How do you flesh with a grinder?

I just read the post about fleshing with a grinder and a wire wheel. How does that work? Are you talking about thinning the hide? I have used a wheel to flesh ducks and geese, but I can't imagine fleshing a deer cape.

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I was just curious

i believe u r talking about the one o posted? i was just wondering and thought i would get advice before i tried it.but i guess it dont work to well as i was told.

Wire wheel

I have a friend that uses one its a extra wide wheel he does all his hides on it does damn good looks like it would be messy but it works for him he has help in his shop so take from there it must work iv done with small mamals workd good hope some one can help you better Robin

With a light touch.....

at first. I pickle my skins for at least 3 days,pull them and drain them for an hour. Start out on the bottom of the cape. Usually you will have an extra few inches there to practice a bit. Hold the hide tight between your hands and gently press it to the wheel. As the wheel comes in contact with the skin you will see the skin being removed. Don't hold the skin in one place for more than a second or you chance burning right thru to the hair. You will quickly learn how much pressure you can apply and how to move the skin across the wheel to get the results you wish. This is not nearly as efficient as using a fleshing machine but will do the job. I left the guard on the wheel and the little plexiglas deflector shield in place. Wear a rubber apron or drape a big plastic bag over your chest and belly so you don't wear the pickled skin debris. Some plastic on the floor isn't a bad idea either. I remove the guard when I'm done and clean it well so the salt and pickle don't start corroding it. Don't forget to wear some rubber or latex gloves. The pickle has a low pH and will cause reddening of you fingers and hands. Give it a try. With some practice you will be able get you skins nice and thin, just takes a while. The grinder I use is a 40 dollar Craftsmen and is 1/10th of a horsepower I think. I,ve done fox,coon,beer,whoops that's deer, and birds on it and is one of the best tools I've bought to help me get the job done. Good luck.

stacking fine wire wheels reduces chance of burn through

I found that putting a second wire wheel on results in less burn through probs. if you have the space to do so i'd put two on instead of 1. More contact area less burn through someone suggested it to me and it really works.