I just watched Joe Meders whitetail mounting video and he uses the tuck method for the eyes. Previously, I have watched the Research Makinkins whitetail video and they use the lay method. I believe I'd like to use the tuck method. My question pertains to finishing around the eyes, since the Meder video did not cover those aspects. Do you still have to put epoxy around the eyes to fill in the slight gap, or does the tuck method not require this. Thanks
STEVE
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Steve in regards to your question you're more experienced taxidermist might use the lay method. But, I have found out that I like to come back later and adjust my eyes accordingly. That's why I favor the tuck method.
Oh yes, you must fill in those gaps whether you use the lay or tuck method. Good Luck.
John Griffith
www.griffithtaxidermy.com
Thanks for the info John.
STEVE
The tucking techniuqe is the best way to secure the eyes. Not only on whitetails but i use the tucking method on all animals.(not on birds or fish). The tucking method will allow you to fine tune the eyes more efficently and there are no pin holes to finish when it comes time to do your finish work.The main reason the tucking metod is better is when you tuck the eyes you have to turn the eyes all the way out(white gland) thining down this area will stop any shrinkage around the eyes.
around the eyes when finishing the eyes, unless you have some scaring and such. If the eyes are properly thinned, there will be minimal shrinkage. The key is to thin around the eye completely. I thin an area around the eyes about the size of a baseball. This and keeping an eye on things has eliminated the need to fill around the eyes. Hope this helps adn enjoy.
You want to fill in a little bit and I mean a LITTLE bit, this allows you to give that eye the wet look around the edge like a real eye. I have seen were people have set their eyes in apoxie sculpt so they wouldnt have to fill in around the eye and it looks horrible. Deers eyes are wet looking around edge and you will not recreate this if you dont fill in a little bit. People think they have really done something when they dont have to finish around the eye, they have done something and that is make their deer look unrealistic. Take a look at the McKenzie catalog and look at the whitetail eyes, see that eye that is exactly what you want your eyes to look like, an oily look around edge.
I agree with Matt, if you properly thin the leather around the eye and get rid of the little white bumpy oil glands at the base of the lashes, you will get virtually no shrinkage. After I airbrush I take a fine brush and brush on some Mod-Podge along the edge of the lid for the wet look. Just make sure you use a good clay like Critter-Clay to avoid the clay shrinking and pulling your eyeset out of whack.
Drew you couldnt have put it any better, that is the best way to finish an eye.