what type of boar jaw set would you recommend, when using the real tusks ? if i do use the jaw set with sockets i might need to dremmel the socket to accept the tusk. so would i need to dremmel the jaw set without sockets also ? i am a bit puzzled theres no picture in the catalog. could someone clarify what with or without sockets mean. thanks, Chris.
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I've dremmeled out the sockets and that's all fine and good, but if you can get them without sockets that's even better. When you dremmel the sockets you usually end up with a jawset that resembles the non-socket one anyway. Depending on the angle you put your tusks in and their thickness, you still may have to dremmel, but probably not much at all. I usually pack some apoxi sculpt in the hole where the tusks will go and position the tusks and let the apoxi dry. Then I go and apply magic smooth around the base of the base of the tusks and blend with the jawset then airbrush if necessary.
By the way, Are you still going with the real tusks? I understand what George is saying about them cracking. I've heard this said many times, and I have to believe it happens. BUT, I have mounted many hogs and NEVER had that happen to any that I have mounted. I also have mounts done by another guy that I have had for 15 years and they haven't cracked yet. Maybe it's the high humidity where I live that saves them? Any hoot, since you are your own taxidermist I would say to go ahead with the real ones and IF they crack down the road then you can replace them with fakes. I personally won't use fakes unless they are specifically requested because the fakes are ALWAYS significantly smaller than the real ones that I've mounted so far. And isn't the tusk on a hog the thing that most measure his "trophy" status by? I wouldn't replace my fine trophy antlers with plastic ones!