This is starting to make sense to me but there are still a few questions I have.
The first would be with McKenzie's instructions. They say that the pin may have to be bent to line up in the antler properly.
WOULDN'T THAT REQUIRE A BIG A$$ FOR THE PIN TO FIT IF IT IS BENT?
My second question would be cutting off the antler before drilling any holes. If you first mark and drill the pedicel and then drill a hole in the antler.....HAVEN'T YOU JUST CREATED THE POSSIBILITY OF MIS-ALIGNMENT?
Wouldn't a combination of the two methods discussed work best? I am thinking that drilling a hole up through the skull and into the antler would ensure a perfect alignment before cutting the antler off.
Then sink the pin in the antler, place the square sleeve over it and set into the pedicel (with bondo) while using the McKenzie alignment technique with two wires as the bondo sets up.
Maybe I am looking too much into this....but I don't want to screw up this guy's elk.
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I know I am being a pain in the ass.....I'm sure this will all make sense after I do it once. Just don't want to make a mistake.
I do a couple of these a year. The first time is always a little scary. If you buy the square stock tubing from Jonas, throw their instructions away. Simply drill from inside of the skull cap into the pedicle with a 1/4" pilot bit. Follow up with a flat spade type bit.I use one a little larger than the tubing.Tape one end of the square tubing closed with masking tape. Mix up some epoxy (add some fiberglass chop if you like)and slide the tubing in place. Let it set. Hack saw as close to the underside of the burr as you can. Here'a little tip. Start sawing on one side of the pedicle cutting half way through. Flip the rack over and finnish sawing from the other side. In doing so, it will help reduce an angle cut, and thus reduce the chances of sawing into the burr. Once seperated, repeat the process on the other rack. Epoxy the solid pin in the pedicles. Now relax, your done... You can do it Wolfe! Trust Me.
Dan