Bird Fleshing wheel

[arnonick]

Hi There, I hope everyone here had a great Christmas 
Has anyone on here used or has anything to say about these two wheels? Which in your honest opinion would be best for me? or do I actually need one
The first is called fat~zap it's here
http://www.trophetracker.com/Store.html
and ther other one is from McKenzies
http://www.McKenziesp.com/DKBWF-P16350.aspx
Love to hear what you guys think. 

[Redneck Express]

not to hijack thread buts wats the differance between the mekenze wheel and a fine wheel from a hardware store thats a quarter of the price?

[arnonick]

I think it's the gauge of wire that's used, I think the McKenzie ones are a fine gauge wire that help towards not grabbing the skin, That's why I wondered about the nylon brush, surely that wouldn't grab as much as a wire wheel would it? I have never used a fleshing wheel before so I have actually seen the difference between the fleshing wheel and one you buy from the hardware store 

[drakeman]

I love my fat zap wheel.   I use it on a high speed motor(sewing machine motor).   Those motors are variable speed with a max of 7000 rpm.  Unlike the traditional 1750 rpm.  You can pick one up at your local sewing machine repair shop for less than $30, or contact me and I can get one from my mothers shop. I have zero problems with burn thru!!  I have heard of some having a bit of trouble with burn thru but I think they are trying at low speed.  I used to use a wire wheel and at first was scared to flesh teal or woodies.  I was under the impression if i turned down the speed it would make it easier.  I believe that it is the exact opposite.  I have experimented with different wheels and different speeds and have consistently found that the higher speed made it harder to burn thru the skin.  I think the reason is the lower speed motor required more pressure which resulted in burn thru.   My favorite is higher speed with the fat zap, hands down!!!  For about $20 you cant go wrong to at least give it a try.  I can thoroughly flesh a teal or woodie with no burn thru with absolutely no problem.  Give it a try.

The other technique that I used is from wingtips.  Invert skin and quickly and easily sew up the breast incision and flesh away.   It allows you to handle the skin better and gives you a little cushion with your hands under two layers of skin while applying pressure for fleshing.  Hard to describe what it is like, but it is by far one of  the best tips that I have learned from taxinet in 3 yrs.  Definitely give it a try. Good Luck!
 
Steve

[drakeman]

Here it is.


http://www.taxidermy.net/forum/index.php/topic,208534.0.html

[arnonick]

Thats great thanks Drakeman  I will deffo give that a look, The reason I ask is that it is going to cost me about $25 to get one sent over here to the UK, so I need it to be the right one first time!

[Redneck Express]

25 bucks damn is that their price or what would normal shipping be from the us to uk from your average joe

[arnonick]

Yes mate, Thats $25 for the wheel then $13.95 shipping, although if I go for the one from McKenzies it's $17.95 for the wheel and $25 for shipping 

[Redneck Express]

Wozer

[Brad Jones]

Good tools cost money and the right tool for the job is priceless.  I am like drakeman I love the fat zap.

[arnonick]

That is very true Brad, Another question is~
Is 1300rpm to slow for a fleshing machine? Or would I better off using an old bench grinder at 3600 rpm? and would the fat zap wheel work on either of those rpm's?

[drakeman]

I think faster speed =less burn thru.  Would like to see what speed motor Brad has for his fat zap.

[arnonick]

I received an email from the fat zap company and they recommend an rpm of between 1350 - 1750 

[TROPHeTRACKER]

No.  We did not send an email to you with the recommended rmps.  We tend to agree with Drakeman (Steve) and his practice with the sewing machine motor at 7000 rpms and the reason is you are letting the wheel do the work.  This wheel is like a bunch of stacked "stiff-bristle" toothbrushes that go round and round.  There is no reason to jam the bird's skin into the wheel so you wouldn't get burn through, but the nylon brush is more forgiving if you are the aggressive type.  We have lots of feedback on the wheel and many taxidermists concur this wheel is a wonder on tissue type fleshers; Woodies, Teal, Woodcock, etc...not for Turkey, okay, not for the Turkey.

Also, you will not get this wheel at the local hardware and you still have to know a thing or two about bird fleshing with wheels...go with the quill not against it, caution around tail, not in one spot for too long, etc., etc.   

[arnonick]

I do apologise I just checked my email and it is an fact from McKenzie's  
But thanks for the post, what sort of result would you expect from say 1300 rpm or 3500rpm?, would you say the 3500 would best suit if 7000 wasn't an option for me?