Got some new decoys...

Coulter · March 23, 2010, 05:27:31 AM

Well sort of...I have to make them first.

I've been wanting to do this for a long time and figured I better get the ball rolling. I was at a decoy show in Cleveland over the weekend and picked up some Northern White Cedar...

And some sheets of high density cork.

I thought I would try both materials and see which I preferred better. The goal is to have a hand made gunning rig to hunt over by next season. As if I don't have enough irons in the fire already

I also picked up some good looking butternut for turkey calls

Steve

FinsnFur · March 23, 2010, 05:34:03 AM

This will be an interesting follow.

alscalls · March 23, 2010, 06:04:31 AM

That Draw knife looks pretty new.........

Cant wait to see some wear on the handles!

Coulter · March 23, 2010, 06:36:08 AM

Yep...it should be interesting alright Jim - Albeit, very slow

I have to finish up some calls before I can get started.

That draw knife is brand spanking new Al, I just bought it at the show. I still need to order some gouges and knives from Woodcraft before I can get started. Well that and I have to figure out what kind of bird (duck) I want to start my carving career with.

Steve

alscalls · March 23, 2010, 06:45:11 AM

Try reading up on making your own carving knives before ya buy......Just a thought but you might enjoy this process and its easier than ya might think as well as much cheaper.
Plus you can see the pros and cons of what you may or may not need.

Silencer · March 23, 2010, 02:02:28 PM

aw man PLEASE take pics as you go along even if it is slow.

awesome Steve !!!

I say Golden Eyes baby !!!!

pitw · March 23, 2010, 02:08:41 PM

Yep I too would relish pics of the work in progress. Good luck on this endeavor and if you go to selling the first one you make remember some of us want on the list

.

Coulter · March 23, 2010, 07:27:33 PM

I was thinking about the possibility of a Goldeneye Vic...there are just too many birds to chose from. I thought maybe I should do a woody rig for the early season. But I don't know yet, I really like the divers and sea ducks.

Heck Barry, if it looks anything like the first call I made I don't think I'd be able to sell it

I'm just hoping I've absorbed a lot of what I need to know through osmosis.

I will be sure to take some pictures along the way,
Steve

HuntnCarve · March 23, 2010, 07:43:56 PM

Steve,

I sort of started my carving career doing duck decoys and some other birds. So if you need any help along the way, don't be afraid to ask. If you are making working blocks you'll be wanting to hollow them out. -Weight and stability. At one time or another, I've done Canvasbacks, Scaup, Teal, Wood ducks, and Mallards. Anyway, the offer is out there.

Dave

Coulter · March 23, 2010, 08:04:09 PM

Thanks Dave ...I appreciate that. I'm sure I will probably take you and some some others up on the offer in the near future. I have a ton of books and literature, but we both know nothing is better than the real thing and getting your hands dirty. It will likely be a couple weeks before I can dig into the decoy material, I can't wait to start. I'll just contemplate what I plan to attempt first for now.

Thanks again,

Steve

Hawks Feather · March 23, 2010, 10:54:49 PM

Quote from: Coulter on March 23, 2010, 06:36:08 AM
Well that and I have to figure out what kind of bird (duck) I want to start my carving career with.

It it were me I think I would be making some of those 2 x 4 kind of ducks. They are fairly easy to make - assuming you have a table saw.

Jerry

P.S. Keep us posted.

Jimmie in Ky · March 24, 2010, 03:38:45 PM

I am with Dave on this one . Start small and work up to what you intend. Some white pine 2x4 's and a few simple tools will teach you how wood works and hwo to do it. Keeping centerlines marked will help with balanc and dimension.

I like Al's idea of making your own knives too. But don't forget the replacable blade knives such as excel and others. Blades are cheap and razor sharp and can be resharpened with wet or dry sandpaper. I find it pretty easy to maintain control with these little things. Plus they come in numerous shapes and sweeps so you can learn what you like before you start making your own.

Also get some good rasp's and files. I use thse to remove rough edges quickly in larger carvings.

And see if you can find some locals that know hwo the old timers did their work. Coppies of originals are bringing a fair price. Not to mention it would be so cool to hunt over such a spread , like they used. Jimmie