Steam bent fishing net

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