Oreodont prep

[aerogrower]

So as the tags indicate this is my first attempt at prepping a fossil. It is something I always wanted to do, but never thought possible. My wife, adult son, and I attended a gem and mineral show here in Michigan a couple weeks ago. As we were strolling around looking at all the displays and vendors we stumbled upon this. I think I was hooked before I finished reading the sign.

 

 

[aerogrower]

Half hour later and a little negotiation I left with this, the nicest looking one of several even to an untrained eye. What appears to be the bottom, then the top, and a picture looking at the mouth head on.

[aerogrower]

I could tell from doing "European mounts' on Whitetail deer, that this was the front and bottom jaw area, so this is where I started.

[aerogrower]

The only tools I have right now are some dental type picks and an electric engraver. I have an air scribe coming as an anniversary gift but until then I am making do. 

This was about four or five hours in! What a beautiful smile don't you think?

[aerogrower]

Ten hours in and life is calling. But I will be back at it in the next few day, so wish me luck. Any constructive criticism is welcome, and appreciated. Go easy lol. More pics are coming, but I exceeded my upload limit.

[snolly50]

Here is an old topic detailing an oreodont prep. Prepping's a lot of fun. I know you will enjoy it. 

 

 

[aerogrower]

Snolly50

 Already read it many times before I started! Very nice thread. Thank you. 

[LordTrilobite]

Looks great so far.

 

be sure to have cyanoacrylate/superglue at the ready for if something breaks off.

[aerogrower]

Already used it a couple times to keep things in place before they could fall off. Hopefully I can keep up on it. Probably wishfull thinking.

[RJB]

The best of prepping luck fella.  Those are really cool to prep.  Cant wait to see it finished.

 

RB

[Ludwigia]

Ok, then good luck! Lookin good so far.

[aerogrower]

This is where I stopped. Ten hours in. The damage on the left was how I got it other than some glue to keep some teeth.

[Ridgehiker]

You now have a fan base ...and its as if we're all awaiting the next episode of a soap opera.

 

I'm enjoying watching the plot unfold on this specimen.

[Fruitbat]

Looking good so far!

 

-Joe

[ynot]

 

 

Tony

[RJB]

Don't stop now. 

 

RB

[aerogrower]

More to come I promise, between work, and getting the farm ready for winter has been keeping me busy!! On a high note I order an air scribe so progress should be quicker when I do get back at it. Thanks for the well wishes, cant wait myself to keep going. 

[FossilDudeCO]

wait til you get that air scribe, you will blow through it!

[Fossildude19]

Looks really good! 

Take your time, though. 

Patience is one of the most useful tools.  

Regards,

[jpc]

you gotta think about what the final goal is.  Are you planning to leave this in the rock, in which case y ou might want to leave some rock under the base of the lower jaws a s a stand.  or do you want to take it completely out.  This is a mistake some beginners make, including myself.  Completely out is a lot more work and it doesn't look as good, n this writer's opinion.  I have one oreo skull that is completely free of matrix and it looks just like a modern skull to the untrained eye.  

[aerogrower]

Thanks for the advice @jpc I read that in a thread also. I agree entirely . When my new air scribe gets here I intend to start going around the sides and start working my way towards the top of skull. Probably will leave a nice chunk on bottom and back for a stand/effect. That's my intention we will see. Hoping to be back at it this weekend.

[aerogrower]

Ok so after a couple week break I have made some progress. I started by getting an air scriber (cp 9361) and I have to say what a major difference between that and the electric engraver. I achieved twice as much in half the time. Anyway I figured I would take the advice several have given about leaving some matrix on bottom, and started going towards the top. I started on the left side and was only at it an hour or so and discovered this! Picture on left is were I left off, pic on right is what I discovered. The top teeth are in right spot but the upper jaw is out of place by an inch. 

 

 

 

[aerogrower]

I was surprised to find that to be the case on other side as well! I was surprised that I was able to recognize what was happening before I ruined it. Got a lot accomplished in the time I put in, maybe 5 more hours.

[aerogrower]

[jpc]

that is the zygomatic arch you have exposed n the last photo.  probabaly in in the other side as well.  Nice work.