gunning decoy keel material

D

Drew Hansen

Member
I have been using maple for the keel material on my decoys. This is my first season hunting over my own decoys. I haven't had any problems with the maple but I was wondering what works for everyone else? anyone else using maple?
 
I currently use white oak and am very pleased.

I previously tried red oak, but unless you seal it in multiple layers of epoxy, it doesn't hold up well over time.

Best,
Steve
 
In the past I have used whatever hardwood was in the cheap bin at a wood store. I traded a bird for 100 board feet of 4/4 x4" teak so it will be awhile until I'm using other woods.
 
I have been using composite decking material and love it. Very seldom do you have to add weight and it is very durable. I really like the railing spindles as they are just about the right size. I am fortunate to have a contractor friend that saves his drop offs for me and free is good. Granted, composite does not have the eye appeal that wood has but it is very functional.

Willy
 
A strip of 1/2" wide leather folded over with a screw thru the end. If the waves start flipping over the decoys I know it's time to leave.
 
Thanks for the response guys, The only reason I use maple is I like the smell while workimg with it and also the brand shows up much better than on other woods.
Willie, That is a good idea, How does the stuff sand?
 
Drew,

I'm using maple for my keels and I like it. But, I do have to round to edges of the keels so they don't dent the other decoys.
 
I agree with Willy. You can't beat composite for functionality.
  • More dense than wood - no lead needed.
  • Does not decay in water - lasts a long time.
  • Can be worked just like wood.
  • Some of it looks almost as good as wood.
Give it a try.
 
Well..... Looks like I'm going to have to keep my eye open for any deck jobs in my vacinity and give that new age plastic-wood a try. Do you need any type of sealer on it at all? I heard it was a mixture of wood and ground up milk jugs (compostion).
 
Hey Coot....yes I have glued some up to get a deeper keel.

Drew, I use Jansen cork sealer but you could use the Multi purpose sealer and then paint it.

Willy
 
Maple is fine, I've been lucky to get scraps of white oak from my brothers furnature making endevors that work great on most ducks, and some are big enough to use on geese. I also keep an eye on the bargain bin at woodcraft and have found some nice exotic hardwoods there. On the swans I've been making, I've had to break down and buy wood for keels due to size and quantity. Personally, as functional as one can claim composit decking to be, I see it as you've spent all this time making a hand made decoy, why wouldn't you want a decent looking keel. I spar all my keels (and bottoms of decoys as well) to let the wood (or cork) show through. My rig spends the off season on the shelf in the garage...they might as well look as good out of the water as in the water.

Chuck

swan036-1.jpg

 
I agree with Chuck 100% and if I'm doing a decoy for a client or auction etc. I will use wood for the keel and give it a nice finished look. However the keels on my actual gunners are for function only and I spend my time dressing up the top side. Actually I hav been using a lot of pad weights for keels and tjhey work great also. No right or wrong....use what turns you on and works for you and Chuck........great looking birds on the shelf or on the water.

Willy
 
I use oak, as have a load of floor boards from a flooded house, like them cos you dont have to use extra weight. If I was looking I would phone some flooring companys and ask for some end cuts, they just burn or throw them...

I use wheel balance lead on the inside of my decoys if they need to be balanced, those to I will get from the garage that does work on my car, they had heaps of them in differnt weights even comes with sticky side although I super glue mine on when I have the balance right..why pay for stuff if you can get it for free...

Paul aka Scotty
 
Nice looking swans Chuck! I was thinking about carving a couple snow geese this winter to add to my spread but I need to find or make a descent pattern first.
 
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