Ped moose mt with detachables

I get a lot of questions on how I do some of my custom work. I thought it would be cool to show how I mount a pedestal moose w/detachable antlers. Over the next few days I'll post pics of the process. Feel free to ask any questions and I'll do my best to answer.

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From: Dennis Razza

04-Aug-12

first I weld a heavy duty support rod and attach to the back of the form. This will give a strong anchor to the base. I foam and shape the back to give a nice shape for a finished backing material.

From: Dennis Razza

04-Aug-12

Next, I take a caliper measurement off the eye sockets to set the skull plate. This will help keep the antlers at the right position.

From: Dennis Razza

04-Aug-12

I then transfer the measurement to the skull and cut the skull to size.

From: Dennis Razza

04-Aug-12

Now I test fit the hide and make sure the skull cap is where it needs to be. If there's any alterations that need to be made I will make them now. Everything fit good on this one.

From: Dennis Razza

04-Aug-12

I'm ready to start the detachables. I will mark the skull just below the base where I will be cutting. I also put key marks, this will help align exactly after I cut them off.

From: Dennis Razza

04-Aug-12

From: Dennis Razza

04-Aug-12

I drill a pilot hole to the depth of the pin. That way when I cut my antler off, The hole will be a good guide. I will be drilling from both sides (the antler and skull). This pilot hole will keep me drilling in the right place so they match.

From: Dennis Razza

04-Aug-12

From: Dennis Razza

04-Aug-12

From: Charlie Rehor

04-Aug-12

When I was at Dennis' two weeks ago I saw this Moose just getting finished. 70 inch Spread and just breath taking. Bring it on D.

From: Dennis Razza

04-Aug-12

After I have both sides cut I will set and fasten the skull on the form.

From: Dennis Razza

04-Aug-12

I drill both sides (skull & antler) to receive the male/female pins. Then Attach!

From: BULELK1

04-Aug-12

Taking into consideration that it has already been officially Scored....after the 60 day requirement----

That is turning our very nice!

Way nice indeed!

Good luck, Robb

From: Dennis Razza

04-Aug-12

One side finished... I will repeat the other.

Ok, Reed wants to go glass for deer... Have to finish later!

Charlie- Glad you like the deer! I hope it brings back memories of a great season!!

From: Dennis Razza

04-Aug-12

Robb- Luckily I am an OM for B&C and P&Y. This is always discussed before cutting them off.

I measured this bull before mounting him. He just made B&C!! Very nice bull!!!

Thanks, Dennis

From: hunterx

04-Aug-12

From: Dennis Razza

05-Aug-12

After I have the antlers both attached, The hide & form prepped I'm ready to slip the hide on.

From: Dennis Razza

05-Aug-12

adjusting the skin into position.

From: Dennis Razza

05-Aug-12

From: Dennis Razza

05-Aug-12

I run steel rods through the bell for added strength.

From: Dennis Razza

05-Aug-12

Just about have him roughly adjusted... now I sew!

From: Dennis Razza

05-Aug-12

After I sew him down the back I will go over the mount and do any fine tuning that needs done. I will put the antlers back on and adjust the skin around the bases until they dry.

I'll try to post a few pics tomorrow finished with his antlers on before I get into base work.

From: PAstringking

05-Aug-12

looks great. makes it a little easier to get into the house!!

From: Dennis Razza

06-Aug-12

Yes, It also makes it easier to sew... I don't have a big moose paddle in my face!

From: Dennis Razza

06-Aug-12

Finished mount with the antlers on. I have a custom cabinet maker that makes most all my bases... I ordered the base today. As soon as I get the base I will finish up with the habitat process and how we attach to base. Also will show how we crate and ship. Thanks for following!

From: Dennis Razza

06-Aug-12

From: Dennis Razza

06-Aug-12

nose detail.

From: Charlie Rehor

06-Aug-12

I took this video a couple weeks ago at Dennis' while picking up my whitetails from last fall. These animals are awaiting customer pick-up. My favorite is the two whities in velvet (soon to be three) on a pedestal right at the beginning!

Dennis: Can you post a picture of the Moose with the black back ground? C

From: Dennis Razza

08-Aug-12

Charlie- I'll post a pic with a black background when it's on the base and all done. Lisa dose this on the computer for me. If I ask her to do this now and again at the end, I may be in the dog house!

From: standswittaknife

08-Aug-12

Loved this posting... Thank you a ton for sharing..

