what could i use as a mannikin holder for deer becuase i am just a beginner and i dont feel like buying a stand until later? also what could I use as a flesher besides a knife or were could i buy a cheap one ( hand tool) ? besides Van Dykes too expensive? thanks for the help only seriouse answers only please. thanks, seth
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Buy a knife from a trapping supply. They have nice ones for only about 16 bucks. Use a piece of threaded pipe in a vise. Put a flat flange off the end with a 90 elbo. should work just fine.
Also buy yourself a scalpal. And don't forget about the orange button. Tons of info there. NUT
You *might* be able to use a strong vise with a board clamped in it. Then, run screws from the back side to the front, and into the back of the mannikin. Have to be a fairly big vise, though. You might also be able to do the same with just 2 x 4s.
I use scalpel blades. They cost about 15 cents each, and usually it only takes a couple to do a deer. Research Mannikins and Jim Allred Supply carry them for about $15/per hundred. I use #22 for most stuff, and #10 for small, detail areas.) They stay nice and sharp, and you pitch them when they get dull. I can't sharpen a knife worth a darn, and nothing's more frustrating than trying to flesh with a dull knife!
When you get the money, I would definitely invest in a table top mounting stand and at least a mini-flesher. We like the Flesh-All mini flesher best. It costs between $150-200, I believe. But you'll need a compressor big enough to run it. Another 'must have' here is an electric reciprocating saw. Can't imagine not having one now! Cuts through skulls for removing antlers, necks, etc. in no time! Think we paid between $75-100 for ours. We do close to 100 whitetail shoulder mounts a year, and have had it for a few years now. Definitely worth the money!
Good luck! Hope this helps! =)
I would get two pipe flanges,about 1-1/2" and a nipple same size diameter and as long as you think you need. Screw them all together mount one to a wall and the other one to your form.