How To Custom Heat-Modify Clear Acrylic Display Stands

While wooden spindle stands are appropriate for medium and large whale teeth display, quite often these same stands overpower, instead of showcase, small teeth. Pictured here are: (front) Coin & Stamp stands size #1 ($0.85) & #2 ($0.90), and 3-inch hinged plate ($1.50) display; (middle) Elegant #2 ($2.40), Elegant #3 ($2.85), Elegant #4 (3.25); (rear) Elegant #5 ($4.80)

These acrylic stands can be custom heat-modified to fit various shaped teeth & ivory. Notice the left rear wing which overlays the skirt of this tooth, holding it in the proper viewing angle, the truncated right rear wing, and the slightly flared, two front wings.

Use of a hot air craft gun (eBay: embossing, scrapbook) with a small exhaust port will allow you to heat just the areas you wish to customize. Work on a heat-resistant surface (i.e. insulated metal sheet). You can heat just a tip for a small change, or the entire arm for wrap around and other large changes. Working on ONE arm at a time, heat the acrylic until it slightly straightens or slightly sags, then . . .

. . . place the ivory into proper position, and use a wooden spoon to mold the pliable arm to the desired attitude. Blow cool air over the arm until rigidity is restored. Repeat with each arm until the final arrangement is obtained.

Once the desired arm attitudes are fixed, mark the rear arms to trim off the excess acrylic. Using a pair of sharp dikes, snip below the mark, leaving a clean, clear cut.

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