Fleshing Beam

This is my second season and have a couple bobcats in my freezer that need to be fleshed. Last year I caught a couple and after skinning I took the hides to a taxidermist where he fleshed and sent them to get tanned. Now that I figured out how to catch them I need figure out how to flesh. I called Lee Steinmeyer to get one of his knifes but he told me I'd have to wait, so being impatient I bought a Caribou. Now I need a beam and I could probably make one but I really just wanna buy one to learn on. I can always get a different knife and/or beam but I just wanna get started. I saw theses beams and just wondered if these are made by a member or if they are any good, I have a few wooden stretchers by the same place a friend gave me.

I was hoping you guys could tell me what board I need to buy for bobcats and where I can send them to get tanned when I'm done fleshing and having them sealed ?


https://www.schmittent.com/product-category/fleshing-beam

Buy Coloradocat cat boards. the 5" fleshing beam will work for cats. Moyles is in SW Idaho for tanning.

Well I called his number and left a message

He's busy chasing fur for the auction but he will get back to you.

Congrats on your cats . Putting up your own fur is gratifying.

He makes stretchers not beams so that didn't pan out

Pm sent

Otis told me to get a 8" beam but these guys only offer a 7", whats your opinion ? Anybody else sell beams ?

https://www.schmittent.com/fleshing-beam7x46

I'm in the market for a beam as well. Following this thread.

I believe this.

The MTP beam only comes in 7", is that too wide or should I go with the 5" Freedom brand ?

https://www.fntpost.com/Products/Fleshing+Beams/Freedom+Brand+Hardwood+Fleshing+Beams



https://www.minntrapprod.com/Grade-A-Fleshing-Beam/productinfo/GRAD-A48/

I've been using a 7" for both cats and coyotes

Thanks for your reply

I use a 7" for everything. If the skin is too small you can flesh it with boh layers on top of the beam.

A 5" beam Is plenty wide.

I thought there were more guys here that actually used a beam and would share their experience, I guess not.


Thanks to the few of you that responded.

the beam width wouldn't be as important to the fit of you, and the knife...you need to use it to get comfortable with it

Dont forget some pics of those cats when you get a chance

As soon as I get a board and a knife I'll see what it feels like and figure out what I'm supposed to remove. Everybody has to do their first one and I'm gonna start with the smaller one.

Your only using about 3" of your knife blade with a sidewise slicing motion so a wider beam Isn't going to make any difference.

Thank you, I ordered the 5" x 58" from H&T

How much fleshing does a bobcat need?if they are anything like lynx you could flesh them on a solid forming board with a one hand scraper.

I have no idea but I assume not much since I value your opinion.

This is what I meant when I agreed with M Toms. more important will be getting the beam solid and at a height and angle that fits you. There should be some how to flesh threads in the archives.
https://trapperman.com/forum/ubbthreads.php/topics/18968/How_To_Build_A_Fleshing_Beam.html

https://trapperman.com/forum/ubbthreads.php/topics/6251525/Fleshing_beam_stand_ideas

https://trapperman.com/forum/ubbthreads.php/topics/6207101/My_fleshing_beam_set-up

handling cats;
https://trapperman.com/forum/ubbthreads.php/topics/2649508/Bobcat_-_Cat_Put_Up,_Part_I

https://trapperman.com/forum/ubbthreads.php/topics/2649511/bobcat-cat-put-up-part-ii

https://trapperman.com/forum/ubbthreads.php/topics/2649512/bobcat-cat-put-up-part-iii#Post2649512

https://trapperman.com/forum/ubbthr...-up-part-iv-the-grand-finale#Post2649533

https://trapperman.com/forum/ubbthr...-up-part-v-skinning-the-feet#Post3378356

https://trapperman.com/forum/ubbthreads.php/topics/1777313/Nevada_style_bobcat_put_up----

You might want to check out the fur handling forum. There is a good thread on fleshing beams. I flesh everything on PVC and would never go back to wood.

I believe that MTP sells the Schmitt freedom brand - at least some are that brand. Call MTP, ask for Jeff and discuss with him about a beam and stretchers.

Before fleshing, brush out any burrs seeds, mud, blood, and any other crud. Something like that in the fur can cause a hole if you are leaning on the knife. When fleshing, remove what doesn’t belong on the leather side of the pelt.

Made mine out of an old 2x6 a long time ago. It was going to be temporary as I was going to get a nice hardwood one. I love it and would never change it at this point.

I have used a pvc beam for the last 4 years. The pipe can be difficult to find. I think I used 12in, found it at a well driller. Buy the best knife you can afford, I have one of Lee's knives, an excellent knife. Another good one is the post. Just find something that is comfortable for you.

So you must have split the pipe to open It up then cut It to size. Because there Is no way you could get a hide over that size pipe. Unless you scrape with the hide laying on the pipe.

Thanks for all the links but over the last year I'm not sure there's a thread on catching or fur put up on bobcats on Trapperman that I haven't read. I just need to get a few tools and experience and I'll be fine. I have a bunch of PVC but since I don't know what I'm doing I don't really know what I need so once I get going I plan on making a PVC beam.
If I hadn't read about the Nevada stretch I wouldn't of known the cats I had done by the taxidermist weren't done very well. After I get them fleshed and sealed I'll be sending them to Moyle and hope for a better outcome. Do you guys use the USPS if it ships it fits boxes ?

I would be very careful with some of the fleshing knives. You might find that some of them are a little too sharp for a coyote or cat. Fleshing a coyote or cat is easy compared to a coon. I use a Necker 600 for mine. Not at at all sharp and does a good job. Be sure to comb them good to make sure any mud or burs are removed. If you snag one while fleshing, you will find yourself learning how to sew up holes real quick!

I can sew and plan on making a hat out of the small one

My beam and knife came in so I made a stand and went to it, I put a few holes in them but it all counts as experience and I'll get better. The nice lady at Moyle is sending me a starter pack so I can get them sent out.

Hermit maybe whack a few jackrabbits or something and put those on your new skinning board. Actually any other animal than a cat being they are so valuable. At least to get a feel for the new knife and set up. Then start doing cats.
I haven't done my own cats for some years here and I'm as stubborn as heck but I'd surely sharpen up on some lesser valu fur to get in the swing of things.
Just a thought, your doing well.

Osky

I bought a beam and stand from Arts trapping supply last year as I live just down the road. Probably a little big for cats but I've been happy with it so far.

To bad your not closer I would have you over to learn how to flesh and stretch a cat or what ever else you want to learn...hate to see a cat in that condition.

Look into your trapping association for help, That is what they are there for. Do not spend to much money yet. Try other people set ups first, everyone is different. Some people like to push of the fat and other like to pull down the fat and grissel. If you have some physical disability problems (me with my bad back) you might have to sit down to flesh critters. Try every system that you can find and see what fits you. tmrschessie made you and offer, it might be to your advantage to go for a visit no matter how far he is from you. He is one of the most respected people on this site......jk

I bought a 7" freedom brand and also made a 5 1/2" board myself. I use the 5" on fox and smaller bobcat and the 7 for big cats and coyotes