going to give it a try

chris k

chris k

Active member
Just went and picked up some foam and glue going to try making some foamers this weekend. Now just have to decide what species. Any recomandations? I was thinking buffle heads or coot?
 
I've done all divers so far. If you don't have a Sureform rasp, get one, makes shaping easy. I use a bow saw to rough out the shape, a coping saw to make refinements and then a rasp and sand paper for final shaping. Take some time and round them off, how much detail you put in is up to you of course. I don't put much.
I use 1x4 for heads, very simple. Also use synthetic 1x2 trim boards for the keels.
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Here is an update I got 4 sets glued up let them sit and dry up. I worked on 2 today one with out a head and one sleeper I feel the bodies both have good shape the sleeper with the head carved into the foam the head is a little ruff looking. I will get pictures put up soon. And for the heads messed around with some foam but it came out looking like a pheasant head. Then I went for the original plann of using scrap 2x4 and that worked out okay using the dremel. After 2 not so hot I got one that was worthy to size up on my headless body. Tomorrow I will bring home saw dust and wood glue. I was thinking about trying to put some feather detail into the foam but figured the saw dust will fill it. Anyone got any tips about adding detail to foam.
 
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so i came up with a basic keel design for my deeks i think i will do some with keels and then i want to try doing some concave bottoms. the keel i made is about 7 1/2 inches 2x4 scrap that i rounded 2 of the edges then cut an oval out of the center with a jig saw. then i pulled out the router with a round over bit doint all of the edges giving it a nice look and feel. followed by some elbow grease giving it a good sanding. i got some left over deck stain i plan to use on it and i think it will look great and be functional. i also drilled two holes to tie line to one on the fwd and and one on the aft i then hollowed out ech end and plan to push these lead button type things i have a ton of and use that to make a wieghted keel. pictures will to come.
 
Got the lead in the keel using an old nail punch and packed the holes I drilled and it gave it just the right amount of wieght I used 2 4 inch screws I had laying around from another project to secure it . tested it in the bath tub it floated nice and was self righting pulled the keel back off and have it drying now so I can stain it. Got the sleeper decoy coated with the first coat of glue and saw dust going to leave that decoy how it is no keel not concave just flat with a slight roundness. I'm having a good time making these and I enjoy how there really is no wrong or right if you make mistake you can usually just work the foam a little more and make it work in your favor. I still would like to try carving one out off all wood but for now i will stick with the foam and work on posture and painting.
 
Hi cris . You might want to think of using crab pot floaters. I've used some that I find on the shore line washed up after a storm etc. I cut them in half long ways and glue or screrw 1/4" plywood with a thin strip of lead the size of a pop cicle stick as keal.I make the heads from 2" styrafoam board {blue board} attached head to body by drilling and using a 1/4 "wood dowl down thru the top of the head with gorrila glue. the bottom ply board gives me somthing to screw my eye screw to for my long line.I've made 5 blue bills so far and they worked good ,but so far I only was able to draw in buffel heads.
 
thanks for the tip i dont seem to find many floats though i will keep an eye out this summer. i will use your technique for attaching the head me and my buddies where just discussing how i should go about securing the head and that was what we came up with. as far as the project goes i put a third coat of glue and saw dust on my sleeper and have yet to put a coat on the other decoy. im still toying with the idea of trying to put some feather detail into the foam. i got 2 blocks waiting to be shaped and probably another dozen to be glued i used the 2 inch styrofoam insulation pink stuff and 1 sheet gave me enough to probably make 6 mallard and maybe some foam heads or teal with the scrap. ill try to take some pictures tonight after i give the sleeper its final sanding. im worried abouth the painting part i have never been verry good with a brush any tips on where to start. i have some of the killz primer i was going to put a few coats on first but after that i wasnt sure how to go about it
 
thanks for the compliment i just took my time. at first i was looking at the square block and just stared at it for a few minutes thinking how the hell do i make this look like a duck so i tried starting with my pattern on the side and bottom like i saw in videos but found it easier to just have it on one side then i just kind of free handed it with the rasp and file.
 
Got the final coat of glue and saw dust on ky sleeper. Just a little bit more sanding and it will be ready for paint I attached the head on my other decoy today along with the keel and gave it a coat of glue and saw dust. I have pictures but have to wait till I get back to work to post them.
 
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