Lindsey Posted June 3, 2010 Share Posted June 3, 2010 (edited) I insisted on helping with the prep work as I want to have part in this awesome find. I don't really have any tools so I'm actually using that tool that you use to push your cuticles up with but hey it works pretty darn well. I've still got a long way to go but here is a pic of what I've gotten so far, in the process I've also uncovered a non-mosasaur tooth located above the upper jaw bone in the pic. I've posted a before and after pic. I wish I would've put the two pics together as one, but it's late and my mind can't focus enough to get it done. Edited June 3, 2010 by Lindsey Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tracer Posted June 3, 2010 Share Posted June 3, 2010 that slab is a pretty special find and would benefit hugely from being prepped with pro tools. i feel certain you could find someone in your area with a chicago pneumatic and and air abrasive unit... the difference between the methods can be almost unbelievable. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Auspex Posted June 3, 2010 Share Posted June 3, 2010 Prolly the first time any Mosasaur got its nails done... Looking good "There has been an alarming increase in the number of things I know nothing about." - Ashleigh Ellwood Brilliant “Try to learn something about everything and everything about something.” - Thomas Henry Huxley >Paleontology is an evolving science. >May your wonders never cease! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JohnJ Posted June 3, 2010 Share Posted June 3, 2010 Lindsey, it is a special find like tracer said. It looks amazing. You could be seeing extra teeth from the mosasaur's pterygoids (another set of teeth in the roof of the mouth - like a snake has). Leaving some of the matrix around the teeth will help keep them whole. The human mind has the ability to believe anything is true. - JJ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Xiphactinus Posted June 3, 2010 Share Posted June 3, 2010 Lindsey - Just take your time. I prepped my 17-foot fish with nothing more than hand tools. The matrix looks relatively soft. You might go to your art supply store and find some wood carving chisles. You'll tear them up on the rock, but you can keep sharpening them with a normal knife sharpening stone. Just go slow so you don't dig into hidden bones and teeth. You're doing great! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest N.AL.hunter Posted June 3, 2010 Share Posted June 3, 2010 Unless you think or know that there is a lot more of the skull in the matrix, I would not clean it any further. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lindsey Posted June 3, 2010 Author Share Posted June 3, 2010 The matrix is somewhat soft, have also been using a brush to take off stuff slowly. With the way everything looks I would be too afraid to use a chisel or anything that would be more abrasive than a scraper I'm just not skilled enough, my plan really is to just get everything cleaned up and presentable, I don't plan on exposing the already exposed teeth anymore than they are, I definitely don't want anything to fall out Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Xiphactinus Posted June 3, 2010 Share Posted June 3, 2010 The matrix is somewhat soft, have also been using a brush to take off stuff slowly. With the way everything looks I would be too afraid to use a chisel or anything that would be more abrasive than a scraper I'm just not skilled enough, my plan really is to just get everything cleaned up and presentable, I don't plan on exposing the already exposed teeth anymore than they are, I definitely don't want anything to fall out Since you are relatively new to prepping, I'd work on the first piece you found -- verts and ribs are a lot easier to prep than skulls. You'll be an old pro once you get that done. The skull won't be so scary then. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
paleozoicfish Posted June 3, 2010 Share Posted June 3, 2010 Since you are relatively new to prepping, I'd work on the first piece you found -- verts and ribs are a lot easier to prep than skulls. You'll be an old pro once you get that done. The skull won't be so scary then. I would have to agree with Xiphactinus. You will be more upset with yourself if you accidentally damage or scratch the skull then the block of the verts. By the time you finish those verts, you will be a pro. cheers, PzF Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
grampa dino Posted June 3, 2010 Share Posted June 3, 2010 The only way anyone learns how to prep is by doing. Keep up the good work, it looks great Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Frank Menser Posted June 3, 2010 Share Posted June 3, 2010 Frankly, I wouldn't touch it...for the reasons stated above, and also the fact that it is pretty spectacular--as is. Be true to the reality you create. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
barefootgirl Posted June 3, 2010 Share Posted June 3, 2010 I think it looks great as it is. Keep up the good work and go get the rest. In formal logic, a contradiction is the signal of defeat: but in the evolution of real knowledge, it marks the first step in progress toward victory. Alfred North Whithead 'Don't worry about the world coming to an end today. It's already tomorrow in Australia!' Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lindsey Posted June 4, 2010 Author Share Posted June 4, 2010 Well I at least thought the teeth needed to be exposed and it appears they all are now, so many are missing from being tumbled in the river. Thanks everyone for all the advice. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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