I know I'm probably brining up a sore subject, but I've looked through the archives and have gotten conflicting information. I am looking to buy a fleshing machine. I am considering the Quebec lite and the Dakota IV (Money is an issue). If there is anyone who either owns both of these or has used both, I'd appreciate your opinions. I am currently doing this as a hobby but am considering doing it as a part-time job. Thanks in advance.
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I have a Dakota and I like it just fine. A friend of mine has a Rawhide and he likes his just fine and I am sure the Quebec is a great machine also. Take your pick of the two you mentioned as they are both good machines.
Hi Tony,
Both machines are well built but do you know what they were built for?The Dakota IV in it's publicity says it's a detail flesher. It has a 7.5 inch blade, this means it takes small bites in small places for small jobs. Is that what you want?
If you have serious fleshing to do you need a 12 inch blade. It can take off a 2-3-4 inch wide bite and 10-15-20 inches long. Most operators can flesh a deer cape in less than 30 min. without making holes. (I could do it in less than 10).
The Quebec Lite was made for the average taxidermist. It's mane qualities are: the most quiet machine on the market, the least difficult to master and just to make sure, it comes with the best teachings aids and after sale service in the trade. Best of all it's the lowest priced 12 inch fleshing machine on the market. Made of alluminium (no rust problem) it will last you a life time.
Gerry
I was in the same situation a few months ago... between the Quebec Lite and the DAKOTA V (not the Dakota IV detail flesher w/ 7.5" blade). The Dakota V is a full sized 12" machine and I believe it is the least expensive 12" machine on the market @ $599 w/ motor. Some of the factors that swayed me towards the Dakota V vs the Quebec Lite were:
1/2 hp motor vs 1/3 hp on the Lite
Metal flip hood vs plastic on the Lite
Sealed bearings vs bushings on the Lite
Slower RPM on the Quebec Lite is probably easier to learn on... Dakota V spins at 1700 or 1800rpm... a little more difficult for beginners. Also, the Quebec Lite is plastic and Aluminum vs epoxy coated steel on the Dakota. No rust concerns with the Quebec Lite.
Don't get me wrong, Gerry makes a very good machine, backs his products VERY well and also knows what he's doing, but I chose the Dakota V.
Customer Service? UPS was kinda hard on my machine and Bob and Dave at Van Dykes have been EXTREMELY accommadating... immediately replacing the unit. In my opinion, Van Dykes has went above and beyond the call when relating to customer service. So, you're gonna be taken care of with both manufacturers.
I know this is kinda long winded, but I'd choose between the Dakota V and the Quebec Lite. I'd call Gerry with Quebec and Bob or Dave with Van Dykes and have them explain the differences... then YOU make the decision. Good Luck
Larry
I love this subject! As I have stated before I have fleshed from squirrels/mink to zebras and bears on my Dakota IV DETAIL FLESHER! Thats right, the smaller blade one. Yes I find it just as easy to flesh the face of a critter as its whole body. The thing is this machine is very quiet, easy to adjust, clean, change the blade on, and easy to use! When and if I ever buy a bigger machine I gurantee it will be the DAKOTA V from Van Dykes. You can get both of these machines for $899.99. If you want a machine that is built very well and is well worth the money, sounds like you want the Dakota Fleshers from Van Dykes. I hope Bob and Dave don't mind me saying this, but I can assure you that if you call them (1-800-843-3320)and talk to them and tell them that you are in the middle of an investment choice and this dispute is on the forums again! They will be more than happy to help you. Both of those guys are very helpful and willing to do just that. I have used the eager beaver and the quebec also.
Good Luck! Dan Hudzik
And its not the size of the dog in the fight, but the fight in the dog that matters. Half horse motors won't ever compensate for a good fleshing machine. This subject came up a few years back and I was scolded and told that the Dakota's were undergoing great improvements. I'm still waiting. I've tried them all and I had a Dakota for aobut 20 years. I own a Rawhide now, but there are several other top end models that aren't in the category of this discussion. Quebec Lite is the best bet for the money, period.
I guess I am on the other extreme as I always look for qaulity first and price second. I also do not have a money tree, but I did buy what I feel like is the best machine out there: a capemaster. I was able to start fleshing with the very first cape and now I shave lips and eye skin. You do still get what you pay for in a lot of things.
Dave
I have used a DETAIL FLESHER sure under the right conditions or out of nessecity you can do full sized animals. I would go with the Q.L. if I was in a money crunch.
You might want to check out the model that James Edgar offers.It works extremly well and is direct drive which makes it very quiet.They are all good machines,be your own judge. Good luck
See if you can find some taxidermist that have the different types of machines and ask them if you can try them out. Sure they would let you try one of your own animals! HA HA HA! Another thing to think about is that which ever one you buy, it will work for you with enough practice I suppose. Never had a problem with the Dakota IV! Bottom line is these are all opinions, you have to experiment and find out what is best for you. GOOD LUCK! Dan Hudzik