I have searched the archives for the past three days and cannot find my answer so I thought I would ask the pros. I am new to taxidermy (three deer heads). I learned using the Serious Sportsmans Videos and learned some valuable info. My question is this: When I am ready to sew up the "Y" incision, how long do I let the Mache "set up". While sewing up the incision, my thread dug into the mache, got into the hide paste on the antler burrs and I poked myself a few times because I had such a mess I couldn't tell where I was.
I would also like to take the time to say thank-you to all of the pro's out there that help us greenies. You guys are great for taking the time to help. I am new to the forum (found it three days ago) and what a wealth of information you guys provide. I've spent countless hours the last three days reading it. That Little Orange Button is GREAT! Thanks Again - Jerry
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Add salt to your mache (about an ounce) it makes mache set up in 15 minutes instead of ?
Hi, sorry to here about the mess , but i think all taxidermy goes through this . I know I have , allways leave off obout 2 inches away from y cut with your paste an mache. i don't use mache any more I use clay to me its cleaner. an if you don't have a leather punch get one its got differnt hold sizes so if you use punch your holds before you put your cape over our form it will be so much easier. an you won't be sticking your fingers WHEN YOU SEW IT UP. GOOD LUCK!
PATRICIA
I myself use clay as well as Patricia. It works well for my needs. you are able to smooth stitches into the clay after you are done sewing. As for the Y-incision, I use the T-incision. If you do it right you are able to line up the hide more precise in my opinion.
Good Luck!
I have found in my trials n errors that when i set my skull plate on my form i set 3 -3'' screws down through my plate into the form and mache around the skull plate and blend to the form. Leaving the screw heads as untouched as possible so later when i slide my cape up on to the form to be pasted all i need to do is unscrew the skull plate ,slide on my cape into position and screw back down and sew it up. best of luck as i am still learning also. Sam
If you dont like to wait long for clay or mache to set up, you could try regular auto-body filler a.k.a Bondo. I use for forming skull cap and rasp to shape shortly after it sets. p.s use ventilation if you try this!
I prefer to use 4 screw on the cap, predrill the holes. Mix the bondo, wood wool and hardner, reset the antlers on top of the Bondo. Finish dressing up skull with bondo when it kicks off and before its to hard. remove do any dress up around the edges.
zbesure you get hide adhesive up on top of the area before sewing up.