This doesn't seem like a very safe idea, but does anyone have their fleshing machine mounted backwards on their table? In other words with the blade facing out instead of over the table? If so does it work easier? I get terrible back aches working over the machine and happened to notice that Sallie Dahmes has hers mounted with the blade facing out, page 73 in the Breakthrough Whitetail/Mule Deer book? What is the reason SHE does this?
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I don't have a clue about Sallie, but I do know that I can control the pressure much better by pulling against the machine than I ever could by pushing against it. I can also see the work as it clears the blade.
If you have a back ache, your table is too low. Raise the height until the blade cowl fits right into your armpit. Then you can lean against the machine instead of bend over awkwardly.
put a brick under each leg, which seemed to help. I just get this wonderful burning sensation between my shoulder blades after fleshing for a while.
I put locking rollers on the table this year so I could move it if needed, so now I will have to make a platform to stand on since i can't see over the cowl without standing on my tiptoes!
I will say that the machine has saved me a lot of TIME, but if anyone thinks it's easier I got news for them! Of course I'm still pretty new at using it, since last year is the first year I've had it.
I think mine are getting worse as my BELLY gets BIGGER (but that's a whole 'nother story!)
Pick up some THICK anti-fatigue mats if you don't have them already. If you're standing on a hard concrete or hard surfaced floor all day I'll bet that is a big contributor to your back problems.
Also, take breaks and stretch out. I actually intentionally am more inefficient in many tasks because I can't batch things. Too repetitive. I could never flesh out more than a fish or two a day as that "hunching over" stance I take kills my neck and back more than any other tasks I perform. Isolate the areas you are having problems and do some of the things I've suggested. If you still have problems, see a (real) doctor. It may not to hurt to get it checked up either way...
I have mine mounted that way, it works great for me. I have done about 300 capes that way.