I have just purchased a new Quebec fleshing machine and after praticing on several extra back halves of deer hides I'm ready to tackle the real deal. My question is after removing from the pickle and I start shaving, how can I tell when it is thin enough? My guess is when I can see hair from both sides I went too far. Any good guidelines out there?
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You will see a blueish color. This is when you stop. It's that simple.
I don't know if it because of the formic acid pickle or what but the more I shave the whiter it gets until there's a hole.
Make a pass or 2 and feel how thick it is. Make another and feel it again. Pinch it between your fingers and think, it is half as thick as it feels. When you get a spot just right, (about 1/16 inch or so) hold it out and look at it. It will look just a little different. (kinda blueish) It takes a good eye (or feel) and a lot of practice to really master this contraption. After hundred or so, you will be a pro at it. (Or have sold it)Take your time, You'll pick up on it.
And yea, hair on both sides IS too far. Do one pass less than that.
Good luck...Dan K
Hi Ed,
We all have this question, sooner or later. I realised what to thin
was when I tried to make a super job with a large moose head. I
repaired it the first time it puled itself appart, the second time
I had to remount a new skin on the manikin (free, it was my mistake)
Thats when I realised that to shave up to the hair roots is to
close. That was 20 years ago. I stop at the bleu.
The best way I know to controle the dept is to adjust your lip to
remouve half the amount you whant. Super impose each pass (as roof
shingles) taking only half the thickness. For less holes, adjust your
blade thinner and pass 3 times.
to be safe