First steps to a home made net

[fluf]

After seeing how you guys are making your nets I thought I'd give it a bash too.
Let me say from the outset, I'm no craftsman, woodworker or whittler, but it don't stop me trying.
While out yesterday I came across a small branch I thought might do the job. So it went home with me, and last night I got my whittling knife out, cut it and stripped of the bark. Don't know if this wood is any good, but it passes time.
It is now sitting quietly on the radiator drying out.
I have bought a piece of antler to form the Y of the handle and when that arrives I'll post another photo and keep everyone updated with my efforts. Yet to find some wood for the circle of the net, and the net as well.

[fluf]

I decided to make two nets from this one branch. The left one of the previous photo is now smoothed down and I've added a little detail. This is the net end.


 
And the other end has a eye.
I know this is not authentic, but it works for me (up to now).
Next step is to allow it to dry a bit more, if I can wait that long.

[Deleted]

You neve cease to amaze me Jim, well done. 
Ken.

[fluf]

I hope that's in a good way.
Couldn't wait to varnish, so 1st coat on. I'm out hunting for hoop branches next.
Then got to figure out how to get them in the right place.

[fluf]

The learning curve has taken a sharp rise.
Do not pick Elder for the net ring, it starts to bend in the steam, but because it has a very soft center and thin walls it breaks easy.
Must get some willow.

[tubefly]

Fluf

This net building has it got in the way of your cooking?

Harry

[fluf]

No way Harry, I'm just making a fish pie for dinner. Got to get priorities right.

[phil]

Look forward to seeing your progress Jim.

Phil

[fluf]

Afraid I had a set back this morning.
I'd ordered an antler to make one net and it's arrived and is a bit larger than I thought, so off to the woods later in the week for something more suitable.
Then start over, it's a learning curve!

[fluf]

This net making is getting addictive. I'm passing my walks looking for likely branches for handles, I've got 4 on the go now as I picked up some driftwood last week from the swollen riverbank. I still have to find some decent willow for the hoops, the stuff hereabouts looks well past it's prime and very thin. I'm out again this coming week so more searching. Then it's net finding. Slow progress, but it's coming together, and I'm enjoying the new challenge.

[Deleted]

Jim, it sounds as good as foraging, I may have to start looking.
Don't think it's the right time of year for Willow though.
Ken.

[fluf]

Foraging to be sure Ken.
Just got back from a morning stroll through the woods in the fog with nothing to show for it.
But then had a brainwave, well more like a ripple.
Garden center, pea supports, 20 in a bundle, 48 inch tall, or if you lay them down 48 inch long, for £5.99.
That gives me plenty to play with, and when I've done the nets, I can make a basket with the rest. Geneus.

[fluf]

Not as easy as I thought this steaming willow.
After an hour with the kettle turning a deep brown/peaty colour inside, I thought I had the hoop in shape.
That is until I offered it up and the willow kinked on me.



Good job theres 10 rods in the bundle.

[tubefly]

Jan 5, 2015 17:06:11 GMT fluf said:

Not as easy as I thought this steaming willow.
After an hour with the kettle turning a deep brown/peaty colour inside, I thought I had the hoop in shape.
That is until I offered it up and the willow kinked on me.



Good job theres 10 rods in the bundle.

[tubefly]

Jim
you are working to hard it is looking good
but what happened to the other 10 rods.

Harry