A well-positioned fleshing beam can be pretty important when trying to efficiently process pelts in the fur shed. If you’re like me, space always seems to be a limiting factor, and so space-saving ideas are always appreciated.
Here’s one from Greg, a Maine trapper who just built a beautiful fur shed that should last him a good many years. With a couple of hinges and some lag bolts, he built a fleshing beam setup that folds out when needed, and takes up virtually no space when it isn’t.
See pictures below, and thanks to Greg for sharing!
Here’s some more detail from Greg regarding the questions from Bruce:
The support board is a scrap piece of 2×6, the height is whatever is comfortable for you. I am 6’5″ so mine is a little taller than most, and then set it back far enough on the fleshing beam so it does not interfere with long hides like coyote and otter. Once you have established roughly where you are going to mount the leg, hold the edge of it against the fleshing beam and mark the angle so that once mounted it sits more stable. The smaller board I clamp to my table and the other ‘board’ is just a wooden muskrat stretcher. I have attached photos to illustrate the angle on the leg, and the set up I use for the smaller fleshing beam. Also included pics of the folding table in case anyone is interested as it is another great space saver. Found it on YouTube after searching ‘folding workbench’.
Great work on your fleshing beam . Some people have fleshing tools lath type work fast
But raccoons. Are hardly work trapping anymore
Just a couple quick questions? Could I get the measurements of the board holding the beam up? New to handling fur handling and just got a beam last week, I like this idea. Next question on the two smaller beams I bought (for muskrat and mink) any suggestions on getting them set up in a manner like this one, I saw two similar beams in the corner of the picture, what are the plans for these boards or do they not need attached to something like the larger beam? What’s everyone doing with their small beams?
Thanks, Bruce
Good questions Bruce! I’ve forwarded this to Greg and will let you know his response. As for me, I don’t mount the smaller beams to anything, i just lean the base against the bench or base of my chair. I flesh rats and mink on a mink board. They are extremely easy compared to beaver!!
Hey Bruce, I updated the post with answers to your questions from Greg.