Looking for White Cedar and Basswood

John L

John L

Well-known member
I have been thinking about carving my first decoys but I have run into a road block before I even got going.
I can't find anyone on Long Island that has White Cedar or Basswood.
Does anyone have a source for it that I can order a few blocks mailorder?
Thanks for the help
 
Road trip.....New Jersey or Maine.

Cedar is king for making gunning dekes, but for around $100 you can get a sheet of high density cork and get around 7 black ducks and a teal out of it.

I've been away from it for a few years myself and I've got the bug again big time and getting ready to gear up again.
 
John, There is a cedar mill in Nesco which is near near Tuckerton. This guy always brings large cedar blocks for sale to the Tuckerton decoy show. Check with Jim Donofrio, he may know the name of the mill. Bob Williams
 
I think Bob is talking about Ed Mackay. He cut nice pretty clear jersey cedar.

Both he and Ray Norcross (maine cedar) should be at the Parkertown show on March 27th. Take a ride down and take your pick.
 
Just don't do as I did. My grand scheme was to get a nice stick from the show in Tuckerton and carve a small rig of Canvasbacks. I wanted Cans because we could shoot one again this year in NJ. I blindly chose a stick and brought it home. With a pattern book from Ebay, I hacked out some individual lenghts. I soon realized I was WAY over my skill set and asked for help. Fortunately, Jode came to my rescue and invited me over to his shop. He quickly eyed my stash and kindly informed me that I should have let my stick of Jersey white cedar dry up in the rafters of my shed for a year or so to bring down the moisture content. Then, cut it into blocks. Every single block I had was checked thru and not salvagable for decoys. I was crushed until Jode donated a few pieces from his reserve for my little project. He got me started and I left his shop with determination of gunning over hand carved blocks, but I somehow got away from it and they sit unfinished in the corner of my shed awaiting my attention. Jode, I will finish what I've started and thank you for your valuable time.
 
No problem Mike, Glad to help. I know you'll get to 'em. 9 more months before you'll need them.........

As far as whats dry etc, make sure to ask the supplier. Most are honest and will let you know if they are dry or if you are going to need to wait.
 
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I have been thinking about carving my first decoys but I have run into a road block before I even got going.
I can't find anyone on Long Island that has White Cedar or Basswood.
Does anyone have a source for it that I can order a few blocks mailorder?
Thanks for the help
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Johm Did you try Kirkups in Bayshore. They used to have a good supply pf Basswood. Give Riverhead building supply a call. They have a lot of exotic woods
 
Thanks for the feedback guys.

Mike, I did'nt even think about any drying issues. Thanks for pointing that out
Jack, I called Riverhead. They said they would have to special order it and would be very expensive.
I had a friend call me tonight and said to try Roberts Plywood in Bayshore but they were closed by the time I called.

I was thinking about 8" X 4" X 18" Cedar blocks and a friend suggested just laminating some boards together.
I would like to make some traditional blocks from a solid piece of wood but if I can't, does anyone have any thoughts about laminating boards together?
 
John,
It is common to laminate 2 pieces of wood for decoy bodies. Provided you have tight joints and appropriate glue multiple laminations would be fine.
 
I was thinking about 8" X 4" X 18" Cedar blocks and a friend suggested just laminating some boards together.
I would like to make some traditional blocks from a solid piece of wood but if I can't, does anyone have any thoughts about laminating boards together?

John, that's a pretty healthy size chunk of cedar. That's a good size for big water, not sure what you are planning on making or what type of water you hunt. Unless hollowed out, they will be pretty heavy. Just my .02.....dc
 
8x4x18 is your basic New England black duck block.......5" is even better. Hollowing is a must. I always put something inside so it rattles when you shake it. Nail, penny, etc.
 
Jode; where is the packertown show at?I've never been there.Thanks Cas
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Cas,
It's at the Parkertown Firehouse in Parkertown NJ. About 5 minutes north of tuckerton. Lots of old and new decoys, plus an outdoor duckboat displat/tailgate swap.

It's a nice show for both decoy and duckboat guys.
 
Cas,
Don't know wher in De. you are but there is a show this Saturday at the Level MD. firehouse, just west of Havre de' Grace. Mostly upper bay dekes, but a nice distraction from the winter doldrums.
 
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Dave,

I do hunt big water and I was going to use them for Black ducks and maybe a few Mallards.
 
Jode; I;m located in masrhallton hd'ts wilmington del near price's corner on rt;s 2 and rt 7 and i;m about 1/2 hrs ride to haverdy grace but unfortunately this sat is our last day for duck hunting ,so i plan on hunting this friday and sat. i hunted on wend. saw lots of wigeons and spoonbills and some gray ducks but managed to drop a spoony it was very windy all day and the ducks did not fly or stool to my set.It,s been a poor season for me only managed to bag 8-ducks and 1-can goose.
 
Dave,

I do not build decoys....But I know of no reason why you could not laminate lumber together,,,,you could cut the hollow out of the stock before you laminate (middle pieces of stock)....Why not try one...A bit of epoxy and cedar....and laminated wood products are normally more stable then a solid piece...At least you might be able to find stock at Home Rip OFF Orange Box...or a local lumber yard. Around here cedar is a pain to buy... I used cedar tongue and groove in my living room..special order and the lumber company messed up twice....Redwood is actually easier to find but expensive..

Matt
 
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