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Fleshing Machine Comparisons

Discussion in 'Tanning' started by JEJ, Dec 18, 2019.

  1. Dec 18, 2019 #1
    JEJ

    JEJ Active Member

    1,002
    9
    PA
    Looking at possibly getting new fleshing machine. Leaning towards an S&S or and Eager Beaver. wanted to see anyone thoughts on these two. thanks
     
  3. Dec 18, 2019 #2
    Frank E. Kotula

    Frank E. Kotula master, judge, instructor

    2,445
    499
    wilkes barre
    I vote Eager Beaver only cause it’s hard core and been using one 19 yrs .
     
    MixedupMel likes this.

  5. Jan 16, 2020 #3
    John C

    John C Well-Known Member

    16,444
    276
    Between South Africa and America.
    I have had an eager beaver 20 years. Its been a great machine and still is. I recently acquired a Dakota Pro, I really like the dakota pro, the adjustment system will make it easier to learn on, and works maybe better than the EB. It also has a button on the back side to lock the blade when changing the blade, neat IDEA!, you can pull the cover and whole left side off with three knurled nuts. I have been able to fine tune the machine to run the face and lips.

    In all honesty if you need to a good machine. I would go with the Dakota PRO. Get the stainless steel table too. The Pro will have a video with it. It is very well made, machine billet aluminum housing.
     
  6. Jan 16, 2020 #4
    Richs Taxidermy

    Richs Taxidermy Active Member

    425
    215
    Northern Illinois
    Dakota's nice ,,hard to keep clean though with there design.
     
  7. Jan 16, 2020 #5
    pir^2h

    pir^2h Retrievers give you the bird

    3,302
    1,301
    Tennessee
    I have been thinking about upgrading and getting a Dakota Pro. Does the Pro use that same belt design system where it is exposed and the shavings can get caught in the pulley? Someone on here had a video/tutorial or something where they show how to install a shield to keep the shavings off the belt. I made it and installed it but if I am buying a new unit I would prefer not to go through this hassle.
     
  8. Jan 16, 2020 #6
    Tanglewood Taxidermy

    Tanglewood Taxidermy Well-Known Member

    5,295
    1,127
    dallas oregon
    The shield is not to keep the shavings off the belt, it is fully inclosed, it's to keep the shavings off of you and the wall and everything else behind you clean.
     
  9. Jan 19, 2020 #7
    pir^2h

    pir^2h Retrievers give you the bird

    3,302
    1,301
    Tennessee
    What I was talking about was where the saving drop down into a bucket. The Dakota IV does not have a shield to keep the shavings from getting caught on the belt pulley near the bottom of the column where the you would put the bucket. I made a shield from a tutorial on here a few years back but as I said, I would prefer not to have to do that again.
     
  10. Jan 19, 2020 #8
    Tanglewood Taxidermy

    Tanglewood Taxidermy Well-Known Member

    5,295
    1,127
    dallas oregon
    I have the table model, so the shavings just fall on the table top.
     
  11. Jan 31, 2020 #9
    saddlehorse_98

    saddlehorse_98 Member

    833
    0
    I bought an s&s and love it, however when I went to order a new blade recently I was told it would go out on monday, 3 weeks later I called to ask what happened and where is the blade, lady in office said we are out of blades and have to order more not sure when they would have more, but it should only be a few days. three months later still no word from them. love the machine not happy with ladies in the office. don't have time to baby sit this order I'll probably try to find another manufactures blade that will work for it?.