may workbench

Those are cool teal Andrew. I vote no eyes or paint them on if you want eyes.

Tim
 
Also, what's the consensus? Tack eyes or no eyes at all?
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Tack eyes...Decoy tested, seamstress approved!

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i have been wanting to make a rig of teal. i have a few blocks of cork that are to small for anything else.

they are awesome working birds; clean and curvy. i am going to use those as my model.

those birds work perfectly with out eyes, but i like eyes on my birds it kind of gives the bird a soul

keep up the good work
 
Cleaning out the shop last weekend I found a few basswood can heads cut out. I had used some of them on several gift birds years ago. Wasn't real happy with the heads at the time because the stock is 2" think basswood and didn't give me the "jowles" that I wanted when finished.
I haven't picked up a knife in years, but thought what the hell. I decided to make a couple of bobtail cans. Here is a start.



 
Here is my first-ever New Mexican Duck (aka Mexican Mallard) - headed to the south and west later today.

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It started life as a Black Duck last year but sat unfinished until I received a summons for its close relative from across the continent. It is sized to match Herter's Model 72 Mallards.

It is a bit of an experiment. Because I am unsure of the provenance of the tan cork, I am taking a chance with a charred finish - without any true sealer coat. If this is newer cork (compared to the old Wiley Cork), it could absorb water when afloat. In any event, the body was painted with linseed oil then charred carefully with my Bernzomatic torch. I tried to keep some lighter areas - compared with Black Duck - to mimic the overall lighter cast of a NMD. After charring, I coated it again with linseed. Then I used tube oils for the speculum, the tertials and some feather edges. The tail insert is White Pine - oiled and charred and then edged with white.

Two days in front of the hot stove did little to cure the linseed. But, a week out in the sun did the trick.

The head reflects some very helpful advice from Steve Sutton - a yellower bill without the "tobacco lips" and the rounded forehead.

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The bottom is sealed with spar varnish + oil primer + semi-gloss latex. I made sure to seal the "chine" to limit infusion of water.

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I put no keel on. A single SS screw eye (and some caulk) holds the head in place. The body is 16.5" LOA with a 7.5" beam - a bit narrower than I would make an open water bird of this size. This bird will be used on quiet waters. It is 2 lbs 13.5 ounces and floats right on her DWL (designed water line).
 
These are the designated quiet spots for that gorgeous decoy, Steve. Christmas is early this year. I can hardly wait.

Look out Mexican ducks!
Al


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I just finished rehabbing this Bean's Coastal Pintail for a friend - and just posted a Tutorial here on duckboats.

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I wish we saw more Pintails here in New York.

SJS
 
Not really much ON my workbench, but here is a picture OF the workbench. Came home from four days in the Carolinas to find this waiting for me in the basement. A new heavy duty work table for painting and working decoys as well as smithing, cleaning, etc. nice little early birthday gift from the wife.

Not a bad way to return home.

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Finished these up late last week and took a 2nd place with the one on the left in the Havre De Grace, MD Show last week in gunning division.

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Good morning, Vince~

Thanks for the kind words. I used to shoot a Pintail or two each year on Long Island - have not seen one up here during the gunning season. Nothing says "elegance" like a Drake Pintail.

All the best,

SJS
 
Good morning, Al~

Sure looks like that bird is going to a good home!

SJS
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Hi Steve,
It is a good morning. Nice and cool out being just right to go and cut some firewood in about 2 1/2 hours when the sun comes up.

You will see pictures this fall with that decoy in the pond and or along the channel. I am excited about the way it will move around with some of those slight breezes we get once in a while. It should work perfectly. Now to try and out fox the Mexican ducks.
Al
 
I do believe that TWO NEW SPECIES for the site this month....first was the Grouse and now the Mexican Duck.....


And if that Mexican Duck isn't just the purdiest thing it will most certainly do till it shows up......gives me yet another reason to show up in Al's front yard one morning and be sitting in the passenger seat of the Mule when he comes out to "release the hounds" to go hunting in the deep and treacherous waters of the frozen Desert.....been way too many years since I shot a Mexican Duck.....and I bet if we tried hard we could find some Quail on the way back to the house.....




I love the way your simple lines give depth and suggest feather groups like they do Steve.....careful or ne day I'll show up on your doorstep looking for painting lessons.....be afraid on that cause I'm a really slow study.....




Steve
 
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