Keel weight mold

[James Boyd]

Anyone know if there is a mold available to make this style of keel weight. I know I can make one with an angle grinder, carbide bit and thick aluminum stock but would purchase if they are available

 

[Dave Diefenderfer]

The 2 ovals are simply poured in half a torpedo weight. There are couple sizes and can be poured to varying weight.

 

[James Boyd]

Thank you. I will look into that

 

[Capt Rich Geminski]

I made plaster of paris molds of keel weights. Take dowels, split in half, round the ends and make different sizes, drill counter sink hole for mold.

 

[Steve Sanford]

Anyone know if there is a mold available to make this style of keel weight. I know I can make one with an angle grinder, carbide bit and thick aluminum stock but would purchase if they are available
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James~

A few thoughts....

1. Dave's suggestion is a good one!

2. I have salvaged a few off "restoration" decoys. I have always liked the style - and ease of installation. Note that one (upper right) pulled off its screw head. So, I always flatten 2 sides of the screw head so it forms a tee - and is less likely to spin.



3. I use an antique muffin tin for anchors and keel weights. In addition to using a flattened screw, I bed the keel weight in caulk to keep moisture out to prevent spinning.



Here's a nice mushroom anchor - from a good friend - from the same mold.



4. You can use a dense hardwood for a mold - if you will not be making lots of ballasts. I make them different lengths for different weights. The longer "trough" is on the flip side.



I rub beeswax into the slot before the first pour.



To shape you ballast weight in hardwood, I would first use a Forstner bit on a drill press to establish the widths and depths. Then I would clean and smooth everything inside with a Dremel or Foredom. A fussy job in any event!


Here is a McCormick keel weight on an Al McCormick Black Duck.



And a McCormick Broadbill.



Here is his mold - from a length of iron pipe - but I think EMT would work nicely.



5. Another similar factory-made ballast - with a flange and 2 screws. This Hen Pintail is from the Wildfowler Quogue factory.



A closer view.



6. I usually pour lead into the keels - prior to fastening the keels to the bodies.



I frequently bore 3 or 4 "sockets" then join them together with knife and chisel. I pour the lead a bit proud then sand flush with a belt sander.



Hope this helps!

SJS