as i am not very mechanically inclined i am looking to buy a commercially made tumbler. i am wanting suggestions on which tumbler to buy.i have numerous supply catelogues and there is a wide variety of sizes and price ranges available so any info would be appreciated.i intend to use this tumber for both mammals and birds.
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I to was contemplating buying one but spending 5 to 6 hundred dollars plus shipping for a tiny electric motor turning a plastic drum, I dont know. I use a clothes dryer, seal the holes, fill with saw dust and your tumbleling away. The commercially made ones are thirty or fifty gallon drums,1tenth hp motors, load from a door on the drum or a removable top and work about the same. Choose your favorite supplier and give them a call. If you want soft tanned hides you need a larger one. Bruce Rittel has a plan for one.
Jesse,you can use a old dryer,I used one for 3 years up til now.I finaly broke down and bought a tumbler and a fleshing machine.(HIGH TECH RED NECK)!The reason I personaly bought a tumbler instead of building one myself?Ben mears is now offering the best tumbler ,for the money on the market.Its made on a square tube frame with wheels on the back so it can be moved easily.It is a direct drive system with duoble bearings with alamites for greasing,no chains or belts.It has a one hour timer on it,a clean out door and baffles ,turns at a speed perfect for all game and fowl.If you count your time for any thing 30.00 an hour in my case,I cant see building one your self cheaper than you can buy one.The reason I stoped useing the dryer is because it turns too fast for ducks and it started to build up saw dust around the motor and belt and I would have to turn it over and clean it out.When it comes to buying equipment for taxidermy you got to look at how much your time is worth.As for the fleshing machine I thought I would always use a beam and knife,if you have never used one dont worry its alot easier than it looks.My first atemt was on a shoulder mount,I flesed the whole deer,except the face in 20 minutes!And the smoothness of the the shaved skin versus the beamed skin is no comparison to the shaved.Being a part time taxidermist,and a father of 2 boys my time is very important,I take in around 100 deer heads each season ,so if I can save just one hour per head ,thats an hour less in the shop.You can build your own tumbler,but when you do, count yor time,as for me I know I cant build one as good as I bought for less money,but thats just me.Good luck!
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