Hi,I'm just starting out.I got alot of books about taxidery.I think I'm ready to give it a shot.I got a few specimens(all legally obtained).Now these books all have there recommended tools to use like the perfect skinner,a fleshing knife,etc.etc.I was wondering if anybody has any ideas on some good basic start-up tools?The specimens I have are a couple squirrels,acoon and a beaver.Thanks Mark
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Mark, One of the great things about taxidermy is that you don't need lots of specialized tools to do it. Basic hand tools are good to have near by but a small sharp knife is the main thing. Scalpals are very nice for skinning and I use a small pair of wire cutters as "pliers" for gently pulling the bones of the toes to enable me to skin down to the claws. You need to measure things so a small tape measure is needed. A small screwdriver works for tucking mouth skin and eyelids and a few assorted modeling tools for working clay will help. When you have done a little taxidermy and you decide it suits you, then consider spending a little money on tools. Until you do it it's hard to see what will be useful to you and if you just buy up a bunch of tools to start with you will tie up money on things that later you will wish you had not bought. Keep it simple and start a colection of good photos of animals you might mount. It's hard to do a convincing mount without good reference photos. Good luck with your projects and enjoy, Aaron H.
Thanks Aaron,I guess its like anything else huh.K.I.S.S.Keep it simple stupid.
i am interested in building a 3D version of a northern flicker. We are not supposed to use the real thing because its for a children's school project. Is there anyone who may have an idea on to build one,such getting feathers, and beaks, and getting a form?
Thanks!