My attempt at a Net.

[springerman]

I making progress, albeit slowly.  I have made three nets by using already seasoned handles and then glued in the previously shaped rings.  Two rings are of Hazel one of Willow.  The handles Holly and Hazel.  Which will be the best only time will tell.

The other 'one piece' nets I have on the go I am leaving until they are fully seasoned.  I do not want to rush them.

I still have some way to go before I am ready to put the mesh on.  They have to be sanded and then varnished.

The photos are for your information.

 

                                                   

[springerman]

Other views of the same nets.

       

[phil]

Fantastic images. Love them.

Phil

[custheyder]

Looking brilliant! I'm jealous.

[flatsghost]

Well done chap - they look really good and you must be proud of them. Nice choice of dog by the way!
Glyn

[Paul G]

Looking really good :-)

Think they'll be fab when garnished up and with a mesh on each.

[daves]

A real work of art!!!!!!! It looks as if it will be too nice to fish with!!!!!

[JP]

They all look excellent!

Have you managed to source net bags yet? I know Seth gets his made to measure from a net manufacturer, they're not cheap at over £20 each but with tamo as beautiful as those I'm sure it would be worth the expense.

I'm loving the incorporation of deer antler too - very authentic

[springerman]

Thank you for all your favourable comments. I have got three nets from the local pet shop. How they will stand up to the rigors of landing energetic Trout only time will tell. They only cost £5.99 for net and handle so I can not expect a lot.  But it's a start.

JP, I will certainly look into another source of net it they fail.  Still experimenting.

The one with the Deer head is a bit on the heavy side, but that said, quite balanced in the hand when holding the antler.

Like I say, still some work to do before I can finish them.  When I have done that I will update the photo's.

Thanks again.

Ian.

[springerman]

My original thread showed two freshly cut Holly branches. One is quite thin and may not make a suitable net. The other is good but the stem split. I have filled this with epoxy with wood dye mixed in. I am very pleased with the result. It has a mottled effect not unlike Cow horn.

I have also got another net on the go.  This is Sycamore.  One thing I have found is that I do not like the plain wood.  I will have to do something to it.  It looks insipid.

 You may also remember the cheap net I got from the pet shop and cut the handle down.  I am in the process of putting a wooden handle in place of the metal one.  I think it looks a lot better and improves the net no end.  The other good thing about this net is that the net ring can be detached from the handle.  Held in place by a screw.  This also holds the D ring for the Tamo leash.

The net then lies flat.  Ideal for transportation.

I am at present in the middle of varnishing all my nets.  Might have a good one ready for the 15th.

May you all have a great season.  Not so long now.  If ever the rivers drop!

[phil]

Look great! Fingers crossed for the 15th.

Cheers

Phil

[orangeotter]

Well done springerman - I have 2 made from aquarium nets and they work very well. I like your idea though of a wooden handle.

[daves]

Nice one Springerman.

[springerman]

I thought the Forum had gone quiet. Good to see it is on the move again. I hope you all can enjoy some of this warm Spring weather and get on the river.

Now, I have completed my Tamo. Whilst I am very pleased with the finished result, the net is not 100%. There are one or two things I could have done better. That said, I am not going to beat myself up over that. Will it hold a fish? I intend to find out.

I have another five frames, three completed, apart from the net and two near completion.  "Production" will have to cease as it's time to get out on the river and put the net into use.

[orangeotter]

superb net springerman, one of the best I've seen - what net bag are you using.

I hope it soon gets tested in the best way !