I was wanting to do a mount with a goose coming in landing. I want the goose facing the front with driftwood behind it. How do you anchor the goose to the driftwood?
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Scott , run a heavy gauge wire through the body and come out under the tail . You may need two wires so the bird doesnt move side to side on the wood . rick
It's tough to bend with a vise, but after you get the "U", mount the bird and then shove the wire through the chest area out the backside BEFORE YOU CLOSE THE BREAST INCISION. Finish your sewing and then do your carding and preening.
The attitude of your bird is the critical question when deciding the wire placement. A large goose (live weight 9-12 lbs) takes a very large wire - I usually use 3/8 steel rod. I pre-ben the "U" as George indicates using a vise. With steel I use a torch tpo heat it up before bending - the steel has a tendence to be brittle. You may not have to do that with anealed 4-6 guage wire. The rod is generally much longer than necessary so have some adequately sized bolt cutters or some other acceptable method to get the correct length. I pre-drill the hole in the manikin and cut a "slot" for the "u" to slip in. Once inserted as George indicated I bondo the slot to hold the wire in place then sew. On a "landing mount" my insertion point is further back so I usually sew some of the breast incision until I get to the place I am going to insert the wire. Be sure your skin is centered and far enough forward before pushing the wire through. Once the wire is through the skin you will not be able to do much adjustment. Depending on how far away from the wall the bird extends you may even need a stronger wire. I try and find a piece of drift wood that has a branch extending part of the way out so I can hide the wire therein - it also provides some more support. Once the wire is through the drift wood, you will have to bend it against the drift wood and attach it. I route a slot or pick a natural depression, bend (pound with a hammer)the wire at a 90 degree angle to be against the wood. I then use a number of fence post type staples and cover with bondo. You can also build up a "branch" around the wire and paint it. Once the goose is attached to the base you will no doubt need to make some adjustments in position - I use a big set of vise grips to lessen the strain on the manikin and the wire attachment. Good luck
Thanks for all your help. I will try these suggestions.
Scott