Well, I mentioned that Murphy's Fish Taxidermy would post my progress regarding molding and casting my first fish replica, so here it is. I can say that I'm very pleased with how it went over the weekend. Just a couple disappointments.
I didn't get a big enough walleye last week in the Detroit River, so I headed out Saturday to a private pond to see if I could get a bass that would be acceptable. It didn't take 20 minutes, and I had a decision to make. I decided it was barely acceptable, but an 18" largemouth would be molded as my first fiberglass replica.
Within minutes, I put the fish in a cooler filled with water and 2 bags of ice. The cold water would help keep the fish calm during transportation and later while it was being handled. Once home, I prepared my resins, rubbers, catalysts & bedding material. I was fully committed. First, I prepared the fish to pour a cast of the interior of the mouth. First mistake; next time I will seal the esophagus closed with glue. I wasted expensive rubber that filled the stomach cavity of the fish. (more detail than I needed). Once setup, the rubber mouth plug was easily removed, and from what I could tell - it looked perfect!
Next, I thoroughly washed the fish with borax to remove the slime. I dried the fish and positioned it, with mouth plug in), in the high fiber bedding material. I was a little concerned how the mouth plug blew out the gill rays and operculum more than I hoped. Once clean and dry, I sprayed a light coat of acrylic gloss over the fish to seal it. The Bondo:Resin mix was catalyzed and poured. I was glad to see it start to set up and do what I thought it was supposed to (I was guessing with the proper amount of cream hardener).
I finished one side, flipped it, and did the other. Mistake #2; I forgot to set side #1 in bedding material before I poured side #2. ( At this point I was convinced the outside edges of the mold would bond, and I would have a permanently encased fish in a cocoon of Bondo and resin). To my surprise, after trimming the outside edges of the mold on the band saw, I was able to split the mold open with ease.
I removed the fish, cleaned the mold with soap, and a bristled brush under cold.water. It was very pleased with the shape and the detail, except for the leading dorsal spiny ray. It was tucked behind spiny ray #2, and I didn't notice, duh. I think I can alter the mold and make it work.
Now, Its time to cast the fish this weekend. I ordered "UnWaxed" Gelcoat and a specialty, translucent resin for the fins. Maybe this weekend I will finish this project up. I've got to thank Dave from Envisions 3D for his enlightenment, Gary Brusch for his informative articles in BreakThrough Magazine and a company named, Brick In The Yard - for their help selecting resins.
I will keep you posted.
Monday, April 29, 2013
Sunday, April 21, 2013
Murphys Fish Replica Molding and Casting
Its early Spring 2013, and I put the rod and reel to use today for the first time this season. I'm searching for the perfect fish specimen to mold and cast a replica in fiberglass resin. Today's catch didn't provide me with a fish for replicating.
After 30 years of skin mounting fish as a taxidermist, I've decided to make an attempt at fiberglass replicas. I've learned that its easier to produce a great looking fish with a replica. Many times a skin mounted fish drys so dark that its difficult to get the perfect coloration with the airbrush. Replica blanks are expensive to purchase, and I don't have the time I need to catch fresh prototypes to skin mount. So, I've decided to mold and cast my own replicas! This will allow me to produce a trophy fish even when the fish aren't biting.
Early next week, I'm hoping to put the perfect specimen, a fat 25" to 28" Walleye in the cooler. A fat walleye will get me started.
Murphys Fish Taxidermy has purchased all the resin, Bondo, fiberglass mat and release agents that it will take to produce my first fish replica. I have learned a ton about the process from YouTube and Breakthrough Magazine, so I've decided it would only be fair that I blog my experience through the entire process to share with others.
Today's catch consisted of a handful of small black crappies and a few largemouth bass. Better luck on Tuesday. Once completed, I hope to have the perfect prototype to properly market FishUrns.com
After 30 years of skin mounting fish as a taxidermist, I've decided to make an attempt at fiberglass replicas. I've learned that its easier to produce a great looking fish with a replica. Many times a skin mounted fish drys so dark that its difficult to get the perfect coloration with the airbrush. Replica blanks are expensive to purchase, and I don't have the time I need to catch fresh prototypes to skin mount. So, I've decided to mold and cast my own replicas! This will allow me to produce a trophy fish even when the fish aren't biting.
