Dana and I have discussed at length learning how to replace / tuck (?) calfskin heads. We both feel this is a dieing art, and needs to be continued. There is an older fellow here in town that does this now for Dana's shop, but age is creeping up, and he's willing to train us.

I know a number of you good folks do this now, and I'd like to get a bit of pre-information in my skull before I prove to this fellow that I'm a complete moron hiding behind a well groomed, scholarly looking beard.

The closest I've ever been to leather is my shoes, a headband I used in the very early 70's, and a good steak or burger. I think that's a fair assessment of my experience level in this.

First, who should we get the raw material from? I don't mean untanned leather, but the blanks, or whatever they are called.

Normally, for most projects that I know nothing about, I start with a chainsaw, sledge hammer (6 lbs), a couple tins of lighter fluid (Ronson's is best), a few matches and a 12 gauge shotgun loaded with 2.75 magnum #6 shot. The gun will chamber a 3 inch, but I find whatever I'm working on useless after 'treatment' with 3 inch magnum shell...

I'm thinking I may not need any of my normal weapons or tools for this. Any help is appreciated, and thanks much in advance.

Craig