From: Gobblestopper

08-Aug-12

Dennis, Great work! Can you show a pic of the antler base with the rod? Also a pic of the back of the mount where it attaches to the pedestal?

Thanks, Russ

From: Nick Muche

08-Aug-12

Phenomenal video Charlie!

From: Dennis Razza

09-Aug-12

Russ- here's a pic of the base

From: Dennis Razza

09-Aug-12

The mount support bracket. I am waiting on the base... As soon as it comes in I will finish in detail with the basework with habitat.

From: Dennis Razza

09-Aug-12

The back unfinished.

The next few pics are finished backs from an Elk,Cape buffalo,and wt deer.

From: Dennis Razza

09-Aug-12

Elk back.

From: Dennis Razza

09-Aug-12

elk front

From: Dennis Razza

09-Aug-12

Cape buf back

From: Dennis Razza

09-Aug-12

cape buf front

From: Dennis Razza

09-Aug-12

Wt front

From: Dennis Razza

09-Aug-12

Wt back

Russ- If you have any other questions feel free to ask. Thanks, Dennis

From: Gobblestopper

09-Aug-12

Dennis,

Very cool. Thanks for sharing! Really like the rope trim around the elk....nice touch.

From: BULELK1

09-Aug-12

Perfect Work!!

Goo dluck, Robb

From: elkohalic

09-Aug-12

Awesome work Dennis! I see you have an envelope for the judge on the Base for the whitetail. How did he do?

From: Dennis Razza

10-Aug-12

Elkohalic- Thanks, That piece took 1st place at the 2012 Pa state championship.

From: Buckstopper

11-Aug-12

Great job!

As a taxidermist who has done detachable moose antler mounts you make the whole process look too easy. Getting the pins in place and getting everything lined up properly is an art.

Elk and caribou are a breeze in comparison as you can usually drill the holes for the pins before cutting off the antlers making lining up much easier.

Dennis any tips on how to remove broken drill bits from inside the antlers? This happens far to often folks.LOL

From: Dennis Razza

13-Aug-12

Buckstopper - This is a tough one... especially when they break off below the surface. Sandvik makes a solid carbide drill set made for removing broken bolt, stubs, taps, drillbits ect... They are made for drilling out hardened steel. Hope this helps!!

Good luck! Dennis

From: Dennis Razza

01-Sep-12

Finally got the base in this week and had a chance to finish.

After inspecting the base the first step I do is masking it off.

From: Dennis Razza

01-Sep-12

This will help keep the base clean and free of scratches when I paint and seal my habitat.

From: Dennis Razza

01-Sep-12

Next I'll drill a hole for the pin to go down through. I put the moose on and level.

From: Dennis Razza

01-Sep-12

I like to attach the Female pin from the under side of the base. It gives more support on the larger animals like this moose. I have to cut shims to get the proper angle I need for the moose.

From: Dennis Razza

01-Sep-12

After I get the right angle I will permanently fiberglass it in place.

From: Dennis Razza

01-Sep-12

Now I put a finish cover on the bottom of the base.

From: Dennis Razza

01-Sep-12

I can now stand the base up and put the moose on.

From: Dennis Razza

01-Sep-12

I will start to build my rocks. I will need to put one around the pin sticking up out of the top of the base. This will need to be custom fit to the moose brisket for a nice clean look.

From: Dennis Razza

01-Sep-12

From: Dennis Razza

01-Sep-12

From: Dennis Razza

01-Sep-12

After I finish my rocks and screw my drift wood down I seam the rocks. I start by using a special black foam/glue to insure good seam strength and take up any open area.

From: Dennis Razza

01-Sep-12

putting the seaming compound on.

From: Dennis Razza

01-Sep-12

From: Dennis Razza

01-Sep-12

At this point I need to bring in my little helper! He takes care of all the big decisions in the studio!! Like what snacks we need, makes sure we break every 10 mins, and never lets me miss an episode of phinias and ferb.

From: Dennis Razza

01-Sep-12

Starting to paint the rocks.

From: Dennis Razza

01-Sep-12

From: Dennis Razza

01-Sep-12

Adding ground cover and depth.

From: Dennis Razza

01-Sep-12

From: Dennis Razza

01-Sep-12

From: Dennis Razza

01-Sep-12

Now I put the moose on so I can do the finishing touches.

From: Dennis Razza

01-Sep-12

I put artificial leaves on real branches. I will glue them on one at a time. I feel this gives a more lifelike look and will last longer than real leaves that are preserved. Also I put black lichen and moss on the rocks.

From: Dennis Razza

01-Sep-12