Can anybody tell me how much difference, if any, there is in the size (around the shoulders) of a 7-1/2" McKenzie form compared to a 7-3/4" form that both have the same neck measurement?
I only mount a few deer a year and right now I only have a couple of 7-1/2" forms to go by. My reason for asking is that I always have trouble getting the skin to over the shoulders and lower neck when sewing down the back. If there is a noticeable difference I would just as soon mount 7-3/4 deer on a size smaller form to help me get a better fit.
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in size, depending on the sculpter, series, etc., but my take on this is the neck size normally dictates the size of the shoulders not the length of the face. For example, if you order a swelled neck(full rut) form it will be thicker in these areas than one that has a pre rut swell. McKenzie offers forms in all neck sizes from pre rut to heavy swell.
I think you have a different problem of either not adjusting the cape far enough forward in the back area or the neck length is shorter on the deer you are experiencing problems with. Possibly the brisket isn't positioned far enough up which could result in tight closure on the back seam area. I also like to stretch the heck out of the cape width wise prior to fitting and/or mounting.
If you are using tanned capes and they are shaved thin with good stretch you can prefit the cape before prepping the form as it slides easier with the smooth mold skin on it. Don't be afraid to use T pins to lock areas so they don't move around while you are doing this. If it fits during the pre fit then you just need to use more hide paste to get the slide back in the mounting process after prepping the form.
Some taxidermists lightly sprinkle baking soda on the leather side of the cape and rub it in. They then set it aside for 20-30 minutes before mounting as this relaxes the fibers (neutralizes the acid)in the leather and increases stretch. It's a great time to epoxy ear liners while the cape is fizzing. If you do this make sure you mount it that day as I've heard it weakens the tan and/or shortens shelf life. I can say it works by experience and sometimes adds a good inch to inch and a half to the width of the tanned cape.
You can always order the next size smaller neck size. Or even rasp a little off the shoulder area as a last alternative. It is always easier to shorten or lengthen a face than it is to modify a neck though.
Thanks for the response. I usually order my capes an inch or so smaller than what the deer really measured around the neck to help me fit them on the form. I send my capes to a tannery and they don't thin them very much so stretch is a problem. I do try to keep from allowing the neck skin to fall down too far, but I am far from a pro so who knows how good of a job I do of "taxi-ing" the cape on the form.
I always have gotten the cape to fit and get sewed up, but sometimes at the expense of the briskit area. I always pin the briskit in place before sewing, but this last time I was pulling so hard on the stitches to get the shoulder skin to meet up that I pulled one side of the briskit up about an inch over the top of the upper leg. I did my best to pull it back down, but couldn't budge it.
I will just keep plugging away at it, and I appreciate the advice.
The shoulders of the 7 3/4" are definitely bigger than the 7 1/2".I don't know exactly how much,I don't have any here to measure right now.This is a concept I have trouble getting across to people.Each time you increase up in nose to eye size,the whole form is proportionally bigger-neck length,shoulder height,width,head size,length,width etc..This has to be taken into consideration.Many people go too much by the nose to eye measurement and the entire rest of the form is too small or to large.It is easy to change the nose to eye,not so easy to make the entire form larger or smaller.
That could be the reason the brisket pulled on the one side and not both.
If your capes aren't being shaved thin enough you should look for a new tannery. You could also shave them yourself to thin them after rehydrating.
The capes should definitely fit if you are ordering one size smaller already. Watch that pre rut to full rut though as the forms tend to really get bigger, especially in the shoulder area, with the swell neck forms.
Thanks for all the great anwsers, I really do appreciate the help. I will be looking for a new tannery as well. I have used two different ones and they bothed shaved off just enough to tan the hide in my opinion.
I once had a taxidermist who does his own tanning do two capes for me and they were much thinner and had a "white" look to them rather than a "buckskin" look that the tanned capes I use now have. He did it as a one time favor though, so I will have to find someone who will do more for me.
Craig, I think you are right about the cape maybe being cut a little of center. Plus it was a form with a lot of turn and an off set shoulder and that may have led to part of my problem.
Thanks again for the help.