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Taxidermy.Net Forum  |  Taxidermy Discussion Categories  |  Reptile Taxidermy  |  Topic: Small Copperhead « previous next »
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Author Topic: Small Copperhead  (Read 2116 times)
aero
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« on: October 10, 2008, 12:02:56 PM »
Have a small copperhead a guy wants done in a open mouth, striking. How would you go about casting an open mouth?  I havent tried any casting as of yet. Also, when you cast, does the cast go inside the skin, the same as you put a cape over a deer form? Or is the head removed and replaced with the one you cast.
Thanks.
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Yeager1
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« Reply #1 on: October 10, 2008, 12:10:44 PM »
How small is the snake? I hate break it to you, but you're fixing to take on one of the most difficult jobs in snake taxidermy. Large copperheads are a pain, small ones (and I have a few in the freezer) I'm sure are a nightmare. If your casting skills are good, (which mine are not) you will have the advantage of using the cast head for either the headform with open mouth built in or for replacement head itself.  The body form can be carved or fill method used. I hope you charged accordingly for this project.
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Kerby Ross
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« Reply #2 on: October 10, 2008, 12:15:41 PM »
I would open the mouth in the position you want it, freeze it...make sure you like what you see, then make a mold using alginate, then pour bondo into the alginate to make your open mouth and head.  Sand it smooth, paint the inside of the mouth, then attach it to the form and mount your copperhead.  I think open mouths are easier than closed mouths.

Kerby...
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I'M NOT A TAXIDERMIST, BUT I PLAY ONE ON THE INTERNET
Kerby Ross
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« Reply #3 on: October 10, 2008, 12:18:58 PM »
I've always liked the GREEN tails of the young ones.



Here is a pic I took a couple of years ago.  Eastern Kansas.

Smiley

Kerby...
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I'M NOT A TAXIDERMIST, BUT I PLAY ONE ON THE INTERNET
aero
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« Reply #4 on: October 10, 2008, 12:28:14 PM »
thanks for the tips guys. It is around 18", and it is more of a fun project than anything. The friend brought it over from his house, and wants me to give it a try. In his words, if it works out, great, if not, that is ok. I am not familiar with agitate. What is it and where would i buy it.

What do you guys charge for customer work?  I have heard around the 10/in. range.

Thanks again.
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Kerby Ross
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« Reply #5 on: October 10, 2008, 12:40:14 PM »
Alginate/Jeltrate is dental impression molding material.  WASCO sells it, I like the SLOW set (7 minute set time).  You can also buy a tub from your dentist, but they like the fast set for their work.

I charge a flat rate of $300 for small snakes (rattlesnakes and smaller).

Kerby...
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Barry
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« Reply #6 on: October 12, 2008, 04:47:46 PM »
Hey Kirby just curious how do you position the mouth in a open position and keep it there while freezing so there is no material marks in the mouth from something holding it open
Thanks Barry
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\\\"I bark at no man\\\'s bid. I will never come and go and fetch and carry, at the whistle of the great man in the White House No Matter Who he is. \\\" (quote from Davey Crockett\\\"
Kerby Ross
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« Reply #7 on: October 12, 2008, 05:48:39 PM »
Mostly cloth material, a piece of cut/shaped styrafoam will work, you could also use a small piece of wire but put it on the front part of the mouth.

Kerby...
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Yeager1
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« Reply #8 on: October 12, 2008, 05:49:54 PM »
A wedge of floral foam in the mouth works pretty well. Wink
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aero
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« Reply #9 on: October 14, 2008, 09:58:22 AM »
Since i will be using the cast as a form, and not a replacement head, would it be feasible to use plaster of paris, instead of the dental?  I am not sure how much casting I may do, and i already have some plaster.
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Yeager1
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« Reply #10 on: October 14, 2008, 10:11:16 AM »
Plaster goes through a "heating" before setting up and can spoil the skin. Especially the head and tail areas. The dental material doesn't heat up before drying.
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aero
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« Reply #11 on: October 14, 2008, 10:59:44 AM »
Good point. Looks like i will be ordering some dental. Just trying to save some shipping charges Smiley
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Kerby Ross
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« Reply #12 on: October 14, 2008, 10:30:16 PM »
Like Perry said, you can use the plaster on fish, but reptiles don't like any kind of heat when molding.

Kerby...
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jeremy
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« Reply #13 on: October 14, 2008, 10:36:19 PM »
Quote from: aero on October 14, 2008, 10:59:44 AM
Good point. Looks like i will be ordering some dental. Just trying to save some shipping charges Smiley

Free shipping at Van Dykes untill the end of Nov
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www.uplandersbirdtaxidermy.com

 
aero
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« Reply #14 on: October 15, 2008, 07:57:53 AM »
Thanks for the info. Have several things to order, and with VanDyke's free shipping, cant beat it!
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