Quick wood question for decoys

Scott Farris

Scott Farris

Well-known member
Is there any problem mixing basswood & old pine shelving to make up a decoy body? I can’t think of one but just to make sure I thought I’d run it by you all to keep out of trouble. If it matters, the split line will fall around the water line.

Thanks,
Scott
 
Probably not. The different woods may expand and contract a bit differently but on something as small as a deke You'll be OK. The biggest thing will be the difference in carve-ability where the two meet...watch the grain on the pine if you are using a draw knife or you may get a chunk.
 
Scott,
You're probably going to have a problem. Both woods have a different expansion coefficient and that will probably pull your joint apart. I have tried it before with bad results.

Wildfowl Carving magazine did a neat article about this couple years back.

My head hurts now, I'm going back to checking blood pressure......

Best,
Steve
 
Scott, I have mixed pine and white cedar with good results. Let both woods sit unattached in the same environment for a week, so the moisture levels should be close. This is factoring in that both woods were dry to start. Spring air can be so damp if you do not have a continues heat source in your shop. You might try letting both pieces sit in the house for a week, assemble and then bring them back inside, until you seal them.
 
I will point out that a huge percentage of carved decoys are a combination of two materials with different coeficients of expansion - cork with a bottom board.

I personally would not worry about it if the decoy is hollowed (which will remove much of the force of expansion) and well sealed.

T
 
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