I know that many of you experienced taxidermists out there know of many shortcuts & money savers. When I received my WASCO catalog in the mail I knew that I didn't have to buy every chemical in there in order to make a good mount. For example, I've learned by reading these forums that I can use Dawn dish detergent for some washing/degreasing. What are some other things that I can do w/out or replace with household or inexpensive supermarket merchandise rather than spending money that I really don't need to.
I realize that alot of you have invested money to make money but this is merely one more hobby for me that I've always found interesting. I really don't plan to ever make any money doing this, howevery, I do realize that yes....there is money that is going to have to be spent....Obviously.
By trial & error I've realized over the years that you don't have to spend as much as you would think for something that you would really like to do. Whether it be doing a painting or remodeling your house there are shortcuts. I'm just asking for the knowledge filled to share their experience and wisdom on the money savers and/or shortcuts. Thanks,
Chad
Return to Beginners Category Menu
1.You don't need a tumbler for birds and skins. Just spin them "dry" in the washing machine, them plop them in a Hefty bag of corncob grit or hardwood sawdust. While I am saving money on a tumbler doing my skins in this method, I am saving up that saved money to buy a damned tumbler because I hate the time and mess I am putting into my day and shop by performing this task withOUT the tumbler.
2. You can use dishsoap for degreasing bird skins. BUT, I have found by trial and error (and many different degreasers) that Super Solvent works best for me. So in the long run, I'm saving myself money by using less time.
3. Bondo from Walmart works as well as Bondo from Supply catalogs.
4. Make your own fleshing beams or have my husband do it.
5. Use floor tile adhesive for hide paste, IF you like the results it gives you. Be fair, try the other hide adhesives out there to see THEIR results. It depends on what YOU like.
6. Use a butter knife for fish skinning. And spoon for scraping. But believe me the tools supply catalogs sell for such purposes are a blessing in disquise.
7. I could go on and on, but will save everyone reading this, a headache with my thoughts.
You'll get many more responses, but my point is, there realistically could be a subsitute for nearly everything you use in taxidermy. You just have to figure out what gives YOU the best outcome, and best quality for your efforts with the supplies you choose. And that unfortunately will cause you some spending to find out. Money I've considered to be wasted on supplies I don't care for, have actually been invested to further educate me in what NOT to use in the future. I have to think that way or I'll go nuts with products I've found to be "not for me", with the money I've spent on them...I do however try to find other uses for them, or give them away and make someone else happy.
It's a ligitmate question you've asked, with numerous correct answers to follow. But what's right for you?
My first tumbler was the wifes drier, just double bagged with heavy garbage bags, no heat and let it rip. Until the little dab of sawdust caught fire. That had leaked down by the burner, A gas drier too.
if your mounting your own trophies to save money, fine. but dont expect to get professional and lifelike results. a year from now, when you look at that mount, you will have forgotten the money you saved or spent, but you'll still have to look at that mount. peace.
Thanks for the responses & tips. I knew that there were SOME great tips to be discovered and handed down. Like I said in my first post, Yes....I KNOW that I will be spending money but I know for a fact that there ARE things that I can do without & I'll STILL get great long lasting results. I hardly think that saving money and using a butter knife, an old dryer, or supermarket degreasing dish detergent instead of marketed money makers will really have a bad effect on my mounts (even down the road). It'll just save me some money. Thanks again for the replies. Well I've got alot to learn still and some stuff I REALLY DO need that I should order right now. Thanks again!