pinmill (pinmil)

A kind of hide-mill for softening skins after they have been soaked in a weak solution of sulphuric acid, rinsed with clean water, and again steeped in a solution of sal-soda and soap, which neutralizes any traces of acid remaining after the rinsing proce . It consists of a large drum, with pins projecting from the interior surface, in which the skins are placed loosely, the drum revolving till they are sufficiently pliable for future operations. The Morocco tanners at Lynn, Ma ., and other places in New England where it is used, call it a pin - mill . C. T. Davis, Leather, p. 251.