I have a mate with a couple of brahman calfs we are going to knock on the head (Mmmmm.....meat) I want to save the skins and tan them and make some small rugs. What's the best tanning solution/method for rugs?

Lutan F is a good choice for what you want to do.

http://www.vandykestaxidermy.com/

Sounds like its good for just about everything! I thought that capes and rugs were tanned differently. I've tanned roo skins in the past with a salt/alum/formalin mix but didn't like the result.

Yes - it is bakes.
I used it for years before ez100. I still use it now n then.
Some peoples methods might give the 'appearence' flat skins are tanned different - thats all.
Alum shrinks/firms skins (as far as i'm aware)and can be used with salt to dry salted capes quicker in humid conditions and sometimes you can see the skin shivel before your eyes.
I also use it to speed up plaster setting if needed.

Sam
I've been reading about the brush on tan's like Krowtan and McKenzie's, any comments on them?

No bakes i havnt used them.

Use the Lutan. You need to be sure to follow the instructions. Be sure to break the hide by stretching it in all angles as it drys if tumbling is no option.

The brush on tans are not what you're looking for. They're a preservative moreso than your regular "tan" and are used more in taxedermy for small animals and skins where tanning and then rehydrating the skin for the form is just too much a pain in the ass. Rugs are another story.

The Lutan isn't hard to do as long as you really flesh the hide well and follow the directions. It's a durable tan and great for rugs. Properly breaking a big hide is the hard part, so I'd suggest looking into that aspect to get a better idea of what is involved.