I mount only approx. 8 whitetail deer heads a year. I've been told to purchase a fleshing machine rather than flesh with a knife. Would you recommend the hand air-pressure flesher for starters. I hate to make large investment for such a small quantity of heads.
Thanks
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Unless you plan to do more heads in the future, I would send them to a reputable tannery. The hand-helds are a waste of time in my opinion. If you plan on staying in business and doing more heads each year and don't want to send them out, I would buy a full size fleshing machine. I know they are expensive, but they get the job done RIGHT and with proper care will last you many years.
Spending the big bucks and buy a high quality machine. should run you anywhere between 700 and up for a good one.I never went the high dollar route tho. I have been still useing my benchgrinder and wire wheel methoud to get the results I need in about 45 minutes to do a shoulder mount sized deer cape. Thats all the thinning, and turning of the lips,nosepad, and cleaning up of the ear butts. Only thing I need a scalpel for is to do some simple trimming up and then I am done. you make your own decision. Dont let other people talk you into buying a high dollar machine if you dont feel comfortable with doing so. there are other alternatives.best of luck. Ray
is not the best machine but it sure beats the hell out of hand fleshing and actually works quite well if taken care of. Guard adjustment sucks though! I have the air mini too and it does pretty well with practice. It is messy and noisy though. Make sure your compressor is big enough to handle the amount of air the thing uses. I however will be buying the Dakota Pro in the near future. Wife don't know it yet though. LOL!