674. Working Hides - Subordinate Labors

Shabbos 11:6

G’vil, klaf and duchsustos are different types of parchment made from an animal’s hide. If a person separates duchsustos from klaf, he is liable for a subordinate labor of skinning. One who separates enough hide to make an amulet is liable. If a person treads on a hide until it gets hard, or softens it with his hands, or lengthens it or levels it as leather-workers do, he is liable for a subordinate labor of processing hides. One who pulls a feather from a bird’s wing is liable for a subordinate labor of smoothing. Similarly, a person who smears even the smallest amount of ointment, beeswax, tar or similar substances that one smears until smooth is liable for a subordinate labor of smoothing. If a person rubs a hide that is hung between pillars, he is liable for smoothing.

Shabbos 11:7

One who cuts enough hide to make an amulet is liable provided that he cuts with a given length and width in mind; this is considered a creative act of labor. If one cuts with purely destructive intent or without specific measurements, either without thought at all or merely for pleasure, he is not liable. One who trims a bird’s wing is liable for a subordinate labor of cutting. Similarly, planing a cedar beam renders one liable for cutting. Anyone who cuts a piece of wood or metal is liable for cutting. One who trims a chip of wood for use as a toothpick or to pry open a door is liable.