Just started fleshing again any tips on where the beam hits my belly? Bruised up and sore. Thanks

I have mine hitting just below my belly button.

Not sure. ADC said something about my purse last night that got me thinking. Maybe, put your purse between your belly and the end of your beam. Might help keep the critter from slipping down the beam too!

No way!! I paid a lot for that purse.

Lol , yea the purse would probably work but I am always rubbing the hide and the beam down with a wad of newspaper. Rather than setting the paper down I just put it between the point of the beam and my apron.

Yep, sharpen your knife or get a new one. No way you should be pushing that hard on the end of the beam.

Buy an Army web belt and a bath towel. Double the towel, run the belt through it and put it on over your apron. Gives you a no-skid surface to lean on and hold the coon/beaver, and also gives you a place to wipe those small chunks of fat off your hands.
You can usually buy a whole box full of towels at an estate sale, the last day, for $5.

I put a big fold of burlap between the beam and myself. Keeps the hide in place firm. Also, I only use the top half of beam. Rather than reaching way over, pull the hide up toward you to finish the lower section.

Mr Tom Tyree taught me some tricks, best fur handler that I have seen!

I have a heavy rubber apron.
I glued a piece of thick carpet in front.
It works GREAT!

folded burlap sack or a big towel
like for my beam to hit about my chest

I clip a small pair of vice grips with little pads on it like for welding on the skin under the beam. Make a pocket by clamping each side of the skin together, just keep adjusting the clamp and moving as needed. You don't have to lean on the beam very much and it saves your stomach. Just enough pressure to keep the pocket from coming over the end of the beam. Got the idea from coon creek outdoors youtube videos. Works like a charm and saves the stomach.

Find yourself a old pair of neoprene waders. Cut off the legs and your good to go.

Stand it upright belly doesn't come close well closer then it was 40 years ago

Should hit your solar plexus.

X2

Get rid of the boiler!