Any special tricks to hold the rack when you are trimming a quarter of an inch off or even removing it from the head, when you are using a sawzall? I don't think the one hand on the saw and one hand on the rack method is as controlled and safe as it should be :) I was just wondering what you guys did.
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I'm working out plans for a "helping device" for holding the head while I'm using the sawzall to remove the antler plates.
As far as your question is, if I need to make minor adjustments on a antler plate I use a dremel tool and one of those fiber reinforced cut off wheels. Just make sure to wear a pair of glasses and dust mask cause it's gonna make a mess.
My bench vise works pretty well for holding , and when making small adjustments I also quit using my sawzall and started using a my small hand saw for safety reasons . It is just as fast after you figure in all of the fudging around with the rack using the Crazed one man sawzall tequnique .
Try using an air chisel instead of the sawzall. Less apt to get CUT!
about a 1.5 inch hole when cutting from the back of the head, I take the nose and put it in there,tip the head up and start cutting, it stops it from sliding around.John
Just stick the nose into the opening and the back of the skull is exactly where you want it. I usually cut the cap off at least a day after taking the cape.The meat will have firmed up and the initial cut will be much easier.
Good luck
ks
Ben sells a device used to hold the head while you cut off the skull plate. It consists of a metal plate with very sharp prongs facing up. You mount the devise to your table or work bench and push the deer head down on the prongs and it holds the head in place as you saw. Check it out on his web site; www.mearstaxidermyandsupply.com. Look under "fleshing and mounting". The Skull Holder sells for $35.00 but if you mention my name he will sell it to you for $40.00.
You can use a farriers rasp, they are made to cut!
Also a belt sander, works super. I find a lot of use for the belt sander. rounding corners of wood blocks for fish bodies.
Taking the armpits off shoulder forms when the cape is cut short. Sanding a flat side on driftwood to hang flush on the wall.
Its great for Art Rocks, cut with a hacksaw and a bump on the sander you have a perfectly flat side for gluing the rocks on boards.
Cinderblock and Sawsall for removing antlers from the skinned head.
I use a armstrong bone saw with a sharp blade, one hand on the antler, the other on the saw, no problems.
It seem like Mr. T has the right idea . This is the only way I do it . Why are you guys using something like that sawzall when you can buy a cheap bone saw for butchering deer . They have meat blades on them so you dont have to worry about that sawzall slipping and cutting your fingers off . Also sticking the nose in a hole helps . Rick
Just buckle down and buy a meat cutting band saw. They're are a little pricey, but cuts are straight and VERY fast!
for final touches on skull cap,I am making a plate to bolt onto my vise jaws that has four sharp prongs,open,insert head,squeeze.
I cut all my raw stuff with the sawzall, one handed too, hahaha. You get the hang of it quickly, actually. In the shop, to trim up the skull when mounting, I use the big bone saw or the band saw when its working right.
if you guys did the one handed thing too. It's not bad on the raw stuff until it 'pops out'. then you better makes sure your leg is out of the way LOL