll want to attach the hooks to the pelt, but not thorugh the pelt, one for both feet and the other for the top of the tail area. When I used wire forms I would always attach a wooden clothpin to the sides of the pelt at the bottom to hold them in place for 24 hours since the measurements are taken from the nose to the lowest portion of the pelt on one of the sides.

[tstew]

thanks for the response I really appreciate it. I think I'm all set last question is do you attach the hooks to the fur side or flesh side or doesn't it matter. Again thank you

[Itrapny]

Flesh side

[ztbowtech]

wire stretchers only have 2 hooks how do you do both feet and the tail

[Deleted]

One hook does the base of the tail, the other hook does both legs.