Q: Who assisted you with the development of the taxidermy tool set?
A: King Arthur’s Tools is very involved with the Taxidermy industry through our highly respected research and development team. Leading taxidermists Chris Barnhardt, Owner of CG Taxidermy, Larry Quinn, Owner of American Sportsman, Edward Harden, Owner of Harden Taxidermy, Don Stevens and other professionals provide us with continual input on how to best use our accessories in the every day operation of a taxidermist. Their practical knowledge has greatly assisted us in the development of new innovative tools.
Q. What are the benefits of using the variable speed grinder?
A. The variable speed grinder operates between 6,500 to 13,000 rpms. The variable speed feature allows Merlin to be dialed, up or down, to a cutting speed and aggressiveness that you’re most comfortable with as you perform the numerous applications the tool is designed for.
Q. Can I use the Fixed Speed Proxxon angle grinder?
A. No! Under no circumstances can you add taxidermy accessories, especially the Black Magic Fleshing Blade to a fixed speed grinder. Considerable R&D has proven that most taxidermy applications require the finesse of using variable speeds. You can’t be consistently safe always using the fixed speed angle grinder wide open at 13,000 rpm.
Q: What are the advantages of buying a Merlin Taxidermy Tool Set complete versus buying a Proxxon long neck angle grinder and the special accessories from different sources?
A: When you purchase the Merlin Taxidermy Tool Set from King Arthur’s Tools or one our authorized dealers, you’re also purchasing many added value benefits not available when purchasing separate components. These include:
1) A high quality, no hassle one year warranty for the long neck angle grinder and the six (6) accessories.
2) The angle grinder’s safety guard is factory pre set by King Arthur’s Tools from 90º to 23º.
3) Merlin Safety and Operating Instructions.
4) Detailed “How-To” tips with photos showing how to use the Black Magic fleshing tool, saw chain and our other accessories.
5) The benefit of knowledge from some of America’s leading taxidermists.
This Proprietary Reference Material is only included with every Merlin Taxidermy Tools Set and is not available on line. Furthermore these instructions and tips are far more detailed than the Proxxon manual which covers only the basic angle grinder. Your safety is of the utmost priority and importance when using our specialized accessories. It provides a fast, easy way to start using the Merlin.
King Arthur’s Tools now sells more Proxxon long neck angle grinders than anyone in the world. Occasionally they malfunction. From the beginning we provided a customer friendly in house Service Center to our clients so they would not have to return the units for repair to a third party, Prox-Tech. We’re committed to providing quick turn around service on all warranty and service work. The last thing you want is down time. And we’re only one phone call away from all your service needs.
In summary, buying the power unit from one source and the accessories from another doesn’t protect your safety nor does it protect your investment. The advantages of investing in a genuine Merlin Taxidermy Tool Set save you far more than purchasing items from different sources.
Q: Will you warranty or repair my Proxxon angle grinder, which I bought from someone else, when I use King Arthur's Tools taxidermy accessories?
A: No. If you already own a Proxxon long neck angle grinder but did not buy it as a Merlin from King Arthur’s Tools or one of their authorized dealers, the grinder will not be covered under warranty by King Arthur’s Tools. Your recourse is with the original seller or Proxxon. Good Luck! We record every angle grinder’s serial number at point of assembly when we convert them to Merlin’s. And as a reminder, if you do not follow specific instructions for safe and proper use of our accessories with the Proxxon angle grinder, you have no recourse with King Arthur’s Tools.
Q. What are some examples of how the 6 different accessories are used?
Part # |
Photo |
Description |
How it can be used |
10013 |
|
2” (50mm)
Black Magic Fleshing Blade |
Used for detail fleshing around the eyes, ears, mouth area and edges. Great for large and small mammals such as wild boar, green mule deer, etc. Excellent for gator skins. |
10009 |
|
2" (50mm) Flat Profile Tungsten Carbide Abrasive Disc Course - Red |
The work horse of the tool set, the red disc is employed in a multitude of tasks. It’s used to flesh an assortment of different skins. You can remove, shape, sculpt and clean up wood, plaster, bone, horn, antler, fiberglass and foam forms. |
21008 |
|
2” (50mm) Eight (8) Tooth Chain Saw Assembly
(Blade
with Discs) |
Used to remove, cut, shape and sculpt different materials such as wood, dense foam, foam core, bone, horn, antler, rubber, ice and soft non-ferrous materials. Great for working on habitat. Sharpen with our 5/32” round file. |
10003 |
|
2” (50mm) Flap Disc Sander - 100 Grit |
The flap disc sander has a rubber backing which makes it extremely flexible allowing the disc to conform to the shape that you’re working on. Can be used for sanding foam forms, fiberglass and finishing wood display pieces. |
10008 |
|
2” (50mm) Aluminum Oxide Cutting Disc |
Exceptional for the initial removal of excessive fiberglass on fish forms. Use it to cut the metal reinforcing rods in forms. |
10007 |
|
2" (50mm) Silicon Carbide Grinding Disc 60 Grit |
Handy accessory that can be used to keep a nice edge on your other cutting tools. Great for sharpening mower blades. |
