Teddy Talk: Creating, Collecting, Connecting

I'm not sure I explain myself very well! I use nylon or wooden discs plus the larger metal washers

Just another idea that may help!
I bought larger metal washers slightly smaller than the nylon or wooden disc which I use on the joint where you twist the cotter-pin down. It is easier to tighten the pin if it slides across the metal. I ordered them from a tool supply shop . They can get them with a small hole in the centre if you ask.  Much cheaper than buying from a bear supplies and I haven't seen them anywhere else anyway. Also it gives some nice weight to the bear along with the pellets or glass beads I add for weight.They are quite thick.
Deffinitly cut back the fur where the joint will go as it will flatten and loosed the limb.

when using cotter pins(which is what I use) I find that cutting the pin shorter makes a tighter turn. A really good growl at the same time as turning helps as well!!!! usually gives my dogs a fright and they run off outside looking for the reason they woke. They sleep in the lazy-boy when I'm sewing and this way I know the get a bit of excersize.

oh but sadly the guy isn't making the nylon discs anymore! sorry. I'm pretty sure I saw them at Gerry's

I use a Nylon type Disc which was being made by a guy here in NZ who was supplying them to bear stores etc. They are truely fabulous.(strong and smooth so as not to make wear on the mohair backing )  I have them up to 50mm and then I use my own hard board discs I make myself. Luckily I have a huge supply that I hope will see me out!!!!!!!Don't forget to sand off the edges on your hardboard discs.(I use a sanding wheel on my dremel, which also doubles to sand down my poodles nails)Mohair backing is made from cotton whick is a short fibre and will wear very quickly. This is why I use cotter pins rather that lock nuts as if the joint is too tight it will wear away the fabric and it is not as easy to replace fabric as to open a seam and tighten a cotter pin if a joint loosens.
Talking about tool for many jobs!!! I bought a dog drier which is fabulous for blow-waving fur in dirrection you need, it also speeds up defrosting the freezer oh and of cours is wonderful for drying the poodles