I use a PVC pipe for my steam box. I used to use a hot plate and a pressure cooker with a 3/4” hole drilled in the lid and a hose into the steam box. I found a wallpaper steamer at a yard sale and have set it up to steam into the PVC. I cut the strips into 1/8” x 6’ strips and steam them for four to six hours depending on the wood type. once I take them out of the steamer, I put them in the jig made out of plywood.
I let the strips dry overnight. I cover the jig with wax paper so the epoxy won’t stick. I glue the strips and handle insert together. the great thing about the handle insert is that it only takes a small piece of wood.
I use the West system epoxy.
After it dries, I run it through the thickness planer. Then round the edges with a router and sand everything smooth. I cut the groove for the string using this jig I made for my table saw.
After the groove is cut, I lay out and drill the holes to attach the net to the body. I have different strings I use for different nets.
I use a small crochet hook to pull the netting through the holes and use a fly line backing to string the netting into the net. After it’s tied, I pull the netting tight into the holes.
The biggest problem I have is people not using them to catch fish. They say they are too pretty to use.
Thanks for reading.
Let’s make some sawdust!
Tom
-- Lets make some sawdust. Tom
3 comments so far
johnstoneb
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2871 posts in 2142 days
#1 posted 02-10-2018 06:35 PM
Nice net. I made nets for awhile still have the forms. As an option for the net. Look up Measurenet. They zip on make installing the net much easier. I did a few threading the net then found and easier way.
-- Bruce, Boise, ID
Northwest29
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1639 posts in 2459 days
#2 posted 02-10-2018 08:56 PM
Cool project thanks for sharing. It’s almost that time of year in the west. (-:
-- Ron, Eugene, OR, "Curiosity is a terrible thing to waste."
ColoradoJim
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2 posts in 1067 days
#3 posted 02-11-2018 05:49 AM
Thank you for the blog. Your nets are beautiful! I’m going to try to make a couple.
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