Thanks in advance for any and all help here.

I recently purchased a full set of DVD's on how to do a shoulder mount. I have the tanned cape, form to fit my measurements and the eyes and ears to go with it. That is all though.

I would like to get some advice on must havelist of tools needed for a rookie. I have watched the DVD's a few times and have some questions.

See below:

What is easier and better? Apoxie ears or ear forms with bases?

What hide paste is recommended? Waterbased?

I have a VanDyke form, what does everyone think about the Matuska forms? Do they make that much difference?

How deep should I dremel out the lip? I am scared that I will go too deep or not make the slot big enough. THe DVD's didn't cover this well.

Should I not attempt this without some kind of training? Am I crazy to try with a DVD and not taking a class???

Thanks again for any and all help.

When you are drilling the hole for the lip, it probably wont hurt it any if you accidentally go too deep, just not too wide or the lips might pull away from the form during drying.

Van dykes forms are fine, they are what I use and my mounts turn out great.

Personally I dont like the earliners with bases, they just seem to get in the way. I have tried both and I like the earliners with no base.

I taught myself how to mount my first 2 deer and I watched a video. They look good. I know thy could be improved but I am happy with the results I got.

Hidepaste is different. I use dry preservative on my mounts so I use a wet adhesive. On tanned skins I think a water base is fine, but I dont have much experience in that area. Water base is easier clean up, and if you get some on the fur it usually washes out pretty easily.

Hope that helped some. I am a beginner also, so if I am wrong on some things I am sorry.

I often use latex caulk for hide paste.

On deer size mounts as well???

You bet. This mount was done with cheap Wal Mart "Mainstays" latex caulk and NO PINS while drying. No drumming what so ever.

Nice looking mount. I never doubted you one second....just curious.

I've heard of people using it only on coyote or smaller mounts....and have heard of people using it on elk.

Actually, I plan on using it on my next mount. I have some Latex Adhesive Caulk w/ Silicoln left over from a remodel job.....sound like it will work?

Oh, forgot to ask TT.....what is your working time using the caulk?