I just received a set of sheds from a customer and they would like for me to do a european mount on them. They have a layer of varnish on them and they have a hole drilled through the bases above the burr where they had them attache to a board. They want me to remove the varnish and repair the holes they have drilled. Has anyone used the artifical skulls from McKenzies? How did it come out? Does bondo hold the antlers on well enough? I charge 175.00 for a euro, how much should I charge for all the extra work involved in this one?
I searched the archives but fond nothing under artificial skull.
Thanks Jason
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The artificial skulls are superb products and really make a clean looking mount. I'm assuming the sheds are whitetail (if they are elk and the like, you just have to use BIG threadstock).
Repair the holes first. When dry drill and oversized hole in the antlers. Call Steve Steinbring and order his #30 paste (it takes longer than the clear paste, but longer equates to stronger in epoxies) Fill the hole with #30 and shove the threadstock up into the antlers and let set overnight. Drill the artificial skull also oversized and set the antlers in. Bend the tread stock so they align properly. I use a 1x2 slat and electric tape to secure the antlers to one another so they don't move when I go to glue them. The electric tape has some give and will allow you to fit the threadstock back into the holes. Once you are satisfied, fill the skull holes with #30 paste and let the set overnight again. (Wipe any excess off immediately, however.) Once they are dry, take white Apoxie and fill the void between the antler base and the skull as well as taper out under the pedicel to make a smooth and seamless transition. When dry, bolt to your plaque and you're done.