Breaking
and staking, as they are called, are now resorted to, to make the
skins soft, pliable, and of even texture, removing the superfluous
chemicals with which they become charged, and the stiffness by
manipulating the fibers. Much trained skill and dexterity, especially
in knee and arm staking, are required in the stretching, which is the
essential feature of these operations. Breaking is first resorted to.
The break beam, which is armed at each end with a knife edge,
oscillates up and down. In a frame beneath it the operator stretches
the dried and stiff skin. The break beam comes down upon the skin,
stretches and softens it, and removes much surplus custard. The
operator presents a new surface to each stroke of the break beam, and
in a very short space of time the entire skin is rendered soft and
pliable.
Further manipulation upon the arm or knee stake--of which a dull,
semicircular knife blade, supported upon a suitable standard upon the
floor or upon a beam about opposite the worker's elbow is the main
feature--is required. The skin must be drawn across this knife blade
with a considerable application of force so as to reduce the unduly
thick parts, stretch the skin and secure a uniform thickness suitable
for gloves.
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