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Example Of V Cuts On Antler (for Shipping)

Discussion in 'Skulls and Skeletons' started by SolarDeer, Nov 20, 2022.

  1. Nov 20, 2022 #1
    SolarDeer

    SolarDeer Member

    65
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    UK
    Does anyone have any examples of this? the postage company is refusing to pick up my reindeer skulls due to the packages being too big.

    I'm going to give the go-ahead for the seller to cut the antlers above the Bez and wondering if anyone has any examples of this?
     
  3. Nov 21, 2022 #2
    Sea Wolf

    Sea Wolf Well-Known Member

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    I can post a photo in a few min .....

    In the meantime, try to envision a cut below the burr that, instead of going straight across, you cut down into the skull and antler base (below the burr) a bit on two sides at an angle so that the antler end has a V shape to it and the skull has the notch where it will fit into. When you drill and put the the pin in place to support the antler, the V cut will have the antlers aligned the way they were before removal.
     
    Last edited: Nov 21, 2022
    msestak likes this.

  5. Nov 24, 2022 #3
    SolarDeer

    SolarDeer Member

    65
    11
    UK
    I ended up letting them do a V cut above the paddles, I understand it won't be as strong but a V cut under the burr would be very difficult!

    Its been cut in an area I'll be able to insert a metal rod without much issue to re-attach considering they aren't very textured antlers and need stained i should be able to hide the seam quite easy.
     
    msestak likes this.
  6. Nov 27, 2022 #4
    Sea Wolf

    Sea Wolf Well-Known Member

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    Use a piece of square rod or the antlers will want to rotate at the cut. Hopefully you can repair them. The proper cut is below. below the bur and just enough to make a notch for alignment. A pilot hole was drilled through the skull, through the burr and up into the antler before they were cut. That way, a piece of steel bar stock could be set in place and the antlers would go back on perfectly.
     
    msestak and Tnrandy like this.
  7. Dec 18, 2022 #5
    SolarDeer

    SolarDeer Member

    65
    11
    UK
    Unfortuanaly the seller went and cut them straight across despite giving him photos, Over all though I'm quite happy with them.

    Its just... figuring out how to drill and get these reattached, while one of them was snapped off the 3 other antlers he made a bloody good job of cutting *right* through them him not realising snapping them off at the very end of cutting would of actually helped with realigning :(

    I figure just drill out a somewhat generous hole in the base, fill with glue, let It set then start test fitting the cut off antlers so they line up well?

    Fill cracks with woodfill and give a light sand after.
     
  8. Dec 18, 2022 #6
    Sea Wolf

    Sea Wolf Well-Known Member

    13,746
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    Going to be a real pain to repair. You will need to use square metal rod now because nothing will prevent them from wanting to rotate out of place. If you were explicit about doing a V cut and it wasn't followed, could be justifiable grounds for trying to return them and getting your funds back.

    Keep an eye on your local auction houses. Here are two and there are more. Caribou antlers do show up from time to time.
    https://www.liveauctioneers.com/item/94851108_a-reindeer-or-caribou-antler-and-skull-mount

    https://www.liveauctioneers.com/item/45543341_taxidermy-an-imposing-c1900-half-skull-mount-of
     
    Last edited: Dec 18, 2022
    qltycapes likes this.
  9. Dec 18, 2022 #7
    SolarDeer

    SolarDeer Member

    65
    11
    UK
    Erh.. It was through ebay, I dont really blame the seller for this one, Likely a misunderstanding, Not to mention I wont get a better deal out there £150 Including shipping for two large ones is basically unheard off.

    It will be a right pain but I dont see any issue of them being repaired and looking natural, I have pictures of both skulls pre-cut to compare too thankfully.

    That's the issue I face with a set of whitetail antlers I have, there farmed no pictures, and no burrs to at least have a estimate on what position they sat...