[aandersen]

Anyone carve their own foamers? If so where did you get patterns? I’m trying to find some patterns I can buy online but all the patterns I have found are for decorative decoys rather than working decoys.


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[Far Beyond Driven]

Just copied other decoys and didn't make it too complicated. Cut them with a band saw, carved them with an old fillet knife and rounded them over with a rasp. Made a mess though.

 

[John Singer]

Anyone carve their own foamers? If so where did you get patterns? I’m trying to find some patterns I can buy online but all the patterns I have found are for decorative decoys rather than working decoys.


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I have been carving decoys for 45 years or more.

I started with cedar and several years ago switched to styrofoam.

Most of my patterns are from a couple of old books.

https://www.amazon.com/Duck-Decoys-Them-how-Paint-Them/dp/B0011XTLCI

https://www.amazon.com/Wild-Fowl-Decoys-Barber-Paperback/dp/B014GGACTW

The body pattern for divers that I use is a tracing of an old Herters 63.

 

[John Singer]

Most of my styrofoam decoys have hand carved pine heads. In recent years, I have been making heads as a foam/plywood sandwich.

The interior is 1/4" plywood sandwiched between 2 layers of 1" styrofoam. It is easier than carving pine as it can be shaped with a rasp and sandpaper.

I now burlap all my foam decoys, both the head and body.

I estimate that I have made about 300 decoys. I have sold about 100 and donated some to DU banquets.

I expect to make 3 to 4 dozen before next season.

 

[hoody25]

I have been making a few and selling a few for the last few years. I make about 100 a year. I made my own patterns

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[John Singer]

I have been making a few and selling a few for the last few years. I make about 100 a year. I made my own patterns View attachment 466769 View attachment 466771 View attachment 466773 View attachment 466775 View attachment 466777

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Those decoys look great.

Please, what are you coating the foam with for durability?

 

[walter sniper]

Done it all but I prefer cork and wood

 

[hoody25]

I'm using double restle coated with crushed walnut shell. With either titebond 3 or expoy resin for the glue

Those decoys look great.

Please, what are you coating the foam with for durability?

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[John Singer]

I'm using double restle coated with crushed walnut shell. With either titebond 3 or expoy resin for the glue

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Thank you. Like I said, they look great.