Every time I finish an open mouth bear rug or lifesize mount, I end up mumbling to myself about the time and effort put into the project (It's a good thing I don't pay myself by the hour--I'd be violating minimum wage laws - LOL). I always seem to struggle for hours rebuilding the papilae, etc., and then do the trial and error paint mixing for the details. Being a typically "anal" taxidermist who's never quite satisfied and always wanting to improve, I'm going to try a "mouth cup" assembly next time around to keep my blood pressure down and maintain my sanity during "finish work". I was impressed at the World Show in Springfield with the Mohr display, but I'm not sure if they make a fully open mouthcup for black bear (like their "panting" mouthcup). The archives tout the Buckeye mouthcups, but I've never seen one. Before I plunk down $80-$90 for the Buckeye product, I'd appreciate hearing from any of my colleagues who may have used either the Buckeye or Mohr mouthcups--any advice/tips? Thanks, Dave
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Yes they are expensive, but I use them for all my bears including rugs. You will save some finishing time by using them, but I can't tell you how much. It has been years since I have used anything else so I don't remember how long it takes to do it with anything else. There is NO comparison in the finished product.
Can the Buckeye mouth cup fit a McKenzie head with a little modifing or is it easier to go to a Buckeye change out head on bears?
Appreciate the feedback. I've been using the Buckeye headforms with detailed jawsets, and like the anatomy/fit. I'll try the Buckeye cup with their headform next time and see if I can step up the final quality a little further. In the final analysis, it's only about $50 more than what I've been using, and if it saves some frustration/aggravation, it's worth it! Dave
I have altered closed mouth bear forms to fit the Jaw Cup, but forms that already have an open mouth don't work. At least they haven't worked for me, that's why I start with the closed mouth forms.