jo How To Make Fish Mounts 



cast, although it is not absolutely necessary (Fig. 56). The 

 conduit, which is secured to the cast with plastic, makes a nice, 

 smooth, strong edge for handling the cast. Also, it makes hang- 

 ing the fish very easy. ( See Conduit Pipe in Chapter 12. ) 



Removing Cast from Mold 



Several hours are required for the cast to set hard. To re- 

 move the cast from a two-piece mold, first chip away any plastic 

 which may have flowed over the edge of the back opening of 

 the mold ( Fig. 58 ) . Tap a chisel between the halves, here and 

 there, until the mold separates. Usually, a bit of jiggling with 

 the chisel at the tail end of the mold will release the back side 

 of the mold first. The whole fish now remains in the show side 

 of the mold. Tap a chisel into the plaster about )i to M inch 

 inch away from the cast at the caudal peduncle (Figs. 60 and 

 61 ) . Then apply pressure to the chisel as you force it down. If 

 there are no outstanding undercuts in the mold, the cast should 

 be relieved without complication. If the cast does not release 

 easily, however, proceed to chip away the edge of the mold 

 where it meets the cast. Use care so that the chisel does 

 not damage the cast. Often the troublesome undercuts will be 

 found in the mold in the area of the fish's lower jaw. Return 

 to the caudal peduncle, insert the chisel again, and this time the 

 cast should come away easily. 



Cleaning and Finishing the Cast 



Usually, in the process of casting, some of the separator wax 

 will be transferred from the mold to the cast. With a cloth 

 dipped in turpentine, rub the affected area until the wax on the 

 cast is lost. Wash the entire cast with a household abrasive 

 cleanser and very hot water. Use a stiff scrub brush. File the 

 edges of the opening in the back side of the cast until smooth. 



With a fine-tooth jig saw ( a metal cutting blade is best ) , cut 

 the excess material from around the mouth, fins, and tail. Mark 

 the outline of the fins with a soft pencil so that they can be 

 followed easier with the saw (Figs. 67 and 68). Do not make 



