Dakota V Flesher Instructions:

 

Van Dyke's Dakota V Flesher is the most dependable, easy to use flesher available to the taxidermy industry. The flesher comes with a full one year warranty which begins at the date of purchase, this warranty covers all components belt, motor, guards, enamel powder coating, arbor assembly, etc… This warranty however does not cover the blade other than to be free from defects in manufacturing.


Components:


    • (1) Assembly (housing, arbor, guards, brackets, hood, belt and blade)


    • (1) 1/2 hp GE Motor and Switch assembly


    • 3/16” X 1 square key stock (taped to motor)


    • (4) 5/16” X 3/4 USS cap screws


    • (4) 5/16” USS flat washers


    • (4) 5/16” USS nylon insert nuts


    • (1) Video tape


  • (1pr) Sharpening Steels



Tools Required:


    • Ratchet with 1/2” socket


    • 1/2” Open End Wrench


    • 7/16” Open End Wrench


    • 1/16” Allen Wrench


  • 3/16” Allen Wrench



Assembly:

1. Remove the 3/16” square key stock from the motor and slide it into the groove in the motor shaft.
2. Remove the pulley from the box and slide it over the shaft and key stock. Be sure the setscrew side of the pulley is facing the motor. Important for proper belt alignment: Adjust the pulley along the shaft so the outside of the pulley is flush with the end of the motor shaft. Tighten the set screw down on the key stock.
3. Carefully remove the cardboard that is placed around the blade; be very careful when working on the flesher, as the blade is extremely sharp.
4. Lay the flesher on its side with the motor mount plate sticking up.
5. Seat the belt in the top pulley, reach into the bottom housing and pull the belt downward.
6. Insert the motor into the cutout at the bottom of the housing assembly and guide the belt onto the pulley.
7. Insert the 5/16" cap screws through the slots in the motor and then through the hole in the motor mount plate, place a washer and a nut on the bolt to hold the motor in place while the other 3 bolts are inserted.
8. Have someone pull the motor down to tighten the belt tension, the use the ½” socket and open end wrench to tighten the nuts securely.

Guard Adjustment:

The guard adjustment accounts for little control over depth of cut; the guards are mainly to protect the hands while using the Dakota V.
1. Loosen the ¼” cap screw that holds the guard bracket. Only loosen enough that you can move the bracket by hand.
2. Loosen the two setscrews that are on the bottom of the front portion of the guard bracket. These two set screws allow the guard to be moved closer or further from the blade and also allow for the guards to be pivoted. Again only loosen enough to allow the guard to be moved by hand but stay in the position desired.
3. As you stand behind the machine, adjust the right hand guard so that it is flush with the outside cutting edge of the blade. Tighten all set screws and bolts. (On the right side.) 4. Adjust the left-hand guard to 1/16" - 1/8” distance from the blade. At the same time adjust the guard exposing approximately 1/8" – 3/16” of cutting lip from the 3:00 – 5:00 o’clock position on the blade; tighten all setscrews and bolts.

These adjustments are preliminary and may be fine tuned to your individual fleshing style, keep in mind that the guards are mainly for safety and have minimal control over depth of cut.

Lip Adjustment:

Adjusting the cutting lip is a delicate operation that requires an extremely light touch. The cutting lip is easily lifted up for a deep cut or it may be bent over for a very thin cut.
1. Hold the sharpening steels by the fingertips, there is no need to apply excess pressure to the lip.
2. The left hand holds the steel that has a pointed end and the left holds the steel with a blunt end.
3. Insert the pointed steel into the corner of the blade and lift the lips up to no more than 5 Degrees above level with the floor.
4. Using the right hand roll the blunt steel over the top of the blade and stop when it is level with the floor. Never go more than 5 Degrees past level with the floor!

Note: These instructions as an advisory and seller assumes no liability. Such information is the same as used in our own successful experiments, and since we have no control over the environment, or the materials upon which our products or instructions will be used - we cannot guarantee success. Trial must be performed to account for individual circumstances. In all suggestions we recommend reading the formulas that have been provided for your evaluation. These are proven formulas that you may find beneficial, from the experience of other tanners.


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