I'm wanting to build a fleshing beam and it seems like pvc is the way to go. I know what I want to build and I've watched a few videos but I don't know where to get the materials. Where do you guys get huge diameter pvc pipe?
That depends on where you are located. I got some from a friend who installs sewer systems. So I imagine he gets it from anyplace the sells supplies for that. 1 10 foot chunk of 10 inch pipe can make several beams of varying sizes.
I'm in Phoenix. I called around to several plumbing supply places and the one that had some quoted me $300 for a 20ft length of schedule 40 10" pipe.
Schedule 40 has to do with the thickness for how much pressure it can handle, it could be any color. I didn't ask because I'm not spending $300 on pvc
Go to a large plumbing place that just sells plumbing supplies. They carry your needs or call around to some plumbers and see if they have scraps laying around for a cheaper price. The bitch here is nothing is cheap if you want quality. Just think it’s 1200-1500!for a fleshing machine.
I did, that's what I meant when I said I called plumbing supply places. I hear you on quality but I will not be going with pvc for that kind of money
Your best for a cheap one that’ll work for yrs is wood. When I trapped I had one made from 2x10 shaped and sanded that lasted lots of yrs.
I have 3 different fleshing beams in my shop. The large, gray fiberglass beam I purchased from Research Mannikins for $89. The wood support is not included but the bottom of the beam is designed to accept it. I built the support from 2X4's at the height for my comfort. It has seen hundreds of bears, elk hides and everything in between. The other two are from Badgerland Trapping Supply. I have a 4 foot model for capes that attaches to my bench and a floor model which is still wrapped up and never used yet. They both are designed to remove from their mounting plates for storage. Other than shipping costs, they are a great buy. https://www.badgerlandtrappingsupply.com/store/p4/WALL_MOUNTED_FLESHING_BEAM_MOUNT.html
How many guys on here spent $300 on pvc for their fleshing beams? I read a few articles on things like Outdoor life and they're talking about getting the whole thing done for as little as $35.
I stumbled upon some "desert antiquities" tonight running the dogs after work. I don't have a lot of experience working with fiberglass, do you think I could cut a piece from this for my beam(s)?
Stopped at a subdivision build's and talked to the foreman......took a couple stops but got mine for the price of a 12 pack.
Just buy one from one of the taxidermy companies, its only a few dollars, with all the time and energy spent making one it isnt worth it, ive used pvc and didnt like it bec the hide would tend to slip off tbe beam with any pressure applied, ive found wood works the best
I have a wood fleshing beam and used a 4' long 6" for thinning when I used a skife knife for thinning. That 6" did the job well and actually helps when getting up by the face. But, bought a fleshing machine now and probably will not use the beams much anymore unless I start trapping again.