I am just getting into this but as I look at the various tools used I see many that can be made very easily and MUCH cheaper. I was wondering what percentage of tools you made yourself?
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For $500.00 you can buy nearly every small tool in the catalogs.
Why waste your time build tools.
The larger tools, bird flesher, tumbler, fleshing machine, air compressor etc. are much cheaper to buy than to build.
You have to now ask yourself, I am tool builder or am I going to be a taxidermist?
Unless you have total and free access to milling equipment, it is far cheaper to buy high quality mechinery than to shade tree the crap.
Anytime someone comes on here with that "CHEAPER" garbage, I cringe. Does that mean you intend to work for less than your peers? Does that mean you plan on doing cheaper work both in quality and price? If the answer is no, as it should be, then forget "CHEAP". You build your equipment costs into your pricing. Regardless of your talent level, it will never peak if you don't insist on the very best products available to you. Buying cheap simply sells yourself short.
Jim, just like John and George both said, why waste your time building tools when you can be doing taxidermy for a profit? I have to admit, there are many tools that I/we use in my studio that are homemade, but that isnt because I chose to go a "cheaper" route. It is because over time, you realize that "if I just had something to be able to............" you can build exactly what you need to satisfy that special condition....and more than likely, there isnt a tool made for it anyway. Just buy all you can/need, and then expand as you go by either buying or making those that you feel you need later. Good luck!
In His,
Dave
www.littlecreektaxidermy.com
Hi friends, many tools are easy to make and cost effective! I made bird flesher for $5.00. Although I had the motor. Do what u gat to do, we all have to start somewhere
I shouldnt have added the cheaper part. My point is for the beginner who is looking into getting into taxidermy but is not sure if he is A) good enough at it B) has the patience for it C) has little money to spend D)maybe not 100%sure he wants to pursue this as a carrer. Why would that person who is not getting money for his work and not sure he will be able to make a carreer out of it spend $500 as you say. I look at the tools and many are ones I already have or could make in 5minutes. I was just curious sorry for asking. This has nothing to do with quality of work as someone eluded to. I for one have ordered alot of things so far and I have yet to do my first mount. However I am not willing to shell out a $1000+ on equipment not knowing if I have the ability to do it and do it right. My wife says I am anal and have to have everything perfect or I am not satisified. If I do not have the ability to turn out a mount that I would not be able to say is as close to perfect as I can get it then I wont do it. Just a thought.
Just one more thought I forgot to add. If everyone had the same vision, just buy what is out there. We wouldnt have 90% of the tools that are available now. Who do you think made the tools you use? Most were invinted by taxidermist who also were "tool makers" Who knows you make something yourself and maybe you improve it a little. I grew up on a farm where you had to be a jack of all trades. You make due and make things you cannot afford to get the job done and alot of the time you got it done better than anyone with the fancy tools could.
But then I have to ask you, if you aren't sure, why are you bothering with equipment anyway. 99.9% of those who "aren't sure" when they enter this field, leave it almost immediately. Those of us that have been around have seen thousands of shingles hung out and taken down within the first year and they're all by people who "aren't sure". If you like to hunt and fish, you need to forget it quickly because you won't have time for either. Buy the videos, do the simple things like a squirrel, a bass, and a pheasant that don't require any special tools at all. If you'e still interested after those, then you can worry about the professional tools and supplies necessary.
I agree with your wife. Only God made them perfect and you don't stand a chance. Beginners make beginner mistakes, but even us old guys screw 'em up far too often. This is a ladder, not a stepping stool, and you have to be willing to climb more than just a few rungs to become successful.
It is so funny how such a simple ? can result in such a gathering of specialists. Not every one has the resources to but the specialized tool, ( need to imprvise and adapt) Thanks, its the talent not the tools!
I agree that most who arnt sure probably dont continue very long. I think I would enjoy it. I am not sure if I am any good at. But how will I KNOW if I like it and am any good at it if I dont try it first. Kinda like sex. I thought before i had sex that I would like. But little did I know how GREAT it was until you get some for the first time.
If some of us,we taxidermist wouldn;t try makeing some of our own tools we wouldnt have the [taxi tucker] now would we.
Also sometimes a fresh look at something is what is needed. Example, we hire people with knowledge of our industry but not with our products here. This was you get a fresh look. Sometimes we all get set in our ways. A beginer may look be mounting a deer and think "If I had something that could tuck this lip, let me see what I have" Presto he may think of something that someone who has been doing it a while might not think of.
Exactly what I was about to post. George, you never fail to astonish me.(LOL)Peace- Jeff F.
Taxidermy like sex? One of us ain't experiencing the others pain or pleasure, that's for sure. And sorry Jim (you too, Wilson) but I don't think I've ever met a taxidermist who didn't say he started just because he loved it. He never thought about it, it was just a natural. One thing for sure, you CAN grow to hate it. We call it "burn out", but I knew the minute I picked up my first squirrel that I HAD to be a taxidemist. (I don't really think it took much thought for me to decide about sex either.) Jim, you'd better not let your wife read this post as she seems to think along the same lines. By the way. Wilson,where the hell have you been? Anyway, you and Jeff, I love you both anyway. LMAO.
I have always thought about it and always wanted to do it. I never had the gumption to just try it. With my 4th kid arriving 2 weeks ago (4 in 4 years) I in my infinate wisdon decided now was the time to start. I tried some "taxidermy" in the past as a kid and it didnt turn out pretty. My mom didnt like the rotting squirrel flesh with cotton balls as stuffing when she found it in my room. Anyway I did some research and am now serious about giving it a try. As with anything else EVERYTHING goes back to sex, ask my wife, how do you think I ended up with 4 kids in 4 years?
Now I see the picture, I thing Jim is just looking for another source for putting food on the table. ( LOL ) Just kidding Jim, just go for it, for mounting small game, and a few deer heads, you probably have it in the house already. As you progress, you will decide what to buy, and what you can build. As for the extra food, who knows. rw
I have made a couple of "tools" that I now can't live without. I made a modeling tool by taking a piece of 8 ga. wire and pounding it on both ends. On one end it is flattened and the other end it is sort of rounded. Its the best tool there is for finishing, shaping and scuplting eyelids and nostrils. I also made an "eyelid tucking tool" by taking a pinning needle (with the wooden handle) and pounding the needle flat. It is small and thin enough to make tucking eyelids a snap. Two tools that I can't live without and they cost me practically nothing and less than 3 minutes to make. Don't ever skimp on your supplies and that includes your tools. However, with experience you will find that sometimes you can make things to suit your style better than someone else can. Your farming background will definitely help you there.
Good luck!
BTW..... I have been a full time professional taxidermist for 22 years and I hunt and fish more than anyone I know. Budget your time and set your prices where they should be and you'll have all the time in the world to do the "other things" you love.