First, Thanks to all those who replyed to my string of posts below.
Second, I am not adamately clinging to the past nor am I trying to argue any methods over another (made one pro point for solvents and geeeesh). If you reread my 4 posts, you should get the "big picture". Basically I "learned" taxidermy from a bad source in a galaxy long, long, ago. Now after a long hiatus I am going to start mounting again, and want to do it better using up-to-date methods/products. After MUCH research of this forum, I've answered most of my own many questions.
George, I am not stubbornly clinging to the past. That's why I'm on this forum asking questions. I INTEND on changing my methods in many ways AND, trying different methods such as:
-Skinning around the beak then rebulding the skull/beak as well as trying a fake skull.
-NOT using a solvent wash at all.
-Using different tumbling media AND/OR using none at all, just going right to the drying phase.
Once I've experimented, I'll then decide what I like. Do y'all get the jist here? Im not Amish, nor am I stubbornley refusing to change my ways, nor am I even remotely trying to say that Plaster of Paris is the way to go. Just the opposite. I'm here learning. For crying out loud, READ the questions.
As far as "lectures". Sorry about the misinterpretation. Because I've done so much research here, I've seen quite a few "subtle discussions" on ceratin topics. As an example, when searching on info on using real heads verses immitations, there is copious discussions on the two, however, about 5% of the discussions covers actual methods/products/tips. 95% is people going back and forth screaming opinions. It's kinda like the old beer commercial - Less Filling, Great taste, LESS FILLING, GREAT TASTE.......
I tried to word my posts to avoid this and get some actual tips, maybe "lecture" wasn't the best word to use. On the fake head verses real issue, I pretty much understand how to use artificials from reading this forum, as well as other references (OMG yes he does seem to be breaking away from the past - he also actually possesses one or two in his old supplies that he plans on trying). I don't need info on artificials as far as I presently understand. But, concerning using the real head via the bill incision, I had a few basic questions. Don't incorrectlly interpret this as me being a TASTES GREAT only guy.
Guys, Guys, Guys, I'm was trying to get some additional quick info on certain subjects before I placed my order for supplies without the great taste/less filling commentary. Guess what, even though my wording may have been not so good, I got results. HEY, George even ANSWERED a question on using fake heads rather than just telling me not to do it AND he threw in a good tip on not using black epoxy (in time to change my order). Thanks George, now that wasn't so hard was it? Even though you just had to throw in a "dumbass" in one of you replys, I appreciate your answer, and yes your opinion. As far as the "dumbass", I've seen how you "work/write" from numerous past posts, for now I will just kinda assume it is some type of "Typing Terrets Syndrome".
Thanks for all the help, I gotta go now and sweep my diret floors (that was a joke George)
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Few people can share what folks our age went through and it seems as if your "Rip Van Winkle" trip will be a rude awakening. I, too, learned in that era and through military service and just no one available who was willing to answer my silly questions, I've spent the last 25 trying to forget those old bad practices and embracing the new ones. What I was trying to tell you is that the majority of taxidermists you will deal with on this site have no idea what you're talking about. Some guy has actually reinvented that stupid ass alum tanning method and now selling it as the best thing since sliced bread. The new guys don't care that it will wash out and eventually disintegrate their mounts, it's just "EASIER". I wish I could suggest to you that you should forget everything you THINK you know and start over. I know it's not that simple.
In 1971, the NTA was formed and many (if not most) of those old "secret methods and recipes" were brought out into the open. State associations began holding competitions and the industry changed radically. WASCO established this site and it's without any doubt, the most phenomenal source of information ever made available to this point in history. You've already had more specific questions answered for you here in a couple days than I did in all the years between 1958 and 1971.
So join your state association. Join the NTA. Join the IGT. Subscribe to Breakthrough Magazine. Subscribe to Taxidermy Today. And instead of telling us what you DON'T want us to tell you, just ask the basic question. You'll get a variety of answers probably and the bad ones will be fleshed out of the good ones by the readers here. Just take the information on face value and TRUST IT. We really do want you to succeed. Good luck.
Thank's. That is exactly what I'm doing - pretty much trashing what I used to do and starting anew. I used to get Taxidermy Today years ago, let the subscription slide as I slid away from taxidermy. GREAT magazine.
Yes, I have had a lotta questions answered, thanks to all. I learned from other forums (water gardening, dog sites, etc)that one can get and give a tremendous amount of info from these forums from people due to their experience, a lot of times more than any reference books will give you. Gotta love these forums. Sorry about my abrupt insertion into this one. Once I decide on doing something, I usually go whole hog although I will probably not join all the associations you suggest (see my additional reply under the DE/PoP post). I am after all just a lowly duck hunter.