Badger Project
Due to the loss of elasticity in a tanned hide,
an extreme bend in the body such as this,
requires a number of relief cuts to accommodate
the extra hide.
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Front Half Bear Form # 111
The photo below of the prepared Bear #111 mannikin
shows the relief cuts that are necessary for
the hide to fit easily.
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A: The relief cuts in the front of the legs
should be 3/4 of an inch wide and about 1 1/2
inch deep.
B: The armpit cuts need to be 2 1/2 to 3 inches
deep and 1 inch wide.
C: Shows the toes being cut individually to
accommodate the hide. Another method is to cut
the last joint of the toes off of the form and
use clay in the toes instead.
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Cougar Forms 900 and 905
Just like humans, cougars come in an assortment of
shapes and sizes. The critical measurements are
eye to nose, neck circumference, chest
circumference and finally nose to base of tail.
At Summit we've recognized that the chest
measurement is more important than the belly.
There is far less variation in the chest
measurement on similar sized animals than there
is in the belly measurements (not unlike
humans!). We leave it to the Taxidermist to
tailor the belly on their mount to the
particular specimen that they are working with.
If necessary this can be achieved by adding
clay or building up the form with a free rise
pour of foam which can then be carved to shape.
For both our 900 and 905 Cougar forms a deep
recess cut is needed behind and around into the
armpit of the front left leg. We recommend a
cut approximately 1 inch and 5 inches or more
deep above the elbow. The depth then tapers as
you get to the front of the armpit (see
photos).This allows space for the excess hide
that belongs in the armpit (use your own body
for comparison) that results from the turn in
the body and position of this leg. Behind this,
one or two smaller relief cuts can be made to
help create wrinkles. A small amount of clay to
soften these edges should be added then some
latex caulking can be used to fill in the voids
and aid in softening the look of the wrinkles
further. Note: The latex should be applied to
this area as the hide is sewn shut.
The right front leg on the 900 will require a
similar recess to above the elbow and into the
armpit. If in doubt, use your own body for
reference. On our Cougar 905 this is already
done for you since this leg is detached and the
relief cut was done in the casting of the mold.
An inch can easily be added or removed at the
joint of the two sections of the form to make
minor nose to base of tail measurements.
Further relief cuts on the inside turn of the
neck are helpful in dealing with tucking the
excess hide which occurs. After these cuts are
made, clay may be added as required.
If your hide is tight around the chest this
same shortening of the length will give added
stretch in the circumference without having to
shave down the form.
As with all of our products we are happy to
assist with any questions you may have. Our
mission is to make user friendly products and
provide any technical support that you may need
in their use.
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Summit Taxidermy
Box 37, Longview, Alberta, Canada T0L 1H0
info@summittaxidermy.com
Phone: 403-558-3615 (Calgary area- toll free)
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