BryceM
AH fanatic
- Joined
- Aug 5, 2009
- Messages
- 838
- Reaction score
- 2,510
- Media
- 20
- Member of
- NRA, RMEF
- Hunted
- USA, Namibia
I’ve always enjoyed combining two hobbies - in this case, woodworking and hunting. Well, hunting is WAY beyond a hobby, but you get the idea. I recently received a sable mount from a hunt we did in the summer of 2024. The guys in Africa did a great job and it seemed appropriate to build something nice to support the prince of Africa.
Finding the right shape and style took a bit of thinking. I took inspiration from these two photos I stole from the internet:
I then drew up some plans, decided to do the pedestal out of cherry to offset the dark hide of the sable, and went lumber shopping. Fortunately, we have a great local supplier that usually has plenty of nice 3/4” rough-sawn hardwood boards in stock. After a bit of work with the jointer and planer to get dimensioned pieces, it was time to get to work. The pyramid shape required a bit of math, angles, and thinking about how to go about it. Everything is based off of a 10 degree angle.
Assembling the basic frames was easy, but connecting the four of them precisely together required more arms than I had, so I had to make a jig to hold it all in place long enough to get some screws in. I’ll spare you the details. It finally started to take shape:
The center panels were added next:
And then some trim. Cutting and assembling these also took a bit of thought.
Of course, the best part is when the finish goes on and the grain and color of the wood really pops:
The lacquer needs a little sanding and another coat or two. Once all of that cures in a few days, I’ll put the sable up top and share some “done” photos.
One thing I learned for sure is that if my income depended on woodworking, trips to Africa would go away pretty quickly. Good thing I have a day job.
Finding the right shape and style took a bit of thinking. I took inspiration from these two photos I stole from the internet:
I then drew up some plans, decided to do the pedestal out of cherry to offset the dark hide of the sable, and went lumber shopping. Fortunately, we have a great local supplier that usually has plenty of nice 3/4” rough-sawn hardwood boards in stock. After a bit of work with the jointer and planer to get dimensioned pieces, it was time to get to work. The pyramid shape required a bit of math, angles, and thinking about how to go about it. Everything is based off of a 10 degree angle.
Assembling the basic frames was easy, but connecting the four of them precisely together required more arms than I had, so I had to make a jig to hold it all in place long enough to get some screws in. I’ll spare you the details. It finally started to take shape:
The center panels were added next:
And then some trim. Cutting and assembling these also took a bit of thought.
Of course, the best part is when the finish goes on and the grain and color of the wood really pops:
The lacquer needs a little sanding and another coat or two. Once all of that cures in a few days, I’ll put the sable up top and share some “done” photos.
One thing I learned for sure is that if my income depended on woodworking, trips to Africa would go away pretty quickly. Good thing I have a day job.
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