Support for Large Taxidermy Mounts
Purpose
The purpose of this frame is to provide a permanent support for large mounted mammals minimizing the need to handle them, thus reducing the risk of damage. This frame allows the mounts to be reused in different dioramas or display settings.
Author(s)
Tamsen Fuller
325 S.E. Alexander Ave.
Corvallis, OR 97333 USA
Tel (504) 752-1475
Illustrations:
Fig. 1: Tamsen Fuller
Fig. 2: Karen Ackoff
after Tamsen Fuller
Publication: 1992
Description
The leg rods of the mounted specimen are placed on a wooden framework so that the bottom of the feet are raised above the frame (Fig. 1). Space is left between the specimen and the wooden frame so that diorama floor material may be installed and changed without interfering with the specimen.
(MISSING FIGURE 1)
Materials Tools Supplies
- Casters
- Drill and bits
- Hose clamps
- Set screws
- Steel rods 11/2 – 2in diameter
- Threaded nuts
- Washers
- Wood and hardware for frame
Construction
- Build a sturdy wooden frame that is suitable as a long-term support for a large mammal mount. Casters can be attached for mobility (Fig. 1).
Figure 1. Mount held in place on the wooden frame by washers and nuts threaded on the rods. - Drill holes in the upper surface of the box to receive the leg rods.
- Use two nuts and washers for each leg rod. Thread one nut to a point approximately 3in from the bottom of each specimen foot.
- Place washers around the holes in the wooden frame.
- Insert the threaded rods of the mount into the frame and thread a second washer and nut over the protruding end of the leg rod.
- Adjust and tighten all the nuts against the wooden frame.
Alternate methods to hold the leg rods in place on the frame
Collars made from stainless or ordinary steel rod, approximately 11/2 – 2in in diameter, can be slipped over the leg rods and held in place with set screws (Fig. 2).
Figure 2. Alternatives for holding the mount in place
using steel collars and/or hose clamps.
- Cut two rod sections, each 1in long.
- Drill a center hole the diameter of the leg rods in the frame.
- Place one collar over the leg rod above the support frame, and one below the support frame.
- Hold the leg rod in place with a stainless steel set screw.
- The steel collars may also be held in place with large hose clamps around the leg rod above the top collar and below the bottom collar.
- If the mount is not too big, large hose clamps alone can be used to hold the leg rods without the steel collars.
Comments
The diorama flooring materials used around the mount, should be pre-fabricated so that they can be easily slipped in and out under the feet of the specimen. The specimen can be isolated from the diorama materials with clear polyester film.