Just took delivery of S&S Pro Series machine. I have two other brands but this will be my first S&S. Anyone else use an S&S for shaving during the pickle?

I'd love to see a fleshing machine in action. It's hard to visualize how they work

I found several videos on YouTube showing the S & S fleshing machines in action.

I don't have the S&S machine but I use a Dakota V flesher. I went out and trapped a bunch of coons and worked on them to get practice. I cut a lot of holes as I tried adjusting the guards in different ways to see what worked the best. I didn't care so much since they were coon hides that aren't worth anything. I have since managed to get a bit better at it and have now shaved coon, beaver, otter and buffalo successfully (e.g. minimal holes). I really feel it just takes a lot of practice and experience to know what is 'thin enough' for each species you're shaving. The buffalo face I did was easy because it is so thick it shaved well with little chance of cutting through. Good luck with your learning process.

I held back a number of mink, coon, and rats for that very reason, the learning curve. I also have about 35 beaver pelts in the freezers too. The coon, rats, and mink were all put up on boards.

I doubt you will need to thin the mink or muskrats. I haven't had any trouble getting them soft without shaving the hide. Coons and beavers are thick and will need skiving for sure. Let us know how they come out.

I've been eyeing a fleshing machine.. the dakota V or IV.

Are they practical for fleshing a green hide or are they more for shaving a pickled hide? I have a beam and a knife, but fleshing is my absolute least favorite thing about fur handling. I keep back all my caught fur, tan myself and sell it that way.

If a fleshing wheel can be used on a green skin to do general fleshing work then I think I'd be interested in getting one. Most of my fur is going to be beaver, otter, and coyote.

As much as I hate fleshing with a beam and knife, I feel like I could sit at a wheel all day.

So I'd just like to know if they are good for handling a green skin for general fleshing. I realize that they are probably slower than a knife and beam, but I feel like the wheel would be easier for someone who doesn't enjoy fleshing with a knife once you got the learning curve down

It'd be interesting to see Groeny's set-up.

Groeny's set up is nothing even remotely like a Dakota or similar fleshing machine. They can flesh beaver or open skinned raccoon in less than a minute, probably less than 30 seconds.

They had an open house when the NTA National was in Pecatonica a few years back. Saw the machines but it was not during working hours so did not see them working but easy to understand how efficient they could be.

The machines were actually made to do cow hides but GFW adapted them to do smaller critters.

The short answer is no, and I even build two models of shavers to sell. I've operated a knife since 1984 and beam fur if that tells you anything.

I’ve had one a few months and love it. Very smooth!