Convert shoulder mount to pedestal

[Heathcliff]

hey everyone, I talked to a guy the other day who has a shoulder mount of a deer and wants it on a pedestal (the mount is actually for a pedestal).  I have no experience with pedestal mounts.  I was curious for how the weight of the deer mount was held up by the pedestal.  He mentioned me building him one since I do some carpentry, but I didn't know if the pedestal needed extra weight for the mount.  Thanks...

[Sikk]

forms differ, some have threaded rod that attaches the form to the base , some have tubular steel, and some just screw a decorative board to the form, some have a galvanized pipe kit to attach. Better ck with your customer to see what he has. paul

[J P Baker]

Here is a photo of one I did with all thread rod. You can also see how small the temp base is that holds it up just fine.

Like Sikk posted check with your customer to see how he has it set up.

[George Roof]

Here's what I do.

When I get a shoulder mount to be turned into a pedestal, the first thing I do is cut off the backboard.  Then I staple a 4 inch piece of poster board round the form and pour in foam.  Once it hardens, I cut and shape the back of the pedestal I want taking particular care NOT TO ALLOW THE BRISKET TO STICK OUT TOO FAR.  Once I have it shaped, I go to Lowes.  I find a 1 inch OD piece of galvanized pipe.  I find the screw on flat base that will allow me to screw the pipe like a flagpole on the base I'm working with.  Then I find a piece of PVC that will slip over the pipe easily without too much slop.  This is usually a 1.25 OD piece

When I get home, I take a 1.5 inch spade bit and drill a hole up from the brisket about 12 inches deep (yep, you'll need an extension.)  In the end of the PVC, I drill a hole through the center of the end of the pipe big enough to insert a 16d nail.  I slide the nail in, clip it off to where it's flush, and then tape over that end of the PVC.  I insert that down into the form and pour 2 part foam around it.  Then the form cures, I cut off the PVC flush and sand the foam around it.  I stick a tape measure down inside the PVC pipe and measure the depth of where that 16d nail is.

I take the galvanized pipe  and screw on that flat base.  I take the measurement I took inside the PVC, add half an inch and then cut that length on the pipe from the base.  On the unthreaded end of the pipe, I cut a slot in the center of the pipe 1/2 inch deep.

Now if you've done this correctly, you can slide the pipe up inside your pedestal and the 16d nail will act as a key to lock your galvanized pipe in and to keep your pedestal from spinning.  Unscrew the base and attach it to your work table, screw the pipe back in, mount the manikin on the pipe and use this for your mounting stand.  When you get the hide down to the pipe, lift the mount off and CAREFULLY cut a hole through the hide over the imbedded PVC pipe.  Set it back on the pipe and finish your mount.

This method allows you and your customer to take the pedestal off and on for ease of work and cleaning.  I find it especially useful when I have to build a diorama under the pedestal so I don't get it all messed up with fake dirt or water.  If you're planning on using just the wood pedestal,  you'll need to cut your pipe long enough to slip through the wood and simply mount the base upside down underneath.  The pipe can then be screwed into the base and the mount will set down flush with the wooden top.

[George Roof]

Here's what I was trying to describe.  This Stone sheep is mounted on a rock diorama and had a motor underneath with a motion sensor (small white square on the rock).  When anyone enters the room, the sheep rotates back and forth about 90 degrees.

[msc]

George Thanks for Sharing that as well as the time it took to type it
I believe you should turn this in the tuturial section
For what its worth Alot of people My self included would have made that complicated
coming up with a soultion

[Heathcliff]

George, thanks for explaining that so much.  I'll be sure take your advice.  Also, thanks for the others help.