Early next week, I'm hoping to put the perfect specimen, a fat 25" to 28" Walleye in the cooler. A fat walleye will get me started.
Murphys Fish Taxidermy has purchased all the resin, Bondo, fiberglass mat and release agents that it will take to produce my first fish replica. I have learned a ton about the process from YouTube and Breakthrough Magazine, so I've decided it would only be fair that I blog my experience through the entire process to share with others.
Today's catch consisted of a handful of small black crappies and a few largemouth bass. Better luck on Tuesday. Once completed, I hope to have the perfect prototype to properly market FishUrns.com
Monday, April 1, 2013
Fish Mounts versus Fish Replicas in Michigan
Fishermen have several options these days when it comes to commemorating the catch of a lifetime. Fish mounts (or fish skin taxidermy), may not be as common as it used to be, since fiberglass replicas have become so incredibly realistic. Another option is a hand-carved fish replica, sometimes carved from urethane foam or wood. So what is the dilemma when making your decision? Do you keep the fish or release it? Is it expensive?
Certainly, catch and release is an honorable thing to do however, how many fish do you catch that are actually mountable? What can you afford? This can be a tough decision for some, so what is the cost of a fish reproduction vs. a fish skin mount?
Here is what has happened in the fish taxidermy industry. Some 20 years ago, a quality taxidermist could charge $8-$12 per inch (for a skin mounted fish), and make a decent living as a full time taxidermist. Today (20 + years later), a quality fish taxidermist is still only charging between $10-$15 per inch, and struggles to make a living if at all.
Fiberglass fish replicas have much better detail with the new molding/casting materials available, but it has added an additional expense to both taxidermist and customer. Many taxidermists will charge between $13-$20 per inch for a replica. For the customer, that might mean a 20 inch bass could cost between $325 to $400. Wow, that's expensive! Due to the expense of the fish mold (or blank), there is not much profit left for the taxidermist to make a living.
Fish carvings are very artistic and they often look incredibly realistic however, most carvers will charge a premium because each fish is a work of art. It's so expensive to get a fish reproduction anymore!
I suggest you ask around and find a talented taxidermist, such as Murphy's Fish Taxidermy in Howell, MI.
Many talented taxidermists/artists now have full time jobs outside the home, and taxidermy is just a hobby. What does this mean to you? It means prices can still be affordable for a skin mount. Fish mounts for $10 per inch and fish replicas for $13 per inch is affordable to most. The quality and talent out there is more available than ever. Visit http://www.Murphysfishtaxidermy.com, you can still get that fish of a lifetime on the wall - without breaking the bank.
Certainly, catch and release is an honorable thing to do however, how many fish do you catch that are actually mountable? What can you afford? This can be a tough decision for some, so what is the cost of a fish reproduction vs. a fish skin mount?
Here is what has happened in the fish taxidermy industry. Some 20 years ago, a quality taxidermist could charge $8-$12 per inch (for a skin mounted fish), and make a decent living as a full time taxidermist. Today (20 + years later), a quality fish taxidermist is still only charging between $10-$15 per inch, and struggles to make a living if at all.
Fiberglass fish replicas have much better detail with the new molding/casting materials available, but it has added an additional expense to both taxidermist and customer. Many taxidermists will charge between $13-$20 per inch for a replica. For the customer, that might mean a 20 inch bass could cost between $325 to $400. Wow, that's expensive! Due to the expense of the fish mold (or blank), there is not much profit left for the taxidermist to make a living.
Fish carvings are very artistic and they often look incredibly realistic however, most carvers will charge a premium because each fish is a work of art. It's so expensive to get a fish reproduction anymore!
I suggest you ask around and find a talented taxidermist, such as Murphy's Fish Taxidermy in Howell, MI.
Many talented taxidermists/artists now have full time jobs outside the home, and taxidermy is just a hobby. What does this mean to you? It means prices can still be affordable for a skin mount. Fish mounts for $10 per inch and fish replicas for $13 per inch is affordable to most. The quality and talent out there is more available than ever. Visit http://www.Murphysfishtaxidermy.com, you can still get that fish of a lifetime on the wall - without breaking the bank.
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