See Taxidermy Set at the Online Store
Q. Are there other Merlin accessories that are used in Taxidermy?
A. Yes.
Part # |
Photo |
Description |
How it can be used |
10012 |
|
2” (50mm)
Flat Carbide Abrasive “V” Edge Disc - Green |
Used in construction of small antler chandeliers to notch antler for electric cord installation. |
21004 |
|
2” (50mm) 4-Tooth Tungsten Carbide Chain Saw Assembly (Blade with Discs) |
If you find you’re using the 8-tooth blade to the point of needing something a little more aggressive that stays sharper longer then you may need the 4-tooth carbide chain. It’s easy to keep sharp with our diamond file (#11050). |
20004 |
 |
Replacement chain for the four tooth (4) tungsten carbide saw chain assembly 21004 |
As Above. It’s easy to keep sharp with our round diamond sharpener. |
20008 |
 |
Replacement chain for the eight tooth (8) saw chain assembly 21008 |
Used to remove, cut, shape and sculpt different materials such as wood, dense foam, foam core, bone, horn, antler, rubber, ice and soft non-ferrous materials. Great for working on habitat. |
10010 |
|
2"- Flat Profile Tungsten Carbide Abrasive Disc
Medium - Yellow |
Same attributes as the red disc but less aggressive. Medium to rough finish. |
10011 |
|
2"- Flat Profile Tungsten Carbide Abrasive Disc
Fine - Stone Garnet |
Same attributes as the red and yellow disc but the least aggressive of the three. Can also be used to carve stone. Fine finish |
See Merlin 2" Disc Accessories at the Online Store
Q. Are there other King Arthur’s Tools products that have been used by Taxidermists?
A. Yes
Part # |
Photo |
Description |
How it can be used |
45814 |
|
Lancelot 14-tooth Saw Chain Blade. 4” (100mm) diameter |
Extremely aggressive cutting blade. Mounts to a 4-½” (115mm) or 125mm angle grinder. Used in the removal of the shoulder shield on a wild boar. Used to flesh processed African large game skins. |
11018 |
 |
Galahad 4” (100mm) Tungsten Carbide Disc - Teal Course Grit |
Fitted to a 4 ½” variable or fixed speed angle grinder, Galahad is a fantastic accessory for sculpting large animal forms such as elephants, rhinos and buffalo. Absolutely helps save days of hand work. Shapes and sculpts at a medium pace leaving a course to fine finish. Good for lightly removing outer skin on foam core. |
11017 |
|
Galahad 4” (100mm) Tungsten Carbide Disc – Blue Extreme Course |
Similar to above but shapes and sculpts faster as it removes material more rapidly than the Teal. (#11017) Leaves a course finish. |
11019 |
 |
Galahad 4” (100mm) Tungsten Carbide Disc Black Ultra Course |
Our most aggressive disc! Very quickly removes material and shapes forms. Leaves a pretty course finish but Wow! - this black disc just eats up foam, wood and non ferrous materials. |
See Galahad 4 1/2" Disc Accessories at the Online Store
Q: Is it hard to learn how to use the different accessories with the Merlin grinder?
A: With Merlin’s incredible control it’s easy to master the smooth pulling and pushing action of the accessories. Each Merlin Taxidermy Tool Set comes complete with Proprietary Reference Material such as detailed “How-To” tips with photos showing how to use the Black Magic fleshing tool, saw chain and our other accessories and tips from America’s leading taxidermists. It’s just a matter of jumping in and giving it a try.
Q. How is the Black Magic fleshing blade made?
A. The fleshing blade is precision manufactured on a CNC lathe from medical quality stainless steel and then goes through a two step heat treatment process that hardens the razor sharp edge for longer blade life.
Q: Is it easy to use the Black Magic fleshing disc?
A: It’s easy to master the simple, smooth pulling action and incredible control using Black Magic and the Merlin grinder. In the majority of cases most Taxidermists do their delicate and detail fleshing work, such as around the face areas, using a hand tool such as a razor blade, scalpel, and/or knife. It’s going to be the same principal with the Merlin/Black Magic Fleshing Disc. You’ll learn how to flesh by touch just like you’re doing now.
Q: Does Black Magic come with a depth gauge?
A: No, Black Magic doesn’t come with a gauge that you have to adjust for your depth of cut. You’ll be able to flesh by touch just like you do with a knife or razor blade. That’s the beautiful thing about Black Magic. With a little practice you’ll learn to easily control the pressure and the depth of cuts.
Q: Is Merlin Taxidermy Tool Set available for worldwide use.
A: Yes and Maybe. We only sell the 110 volt 60Hz variable speed angle grinder for taxidermy applications. Merlin is not available as a variable speed 220–240 volt. Users in countries with 220-240 volt will have to buy a step up transformer/converter and the 110 volt variable speed Merlin Taxidermy Tool Set (Part #10100) to make it work.
Sharpening Questions
Q: Are the chain saw blades easy to sharpen?
