Submitted by Joel on 12/12/1998. ( kimberly@compcenter )
Just bought a new fleshing machine and 2 videos. One video says to flesh down to you just start to see blue the other says to flesh to remove membrane. I no the thinner the hide the more detail you will get but just how thin is thin enough. and yes I flesh the skin after it has been in pickle for two day flesh then back into the pickle for 1 to 2 more day. Thanks for any info.
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This response submitted by Keith Daniels on 12/13/1998. ( arlcape@bright.net )
Joel, it's next to impossible to describe how thin to shave. Seeing blue is fine on early hides that aren't prime, but on later skins, unless you know what you're looking for, you cut a hole before you see blue. As far as just removing the membrane, that's what most taxidermists do, and that's not using your machine for what it was intended. It's something you will just have to practice at, try getting a smooth and consistant shaving, then as you get comfortable, try getting thinner. You will quickly learn that some aresa, top of head and neck especially, will need more thinning than others. The biggest problem with not having them thin enough is getting your size back on the mount, but it will also contribute to some drumming as the skin dries. Give ti a try and let us know how you do, Keith
This response submitted by Bob C on 12/13/1998. ( bobswildlife@webtv.net )
Hey Kieth, That was a great answer to this one.I've been thinking how to explain this one and just couldn't come up with anything. Joel, Keiths right its a matter of feel.After a while you'll get the "feel" when its thin enough. Bob C
This response submitted by Keith Daniels on 12/14/1998. ( )
Thanks Bob, I get this question a lot, and it's got to be the toughest thing to explain. I have even had several people stand and watch me, and it helps them a bunch, but they still have to do it to repeatedly to get the feel of it. Keith
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