Need advise on fleshing machines

[Manny]

Because I only do about 10 to 15 deer a year, I would like to know what would be the best buy.

The Dakoto IV Detail Flesher - $499.99 ( worried about the 1/4 hp motor )
The Dakota V Commercial Flesher - $699.99 ( worried I wont get the detail of the smaller wheel )

I know either one of these machines will pay themselves of in the first year, but would like to get at least 5 years out of it ( Will it happen ?)

I have never used a power flesher before and would like to know the ease ( learning curve ) of catching on to one.
Also do I need to buy all the gadgets with these machines ?

Guard upgrade kits
Flesher Knobs
Carbide sharpening steels
Soft steel blades
Hard steel blades
What are the most common blades needed for the machines ?
I can thin with which blade ?

Thanks, Manny

[George Roof]

Manny, MY OPINION, is in for a dime, in for a dollar.  If you can AFFORD it, buy the Dakota Pro.  The better the machine the shorter the curve of learning it will be.  It will more than hold its value when and if you decide to get out of taxidermy.  I spent thousands of dollars on cheap binoculars before I bought a good set for less than I paid for all the crappy ones.  Fleshing machines are just like that.

[Manny]

George, I do know what you mean by Getting what you pay for.
But every year I think im goin to put away for the good one and end up spending the money else where.

I cant afford the Pro at the present time. And what I have taken in so far this year would not even pay for the Pro model.
I am going to have to choose from one of these models.......

As a carpentar by trade I can relate to all tools, meaning to always buy the best you can afford. If it works well, It will make you money.

Even if I could get 3 to 4 years out of one of these machines Ill be happy.

With that said..... What to do ?

[mr.T aka mr. friendly]

Agreed,,, the cheaper ones,,, are cheap for a reason. They work, but so does a crutch. The better machines are worth it, They don't make you swear like the cheaper ones do.

[alex c]

Manny
either mch that you named will last many years if you take care of them. I would go with the Dakota v and use a skife knife if you did not feel comfortable with the bigger wheel just my opinion Alex

[whitemulley]

Now, with a Wizzard Trimmer which can flesh right down to were there dosent have to be much to shaving if any,
This is what i ve been told and then seen some results.,

Thinking of purchasing one  of these,

[Manny]

Ok, I hear all you, and cant afford the Pro  

Maybe Ill be better off doing it all buy hand again this year......... Ive done it plenty of times and it wont kill me another year.

Are these machines so junk thats its not wort the money PERIOD

I thought I might be able to wet my feet a little with one of these...

[George Roof]

Actually Manny, if money is that big an issue, then you're be well ahead to just rough flesh the hide, salt it and send it to a professional tannery.  Though deer don't "need" to be shaved, when they're shaved down as only a good fleshing/shaving machine will do, the detail, stretch and appearance of the mount is quite evident.

[Manny]

Actually Manny, if money is that big an issue, then you're be well ahead to just rough flesh the hide, salt it and send it to a professional tannery.  Though deer don't "need" to be shaved, when they're shaved down as only a good fleshing/shaving machine will do, the detail, stretch and appearance of the mount is quite evident.

Understood, Just would like to get to that point with out sending it off.

Thanks, for all replys

[Hoytman]

I have a Dakota V that I baught last fall.. Paid 699 I think.. Went the cheaper route with the less economical one.. Now I am thinking of selling the V and just getitng the dang Pro.. So if you want the V I have I'll let it go for 525 plus shipping.. If I shipped it just parcel, it will take a while to get their but not as expensive..

It has the new guards, and a set of steels that I think I used 2 times.. Machine is like brand new, Just the blade has some rust on it form the pickle and salt..

[Manny]

I have decided to go with the Pro......

Am I going to get everything I need with the machine ?

What else that dont come with it that I will need for sure ?

I will be getting the Table top version.

[George Roof]

It comes with everything you'll need except the tuning steels probably.  PERSONALLY, I don't like the Van Dykes tuning steels as they're too damned flimsy for me.  I prefer a heavier tempered wire.

[Manny]

It comes with everything you'll need except the tuning steels probably.  PERSONALLY, I don't like the Van Dykes tuning steels as they're too damned flimsy for me.  I prefer a heavier tempered wire.

Im in the dark here George.... Can you give a Brand name along with model number ?

Thanks

[George Roof]

Manny, I make my own out of concrete nails.  Some guys use tempered rod stock from welder's supply.  The curl of the fleshing blade will need "tuning" occasionally.  That means "truing" the blade edge so that it runs straight and doesn't dig into your cape.  You'll learn all that quickly enough.  The Pro will make that learning curve much smoother.

[piatt]

good choice manny, i have the dakota V because it was all I could afford back when i bought it  ... i think i spend just as much time pulling flesh and crap out of the pulley as i do actually shaving with it.  i dream of having the pro someday. 

oh and i would second what George said of the tuning sticks, they're junk.
jeff