Insect Pinning Block

One of the most important parts of mounting insects is the spacing. The pinning block is absolutely necessary to insure proper spacing between your identification labels.The complexity of a block can be determined through the number of steps it has. The more steps the more complex the information it can be used to position might be.

Due to the fact that there are so many steps on this example, you could provide some extremely accurate and detailed information on your specimen. This block has a total of 5 platforms. Assuming the top platform is to space your insect, that leave 4 levels of possible information.

The more traditional pinning blocks contain a total of three steps. As seen above, there are designated levels for each step and the information typically placed there. Pinning and mounting insects would not be impossible without a pinning block however it would be very difficult to prevent yoru collection from appearing visually sloppy. 

If you do not want to buy a pinning block, there is no reason to not have one as they are incredibly easy to make.

This diagram shows dimensions of a block that could be used when 1/4 inch plywood is cut and then glued together. 

There are four easy steps to making a pinning block as follows

1. Make the block from strips of wood 1-inch wide by 1/4 inch thick.
2. Cut a 3-inch, a 2 inch and a 1-inch long piece from your wood strip, and glue them together in step fashion as shown below.
3. Next, drill three small holes as shown all the way through the block. You can use a small sized finishing nail for the drill bit.
4. Then glue another 3 inch strip to the bottom of the block to cover the bottom of the drilled holes.

Following these simple steps, you can have your own pinning block to put together a great looking collection!!