New Branch found!

[Simon]

The dog is yet again losing the will to live, I've just found and cut my next branch on this mornings walk. Another Yew net perfect to go with a kind donation of a piece deer antler. Sonia thinks I'm mad I came in the door really excited about a branch and a dejected looking dog! This is going to be the best yet, it was just out of reach so a small amount of coppicing was required to get this perfect branch, only net frame hunters will understand, picture to follow.

Simon.

[springerman]

Keep us posted Simon.

[Paul G]

Nice work Simon Look forward to seeing pics...

[Simon]

Been very busy away at work but eventually the photos are here. Branch is drying out very quickly, not sure yet which tip to use or how long to keep the wood in the handle?

Simon.

[daves]

Please let us see it when completed.

[springerman]

Good looking piece of Yew. I am sure will make a super net.

[Simon]

Due to bad weather this weekend work on the new net is the best way to spend the time. The cable wraps came off yesterday leaving a well formed net frame, This time the join is around the side as this is the best match for the arms. The joint was glued and then pinned with a bamboo skewer to give the joint more support.



Then the fun bit of which antler tip to use? Smooth or textured? Then how to attach it to the handle? Again the bamboo skewer came too the rescue, a hole drilled in the center of both tip and handle along with plenty of glue.



Next step when dry is to sand the tip flush with the handle. More updates to follow.




Simon.

[Paul G]

Nice work. Very satisfying to use tackle made by your own hand from found natural materials.

[springerman]

Great net Simon. I use a steel pin to attach the antler. Strong, but it also add weight. That can be useful at times and balance the net. We all have our way of doing, do we not. You can polish the antler using sand paper and Brasso.  There are other ways as well.

Good Luck. 

[Simon]

Thanks for the ongoing comments on this net build, it's going to get to a stage of having to decide which net to use on each fishing trip as I keep being told you only need one net! My quick reply is to ask how many rods they have?

Simon.

[Simon]

Disaster with the connection of the wooden handle to the horn, as mentioned in the earlier post I used a bamboo skewer with wood glue, this worked well on the wood side but failed miserably with the horn. Just would not stick. Reverted to use a threaded metal rod held in please with epoxy, also drilled small holes into the faces of the two connecting surfaces for the glue to attach too, so far things seem to be holding well only problem is not a perfect match of the two materials, but I can live with this. Now just the sanding and the many coats of varnish to come.

Simon.

[springerman]

Simon, I always use threaded steel and epoxy. Once glued they do not come undone.  I also use a spacer between antler and handle, usually of a different colour (black or white horn).  You can, if necessary, file for a better fit between handles. See my previous nets.  These are available from stick making suppliers.

I am sure you will not have problems with your current fix.  Good Luck.

[Simon]

Just checking back on this thread and relised there is no finished photo of the net! That will have to wait until tomorrow. So sorry about the unfinished thread, check back tomorrow.

Simon.

[Simon]

As promised here is the finished net. A big thanks for the donation of the antler tip that helps make this net different. I have enough nets for the moment so there are no plans for another, unless that magic branch appears in front of me. I personally prefer to make a net out of a single piece of wood, its the hunt for just the right branch!

Simon.

[flatsghost]

Nice job Simon it looks really good and I am sure you must be proud of it.
Go and christen it soon
Glyn