Dakota 5 fleshing machine

Back when I had a Dak/5 I had a coat hanger that I bent the end like a fish hook and sharpened to a sharp point and fished out the shavings when they got tangled up.

 

Like Gunner said. I take a pc of wire that you would use in bird wings and stick down into the pulley. I can usually get it loose with a couple of pokes with the wire. Many times when i have that happen i can turn the machine off. Just as its coasting to a stop if i flip the switch back on it will often times throw the piece of skin out of the pulley. Bad design for sure but have to work with what i have for now

 

UNPLUG MACHINE FIRST!!! I have a straight piece of #6 wire about 3' long used to slip down to the bottom pulley. Hold it against the top side of the pulley and rotate the blade. Any debris will become un-lodged in a rotation or two.

 

Buy a Dakota Pro.

 

Here is a simple modification I made to my Dakota 4. Took about 45 min. to build and install. Have not had a piece of hide in the pulley since I put this on. Vandyke should offer a kit like this.

http://www.taxidermy.net/forum/index.php/topic,336977.msg2305117.html#msg2305117

 

Yep...same thing I did with my Dakota 5 a few years back...works like a charm.

 

ttt

 

Stop buying a cheap machine! yes that maybe all you can afford but being here you could look up at all the not so good things about this product being said. My buddy did the same thing, told hiom before hand use my eager beaver or flesh-all till you save up the money. lol pope wasted his money and two years later bought the pro.
Why do you or should modify a product to aid you. Dang should something happen, not worth it!

 

Guess if I did it for a living,, I'd have the best. For a part time / Hobby this works just fine. Thanks for your input tho!!

 

ps my friend is a hobbyist also. lol