I'm still going thru the learning curve on my waterfowel. I've played with a couple of skins on the wheel. I read in the archives a couple of things that would help from tearing the skin while on the wheel.But left me a little confused.
One person suggested using a spray bottle of water to keep the skin moist while on the wheel. Another suggested using salt to help firm the skin up, which kinda makes sense to me. But using both makes no sense to me or maybe my thinking is not right on this one.
Are there any little tricks to help from tearing these delicate skins to pieces? Or should I just keep grinding at the wheel until I get that magical touch. Thanks for any responses.
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Try taking either a flat file or a older sharpening stone and place it against your running wheel.This will dull down the wire hairs and make for what I call a less aggressive surface.You might also want to start on a thicker skinned duck like most divers are.Also inspect your wire wheel and look for any stray wires that might be sticking way out of line.Those single little strays wil cause alot of havoc on you as well.It does take patience and practice but the effort is well worth it.
Keep it wet...make sure you keep the wild wires trimmed on the wheel...dont put the skin directly between the fingers and the wheel or force up into the wheel. Allow the wheel to push the skin down like a cushion. In other words, keep loose upward pressure and allow for the skin to give a little. Dont over do it on the wheel either. Take as much off with scissors as you can before you hit the wheel. Lastly...practice, practice ,practice. Keep at it.
Hey after 4yrs exp. i still put holes in mine. Everyone does. Make sure you have the soft wire wheel. You should be able to touch your hand to it while the power is on and not hurt your hand.
Hold your hand under the skin so that you can feel if the skin is getting too warm. And practice. Good luck.