Tear Duct Manipulation
probably one of the most frustrating things for a
newcomer is getting the tear duct to stay in form as it
dries - i learned (and modified) this method shown here
from another taxidermist - first step after hollowing out
slot for duct to sit in is to drill small holes on both sides of
slot
getting the duct to stay where it is put is a two
step procedure for me - mix up some 30 minute
epoxy - any duration shorter than this might set
up b4 you get to tucking the tear duct
another shot
put form on its side and push the
30 minute epoxy into slot
build a dam on both sides of slot
with critter clay - the small holes
that you predrilled will help hold
the clay in place
push tear duct into slot in form....
......on both sides - go ahead and
tuck eyelids
After i have deer mounted i go back and pinch the
clay dam together - you have made a partial bridge
over the top of the tear duct and it cant dry back -
it has no place to go
here's the other side
Tear duct ready to dry - lets
retouch eye and go watch csi -
check back a couple more
tomorrows and make sure
everything is still kosher
