I am in a bit of a bind and maybe some of you could give me some much needed advice. I am having big problems with a couple of black bear skulls that I am working on.
Problem #1- the canines are splitting and I do no know how to repair this. The other skull has yet to do this, but I can see hairline fractures already in one canine, so I am assuming that it is going to blow as well. Can this splitting be prevented? Once the splitting has begun, how can it be stopped?
Problem #2- One bear was shot through the zygomatic arch and the entire back of the skull is blown out. I have all the pieces, but I am having trouble putting this 3d jigsaw puzzle back together. That part I think I can figure out on my own. My problem is getting them to stick back together again. I tried super glue and it failed to hold. I figured that my bear was still too greasy, so I degreased it again. I let it dry in front of a fan over night and tried to glue it again this morning with no luck. Is there anything that will bond to bone effectively?
I look forward to any help.
Thanks! Jeanette in California
Return to Lifesize Mammal Taxidermy Category Menu
I think I would try the 5 minute,2 part epoxy. It comes packaged in what looks like 2 hypodermic syringes connected together. Mix equal parts together. Sets quickly. I would try a couple pieces, let set for a couple hours to really cure, then do a couple more.
Hope this helps.
Jeanette, Those canines on bears love to crack and split, it is their way. You can try sealing them with a spray matte finish or even pull them out, saw a short section off the bottom and epoxie the root heavily,set in skull and then matte coat the surface. As for those damaged already I would fill with white Apoxie Sculpt and then tint the fill w/paint to match the tooth. As Bill suggested the epoxie is good for glueing the bone together but it will discolor to a brown/orange color over time. If you use it try not to let it surface. Plain old white glue will do the job though it is not as strong. I prefer it for small bone repair as it doesn't discolor. Enjoy, Aaron H.
Thanks for your advice. I tried the epoxy and it worked beautifully. I really appriciate the help!
-Jeanette