Question number deals with removing epoxy from hair after it is dry. I have read a lot in the archives about removing it just after it "jellies" but can't find a definite answer as to whether it is possible after it sets completely (got to the archives too late for the jelly thing). I believe the brand is Van Dykes bond tite fast for ears.
Question number 2 is (forgive the vagueness) why does my whitetail look like an angus steer? I know this sounds strange but I check the "viewability"of my work by walking around the shop doing whatever and just glancing at the mount every now and then without really thinking "does that look right?". Every time I glance at this deer I thik angus. I can't quite put my finger on the problem. Anyone else ever thought this? Do you think it may be the eyes? ears? nose? or a combination? This is a little bigger deer that the other two that I have mounted but they both looked fine. Any help would be appreciated.
Thanks,
Jeff Gander
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Epoxy is in the hair for good, you may be able to get it to soften with Acetone and srape it out. You would have to soak it a bit to get it to soften though. About the angus White tail, e-mail me a picture and I will tell you what "I" think. That is if you are up to some cunstructive criticism. I have not liked some suppliers mannikins for the way they have chosen to sculpt there heads. alot of them are still using the one size and shape to fit all game. I use forms now that are from good suppliers and that have won sculpting compititions
as well. this at least tells me they are trying to improve the avalible forms.
I also use alot of referances while mounting, and I like to use different pictures other than the same ones all the time as well.
I'll try to email the pic monday. I will just send a "view on the wall" pic since the mount is still pinned and drying. If you don't mind, I will send some after the finishing is done as well for you to critique. As for the constructive criticism, don't worry about offending me, I have been working with construction contractors for wo long, I have skin like an alligator. I am definitely just a hobbydermist but that doesn't mean that I don't want my mounts to look like a $400 mount. I realize that I still have a lot to learn to produce consistent results. My first mount fell together and looked really good (I think), the second was about the same, but this third one is the deer from hell. Notched ears, blood-stained, fight scars, holes cut by me during shaving due to poor rehydration before pickling (only thought I knew what I was doing, and then this whole angus thing. Enough ranting.
thanks,
Jeff Gander
Jeff, I too am new to taxidermy, I went to a school and learned the basics. But I joined my state association, went to a couple of their competitions and attended the seminars that they gave. I learned more in 6 hours of seminars than I did in a week long school. They are a great source. Give it a try!
MEK or a product containing MEK will remove epoxies. A commercial product called, "Attack" does the job well. Doesn't anyone read the archives? Acetone may soak beneath the epoxy and allow it to lift from hair, but so will soapy water. Acetone does not dissolve most epoxies.
Cur, Thanks for the reply, I'll try the MEK. As I said in my original post, I searched the archives before asking. I searched for "removing epoxy". I found a lot of info but nothing to the point. Most was dealing with epoxy that was not completely set. I didn't search for "MEK" because I had never heard of it. I also post in the beginner section thinking that I will get a little more room for error and my ignorance. Also, there was a second question albeit vague which I could not find anything in the archives. I'm not shooting back at you but I just don't want to get labeled as someone who doesn't search the archives before asking because I realize that those people are looked at as pond scum. I say uh oh every time I see a post titled "How do I bleach a skull". Once again thanks cur and I will try to do a more thorough search next time.
Jeff Gander