A No Nonsense way to attach a Skull Mount *UPDATED WITH NEW PICS*

[mmhanas]

I've been doing quite a few of these lately, and this is the easiest and sturdiest way I have found. Maybe not new to some, but hopefully it makes it easier for some. No mess and takes less than 5 minutes to do.

I posted this a while back, but moved the pictures on Photobucket and screwed the whole tutorial up. Since then I have come across an even easier and faster way, so here it is:
  Go to Home Depot and buy these items. You only need one of each for each Skull mount


You will also need an 11/32 drill bit, for going through the skull.


Mark the bottom of the skull with a Sharpie, about an inch lower than the brain cavity opening. This is where you will drill the hole for the "nut" to placed in.


Next drill a hole with the 11/32 drill bit, make sure you go through to the inside of the brain cavity

After drilling the hole place the "nut" on the end of an allen key that fits inside of it. Hard to explain but it is self explanatory when you have it in your hand. After placing the "nut" on the allen Key, put a little 2 part epoxy or equivalent glue around the threads, this will prevent it from moving later.



Now slowly start the "nut" into the pre- drilled hole, it will turn pretty easy as the glue works as a lubricant. Snug it all the way down and wipe the excess glue off of the edges and you are ready to move on.
Starting the "nut"

All snugged down


Next take the sharpie and mark the panel you are going to use, in this case it is a Cedar Pedestal from Darren Mohler who is on this site as well. Line it up and mark it, making sure it is centered.

After drilling with the bolt through

Start by hand turning the bolt into the pre mounted "nut", then finish up with an allen key, making sure it is snugged tight and that the skull is centered on the pedestal or whatever panel you are using.



Here is the finished product, looks pretty good and is fast as hell to do.




I now use this method, it is very strong and foolproof, the threads lock the "nut" into place and the epoxy holds it tight. The bolt is brown in color and blends well and looks very professional. You can do a whole bunch at a time with this method, as I put the "nut" on every skull regardless if the customer is buying a pedestal from me or not. This way it is ready for them for whatever method or panel they choose to use.
As you can tell, I have to restain the antler bases on this one, which is usually done before mounting on the pedestal



Just another way of doing things, thanks for all I've learned on here from others!

Charlie

[Quill]

Wow Charlie that is a great european, love the camo, how do you apply that?  And what would you charge a client for a skull done like that, complete with pedestal. The mounting tip is great I always struggle with attaching skulls I will try that asap!

[mmhanas]

Quill,
         I do them locally here, and if you drop off a head, hide and all, I am charging $150.00 to clean and dip. I use beetles, which I have here, then I degrease, then have them dipped for me. The pedestals run  $45.00 and up, depending on the type of wood used, I believe the one's pictured are Maple. So the answer to your question, if you wanted one to look like the bottom picture, it would run around $200.00.  Of course, return shipping not included, usually runs around $10-$12.

[Quill]

Thanks for your reply, I think it is worth the costs for some clients,  they are really sharp looking.  Thanks for posting it!

[antlerman]

I like your mounting technique. Thanks for sharing that.

[mmhanas]

Antlerman,
                  It is so easy and there is no mess. I buy the bolts in bulk(50) and they are cheap that way, I have been spraying them flat black, but I'm sure if I looked hard enough I could find a dark bolt somewhere.  I put them on every Skull I do, whether or not the customer is buying a plaque or pedestal from me. They all thank me because it seems to be  a question they always ask when picking up a Skull.

[JerseyJays]

thats a great idea... another option, i think would work just as good (although i have not tried it yet, your method just gave me the idea..) instead of waiting for epoxy to dry, why not just use a toggle bolt?

[Uncle Harley]

thats a great idea... another option, i think would work just as good (although i have not tried it yet, your method just gave me the idea..) instead of waiting for epoxy to dry, why not just use a toggle bolt?

this is the way I always mounted skulls,  but I started Using bondo and a 1 in hardwood dowell.   Works great.

[FIELD2FOREVER]

Interesting post, and a great Idea. Thanks for Sharing!!!

[mmhanas]

Jay,
      I'm sure that would work great also. I do a few at a time, in fact going out to the shop this morning to get 8 of them ready. Almost done with the skulls for the year, about  55 done and about 15 more to go. Then onto Bear Skulls, 20 of them. The bug tank shed is getting "ripe" with the warmer weather, I may have to move it further from the house.
I have a few of those Toggle bolts, I may have to give it a try.
Charlie

[josh s.]

I just use a 3'' course thread drywall screw and make a pilot in the same spot you are drilling your hole for the nut, I always wondered if it would break but I have never had one do that......I did about 45 last two years that way and about 20 this year. That only takes about 30 seconds and you can get them in black. Great idea though and obviously a solid one at that

[FurNFeathers]

Great tutorial excellent

[antlerman]

Since you posted this, I went and got some Tee nuts and have put a couple together using your method. Nice. Works very very nicely.  Thanks again.

[mmhanas]

Glad to pass this along to you. Good Luck!

[carrollcountybuckhunter]

Would love to see the pictures but all I see are boxes with picture has been deleted