when you need a little extra stretch|Tanning|Forum|Taxidermy Talk

Stretch it shave it a little bud, and start using a Y incision just big enough to get your caped head out. Less work and better finished product. I wouldn’t buy a new form unless you have some serious issues. What I did to alleviate the issue is I took my ‘c’ measurement and used that for my ‘b’ measurement when ordering forms. Guaranteed fit. May be a little loose fitting at the neck but just build up a little swell there with some water-based clay. I found it works great, and I haven’t had to mess with stretching a hide much since then. I have come to the conclusion that the ‘big four’ (McKenzie, VanDykes, Jonus, and WASCO) have basically dominated the market for the most part and are stretching the lifespan of their molds, and therefore form measurements are inaccurate. But for the time being on your current project I would try one of two things. First, if you have a foredom mini flesher run it over the hide where your problem area is. Your not really looking to thin but to warm the hide, so you want to barely cut at all (unless it needs thinned). Just by warming the hide this way you will be surprised at how much more stretch you will get. Next option is to test fit your cape; pin your front corners of your eyes, brisket, armpits and pull your hide up to where it should meet and pin it there (T pins). So now your cape is on the form and you know where you need some stretch. Using a stout ruffer get right inside the edge of your hide and pull the hide. It shouldnt twist the cape if you have it pinned good. Do this along all areas and on each side until you can touch the two in the middle. It works great on capes with the short Y incision. Can get a good two inches of stretch if need be.