Stretching/Fleshing Boards

[jerry]

So I made what I thought was a fleshing beam after I attended the clinic way back when but it is more like a stretching board. Flat and thin. The couple I skinned didn't go great and I assume that's why.

I need some leads on a beam and stretching boards.

I may catch a coyote. Fingers crossed. I know I will catch some coons.

F&T has "seconds" lrg coon boards $40 for 6.

Would they fit coyote?

Is that decent price?

"Made to the specifications of the Canadian auction houses."

Is that good or wrong size?

Last question...

How long do they normally stay on the board?

[bigjohn]

Might get ahold of Doren Miller or Derek Peterman. Rick Fredrich from around Booneville was at thjat clinic you attended and makes stretchers.

Coon boards are too small for coyotes. I like adjustables for coyote and bobcat.

Never used F&t's stretchers but would think they'd work fine.

You can leave them on the boards until you need the boards and it depends on where and how your drying. A fan on them will speed up the process.

[jerry]

Thanks Jim,

I have a oscillating fan I just moved from the barn. Plan on drying in room in garage.

Forgot to ask if wedges are necessary....

[bigjohn]

If solid boards....yes

[segsarge]

What bigjohn said! The F&T boards should be fine. I have a beam that I bought from Minnesota Trapline probably close to 30 years ago. Still use it. Can't recall the vendor's name but I got coon, coyote and otter boards at the NTA convention when it was held in Colombia, however long ago that was.
Drying time depends a lot on room temp and a fan really does help. Just enough to keep the air moving around. I drill a small hole in the base of mine so I can hang them up. Lets the air circulate around them and gets them out of the way.

[krank]

In a pinch, I have used many things for a beam. A fallen tree in the woods.

Look through this forum. There are dozens of threads on the topic.

Some use a 6 inch pvc pipe.

A 2x6 is a little narrow so maybe a 2x10.

I took a 2 x 12 oak and made a dandy but it took hours of drawknifing and rasping.

Also ideas here on adjustable boards. Wire is easy and wooden is nicer for pinning.

Right now you can whack and stack fur and deep freeze and finish later.

[ozarkmountainman]

I've used one of MTP's beams for years and it works just fine. Making it fit the knife some helps, but it depends on how good you are with the knife. Since I use about four different brands obviously there can be little issues.

You can always make your own beam. And stretchers. But the Minnesota beam has been good for me for over fifteen years. It's just now good and broke-in.

Dale

[ozarkmountainman]

Oh yeah, I firmly believe in the fan, and temps in the mid fifties...

'Coons are a MUST, beaver are way better with the fan. Coyotes, fox and 'cats are not near as important, but I still use the fan.

Dale

[bigbob]

I made mine from a saw mill slab off fall. flat on one side, round on the using side, thick at the bottom, and taperd to a point on the other.