A: Yes. You can easily touch up and sharpen the chain saw teeth with sharpeners available from King Arthur’s Tools. The ability to do your own sharpening will increase your productivity, save you money and reduce hassle because you’re in control.
Q: Can I sharpen the 8-tooth blade myself?
A: Yes. Because it’s made from standard saw chain material we recommend you use King Arthur’s Tools regular metal 5/32” (4mm) chain saw file (part # 11000). A good tip is to mark the first tooth on both sides so you know where you start and finish. If not, you could re-sharpen several teeth twice and get a little frustrated in the process! The 8-tooth blade can also be sharpened with the King Arthur’s Tools Diamond Tipped File (part # 11050)
Q: Will a regular chain saw file sharpen the 4-tooth blade?
A: No. The tungsten carbide teeth are way too hard for a standard file. You’ll just damage a standard chain saw file. The tungsten carbide requires a round diamond file. King Arthur’s Tools offers a high quality fold-up round diamond tipped file in a plastic case (part # 11050) you can carry in your pocket. It’s also great for sharpening hooks and knives.
Q: If I can re-sharpen both the 8-tooth and 4-tooth myself, do I ever have to send them to King Arthur’s Tools for re-sharpening?
A: No.
Q: How do you sharpen the Black Magic?
A: Black Magic can be easily sharpened by using a flat edge diamond file (Part #11051).
Safety and Myths
Q: Are the tools safe?
A: Yes. We have never had a chain break, discs crack or blades fly off the grinder. Not one has ever been returned through customer dissatisfaction. The simple truth is that the saw chain can’t break because it doesn’t move independently like a chainsaw, which rotates on a bar. The chain on every one of our products rotates as one unit locked between the top and bottom discs, the total assembly being secured by the lock nut which is further secured by its clockwise tightening when the motor turns anti clockwise. The chain can’t go anywhere as it spins in conjunction with the discs. Another design feature ensures the blades never heat up due to the cooling effect provided by the slots in each disc, maintaining their long life. Let the tool do the cutting – it’s more than capable. We are very proud of our excellent safety record. Please keep in mind that you must always use caution with a power tool. The biggest danger is complacency and lack of attention to the work. We have been told many times by users that they have been lulled into a false sense of security to the danger because the tools do such a fantastic job. You must always be alert and be aware that the blades travel between 6,500 - 13,000 rpm. Used correctly, there’s nothing better or faster on Planet Earth.
Q: How safe is the Merlin?
A: Merlin is a safe tool when you follow the instructions and How-To tips. We add a major word of caution. If you remove the safety guard and run the saw chain blade, Black Magic fleshing blade or carbide “V” edge green disc, it’s NOT safe! The blades were designed to cut with the teeth on the bottom and exposed left side of the blade. Removing the safety guard exposes the top half of the blade to the fingers when held in the preferred position. Cutting with the top section of the teeth could cause binding and kickback when using any of the above mentioned accessories. Just remember, it’s a miniature chainsaw and mini de-flesher operating at high rpm’s. Used correctly, it’s an incredible tool. Don’t let Merlin’s small size lull you into a false sense of security. Merlin is a serious power tool – like a Dremel tool on steroids - perfect for the taxidermy industry.
Q. What safety equipment do I need when using the Merlin?
A. When using the Merlin you should always wear gloves and eye glasses - better still, a full face visor. Accessories used on their face throw material which can strike you in the cheeks. It’s not a problem when working with soft foam material but stings when removing wood. As an additional safety measure, we highly recommend you purchase a pair of Kevlar gloves that are made for use around chain saws. This is especially true when using the Black Magic fleshing disc as well as both the four (4) and eight (8) tooth saw chain blades.
Safety Guard
Q: Do I have to change the position of the safety guard?
A: No. When you open a genuine Merlin Taxidermy Tool Set, the angle grinder’s safety guard is factory pre set by King Arthur’s Tools to 23º. We recommend using the safety guard between 23º and 90º, in the position safest and most comfortable for the way you hold the tool to complete your job. The position of the safety guard can be changed by adjusting the guard using the two attachment screws.
Q: Can I work without a safety guard?
A: No, no and heck no! It’s not good for your health or safety. If you want to remove the safety guard for any reason, don’t use our any of our accessories. This is not a request. Running them without a safety guard is done so at your own risk. Don’t - under any circumstance!
Chain Maintenance
Q: Is the saw chain replaceable?
A: Yes. We recommend having two spare 8-tooth and one 4 tooth (if applicable) sets on hand. With the 8-tooth chain it’s more convenient and saves time to replace a dull chain with a sharp one rather than sharpening blunt teeth on the job. Sharpening blunt chains in your downtime helps keep your productivity up.
Q: Do the chains require oil?
A: No, the only maintenance required is to sharpen the teeth. The chain saw circlet is securely locked in place between two discs and does not move independently like a chainsaw over a bar. The only parts that wear are the teeth. This is fully explained at the King Arthur's Tools site, under “Safety – Are the Tools Safe?”
