i was wondering if someone could give me a pointer on a supplier that has a good selection of table pedestal forms. im finding the companys i usualy deal with only have 2 or 3 sizes and turns available. this is going to be my first pedestal and habitat mount and im not all the comfortable drasticaly altering a form(slight altering ok).any help would be great. another question i have is if i get a wall form and cut the u shape in the back is this normal practice? how would i attach the mount the base with no back board?
brad
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Unless you are lucky, you will have to do one of 2 things to get a pedestal form. You can order a pedestal form that is as close as possible and alter it or you can order a standard form that fits and cut the back. I am a fan of the latter.
If you go with my suggestion of cutting the back of the form, all you have to do to attach it is to first determine the point where the head will contact the base. Bondo a piece of square tubing into the form at the point. Then, use a square piece of bar stock in the base. Its just that simple.
thanks james, few more questions, how do you cut the form? draw a u shape on the sides and cut all the way through? will the thin edges of the top and bootom be brittle? do you tuck the skin in the back making a slot like a lip or epoxy the back edge and trim after dry.
thanks again brad
Joe Coombs has probably the best selection of peds. on the market.
Draw your shape on the form with a marker and cut it out with a handsaw or a sawz-all. Unless you are really smooth with your cutting, you will have to use a rasp to smooth out the shape. You don't have to make the standard curved shape...you can cut any shape you want. Sand your form and paint a thin mixture of bondo and fiberglass resin on the back and around the sides of the form (4" from the back). Allow this mixture to set up good, then sand it smooth. Use a 2 part epoxy hidepaste when mounting and leave 1-2" of skin hanging past the back of the form. Put in some hide nails around the edges (unless this is to be a comp. mount, then just pin). Once your mount is dry, you can come back with a sharp scalpel blade and cut the skin flush with the form. Cut from the underside but be careful not to cut the hair...only cut the leather. Then, you can finish the back of the pedestal anyway you like. I usually use buckskin with a decorative rope around the edge. Good luck!