I often get calls from guys just beginning taxidermy with questions, (I assume it's because of TaxidermyReference.com) and when I'm out traveling around Michigan, Northern Indiana and Northern Ohio I enjoy stopping and visiting with many taxidermists. (I always call ahead).
One thing seems to stand out amoung those just starting out that sets you apart from those that have been in the business a while.
LIGHT
I'm amazed at how dark some of the work areas are that I've visited. Maybe it's just my eyes.....but I like mine well lit.....normally with the "Natural Light" light bulbs. In my humble opinion, I think you might make your life a little easier and your projects look a little better with something as simple as adding more light to your work area.
Just my humble opinion....I could be wrong.
Mark
www.TaxidermyReference.com
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Having worked in several shops over the years and all of them have been dark! I have always had a lot of light in my shop, I have even sunburned my bald head with halogen lights. As I assemble my new studio over the next few months, it will have twice the flourescent lighting along with 9 adjustable spots or floods. All this over a 12x14 fourteen work area..
You dont have to spend a fortune on the lighting. I have six of the better shop lights from my old shop. Plus three, three bulbed adjustable spots or can have flood bulbs. These are $9.96 each at LOWES. Bulbs are about $3.00 at Lowes or Wally world. Since I never needed them before, I figure this time they are going up since they are bought and paid for. I had windows in the old shop and the new studio will not have windows at lest for a while.
There is a varity of flourescent bulbs availible, Get full spectrum, along with cool white and and even some grow lights. This will be close to natural light.
When painting fish, use incandescent bulbs as most people will have them in their homes.
When I built my shop over the past summer. I put in Industrial florescents 8ft double bulbs high output low heat. They seem to work very nice and light goes every where. Of coarse being electrician for 10 years helps to. Jack F
I do have a well lit studio. But when the weather is nice I like to do my finish work outside. It is just amazing how much more detail natural sunlight reveals. You think you've done good on the finish work till you look at it in the sunlight. I don't think you can overdue it on getting lights up in your studio.
I'll never be half lit when I work on a deerhead again. Thanks!
I told you not to drink anymore before you worked on it!(LOL) Happy Holidays- Jeff F.
gave some excellent information about lighting. I especially want good lighting in my paint booth, and finishing room. Both incandensent and florescent lights should be used all the time. Plus I also use different types of flashlights in my work, and if I need hands free work I use my hunting light which is mounted on a hardhat.
Coyote