What’s on the bench - December 2017

Joe,very nice work!

You have an interesting approach to body manufacture via incorporating the keel into the body laminate. What are your body laminate wood sources? How have these held-up longterm? I also like the weight reduction cuts that also lower the center of gravity. Did you ever calculate how much of a reduction you achieve in keel weight addition to make them self-righting?
 
I like to use 5/4" white cedar for the center and bottom boards. It is available kiln dried, very light from Home Depot and Lowe's. I pick the clearest and best grain. I also use recycled red wood from old picnic tables and benches. That is usually 2" so I have 2 different patterns for the different thickness. Bottom boards are doweled through the centerboard and epoxied. The body blocks are balsa attached using Gorilla Glue. I drill the lightning holes to reduce the weight above the C/G. The real advantage is in shaping the bodies. The frame boards act as a form and using a rasp and 60 grit you can round up the shape quickly. With modern adhesives the joints are tougher than the wood fiber. I have Black Duck decoys from 10 years ago that show no sign of delamination. View attachment IMG_0220.JPG
 
Mc~

The vessel currently enjoying the warmth of the shop is the circa 1950s VanSant Sneakbox that my partner bought from Bill Simonson at Tuckerton in 2016. More complete tale to come - AFTER Christmas.

[CLICK on any photo to enlarge]

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I might change the oarlock hardware before it is kicked out into the cold - to make way for a certain "squashed scooter" from Great South Bay on Christmas Eve....

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First, though, I need to complete my batch of Christmas flyers. This Woodie is all done. I've got another in the final stages of paint. My first Owl - a Short-eared - has been primed. My Great Horned will get glued up right after lunch. The Barred is not yet sawn out.....

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One of these days I need to start getting ready for the holidays....

All the best,

SJS



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Beautiful crown on the Hoodie and I always love the tail. So many compound curves going on there. Did you actually carve feet? Or just the appearance of feet tucked up in there?
 
A fully splayed butterball with flaps down coming in for a landing would be outstanding. In the event that you're not busy one day...in 2038.....[;)]
 
Added the drakes to the mix.



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That completes all that are in the works right now. The drakes actually need the overcoat tomorrow, then will be rigged and ready for the hunt.

I sold off some of my older decoys to make some funds and room so I can order more kits! I have on order 6packs of Cans, Bluebills, and Redheads, though I think Gadwalls will likely be next and not for this season.
 
Good morning, Dave~

That's one sweet rig! Those upswept tails will guarantee Hordes of Heedless 'Squaws.

All the best,

SJS
 
Dave~

Not sure Popeye was much of a duck hunter, but....a pale grey lower eyelid always helps. I run it from about 2 o'clock to 8 o'clock.

But, I always coat the dark eyes with gloss varnish.

SJS
 
Hi Dave. I'll be very curious to hear what you think of those over coated deeks once you've had a chance to hunt them.....oh, and they look really good!

John
 
Dave, my wife purchased an "active" use gloss clear coat nail polish marketed for women who spend time outdoors in sports pursuits...don't remember the brand. She didn't like how quickly it set-up, so she gave me her remainder, which I consolidated in a small glass screw-top jar. This stuff adheres tenaciously to painted eyes...wish I had bothered to write down the brand.
 
Well tis isn't really on my bench anymore. My customer picked it up last night...but it was sure a looker...

Curly and wormy ambrosia maple box w/ curly padauk paddle, bot with black inlay accents. That curl is even better in person...


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