Fossil Preparation Compilation Video #1 - including Iguanodon Jaw, Dinosaur Claw & Trilobites

Here’s my first compilation video of short fossil preps that I’ve undertaken recently. If you want to see more detailed fossil prep videos, feel free to subscribe or watch my fossil prep series playlist at: • Fossil Preparation Series
The various tools that I used in these preparation videos include:
Hand Tools:
Scalpel or Exacto knife - for removal of field glue
Pine Vice with Tungsten Carbide stylus - for removing soft matrix by hand
Pneumatic air tools (linked to large air compressor):
Zoic Palaeotech ZPT T-Rex pen - Great for bulk matrix removal (low pressure 40PSI)
Paleotools ME-9100 - Very versatile air tool with pointed stylus
Zoic Palaeotech ZPT Microraptor - Precision air tool with fine point for finer detail
Micro Sandblaster Comco - Air abrasion system with either Aluminium oxide or Dolomite
Consolidants:
3-4% Paraloid B72 & acetone - penetrates into the smallest of fractures to give protection
Cyanoacrylate: Field consolidant glue
#fossilpreparation #fossilprep #fossilcompilation

[@khengvuy3597]

Very beautiful Nature of Art Congratulations to you from Cambodia

[@alteregos8949]

Cool compilation. How do you acquire all of the pieces you show in your videos? Do people outsource the work for you to do the debris removal?

[@PalaeoArt]

I do do a bit of commercial work but not a lot. Most of the fossils I prep I’ve either found myself or purchased through local fossil collectors.

[@josephdynan3604]

given the fossil formation, size and shape of the claw, that may well be one of the hand claws of a tyrannosaurus!

[@PatandSponge]

I think it's ana anzu

[@wmarian5027]

Nice compilation

[@joedinsmore2346]

I was wondering what the purpose of the brush on the rotary tool was.

[@PalaeoArt]

Good question Joe. That's a very soft and mild abrasive nylon brush which I find useful at just removing any last dust from the surface of the bone once the matrix is removed. It's not a polishing brush.

[@Cellottia]

How does one become a fossil preparer? What training and experiences do you have that prepared you for this job? You must have to have a very wide knowledge of anatomy and the structure of the finds you are asked to prepare, covering all ages, epochs and periods (please forgive me if my terminology is not correct, I am a mere spectator of fossils!). Do you research each specimen, or suspected specimen, before you clean it, so that you know what to expect, or do you follow the information within the specimen as it emerges? Or something else entirely?! I'm fascinated by your very "niche' occupation! 🤔 Best wishes from Katherine in Kent, UK 💐

[@Seraj24com]

nice sharing

[@normblais5120]

Hay cool 👍🏼👍🏼

[@PalaeoArt]

Glad you like it! 👍👍

[@samuelschuler7705]

First like and comment yay

[@PalaeoArt]

Well thank you and welcome. 👍👍

[@lightning4818]

Hey, what is your favorite material to prepare?

[@PalaeoArt]

Great question. I prep a lot of Oligocene mammals from the White Rover Group as they’re super easy and great fun. More recently though I’ve been really enjoying prepping London Clay material.

[@Paszka-bj4sd]

How could i get my hands on fossils like these?

[@eddmageddon6666]

what tools do you use to prepare your fossils?

[@PalaeoArt]

Have a read of the video description where all the tools are listed.