Mr Rizzini Posted January 7, 2013 Report Share Posted January 7, 2013 Ok here we go, Thanks to everyone that helped and answered my questions in other threads I started. I have made this thread to keep it clean for anyone wanting to see all the parts and video all in one place so here you's go and hope it helps someone in the future as I had a lot of digging to do to find everything I needed. First off you will need a sentry (head up) full body pigeon decoy and a set off foam wings and tail, I painted my ones that I got of ebay but have recently found that AA Decoy (Andy Moss) sells a great set for £5 per set and they have a great pattern that I dont think would require any futher painting. Once you get your bird it will need a curve shape cut into it for the wings ( the curve will stop the wings from falling out) I recommend drilling a hole at each side of the cut to stop futher ripping taking place. You will need to cut the tail as well to take the new foam tail. You will also need to place 2-3 holes in each side of the bird for the cradle in different wind conditions, My one in the photo is a bit holey as I was experimenting with different holes but you will only need 2-3 around the balance point of the pigeon. Here is my first decoy bird Next up we will make the cradle that will hold the bird and stop it from flipping upside down when a strong gust of wind hits it. I used a 1 metre piece of 4mm steel rod from B&Q which will make 2 cradles, When you have cut the rod in half make a mark 3 cm from the centre of each half as you will need one leg of the cradle longer than the other (see photos for anti flip leg). One leg/arm of the cradle will need a extra leg to stop the bird from flipping over and this can control the angle the bird will sit on the cradle. Note how the leg is bend back slightly so when inside the bird it will touch the birds back at a certain angle to stop flipping Next you will need a 1 metre length of 6mm fibreglass rod (B&Q but is very expensive compared to mainland kite stores). At the end of the rod you can see I used a piece of steel tubing from B&Q which the 6mm rod will fit inside and not have to much free play. I drilled and tapped a thread in the piece of tube then I made a thumb screw which allowed me to lock the rod into place. Then simple hammer down the other end so the cradle can fit into it nice and tight. Now take a 8mm tent pole (fibreglass type) and a piece of the same pipe you used to make the cradle adapter, grind this down slightly so it fits tight into the tentpole metal end and then put a slight bend into it as similar to my photo. Now get a short piece of pipe, similar to hide pole width will do, And simple set your tent pole with the bend into it and you can use a normal one first to give you more height. Now slot everything together and hey presto you have a great floater/bouncer that cost pennys. I still haven't paint my poles etc but you get the idea and excuse the video as it was done on my mobile and just a quick look at how it go's together. cheers again to everyone that helped me get all the information together. peace out. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mad1 Posted January 7, 2013 Report Share Posted January 7, 2013 Well done m8 ... Impressive !! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mr Rizzini Posted January 7, 2013 Author Report Share Posted January 7, 2013 Well done m8 ... Impressive !! cheers, Took a while but think its good to have all the info in ne place now for anyone else wishing to make one or two. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mad1 Posted January 7, 2013 Report Share Posted January 7, 2013 I used to glue real wings onto plastic deeks ? Just another way to save a few quid ;-) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Greenhunter Posted January 7, 2013 Report Share Posted January 7, 2013 For interests sake could you give us a breakdown of the costs? GH Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mr Rizzini Posted January 7, 2013 Author Report Share Posted January 7, 2013 I had tent poles so only had to buy rod for cradles and 6mm FG rod. B&Q rods cost me £6 each but in mainland they can be bought for £1.50 so I reckon they could be made for around £5 each plus another £8.50 per bird. My floaters cost roughly £8 each to make Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mr Rizzini Posted January 7, 2013 Author Report Share Posted January 7, 2013 I used to glue real wings onto plastic deeks ? Just another way to save a few quid ;-) you wouldn't get much more realistic than them Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mr Rizzini Posted January 7, 2013 Author Report Share Posted January 7, 2013 Im just glad to not have to pay silly money for an item than can be made quite simple for very little money and hopefully it helps out a few people along the way. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mr Rizzini Posted January 7, 2013 Author Report Share Posted January 7, 2013 chris greens would cost me about £65 each so considering that I think DIY is the way to go Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ditchman Posted January 7, 2013 Report Share Posted January 7, 2013 i like that....i think a good floater is one of the best peices of kit you can have Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
simjakcal Posted January 7, 2013 Report Share Posted January 7, 2013 top job Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fortune Posted January 8, 2013 Report Share Posted January 8, 2013 Thank you for the time & trouble that you have gone to so that this info is available to the masses Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mr Rizzini Posted January 8, 2013 Author Report Share Posted January 8, 2013 Thank you for the time & trouble that you have gone to so that this info is available to the masses your welcome, I think a magnet will be my next one Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RED BEARD Posted January 8, 2013 Report Share Posted January 8, 2013 good vid and well made kit Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alros01 Posted January 8, 2013 Report Share Posted January 8, 2013 hi that's a good first go at making a floater do b and q just do white fibre glass rods.also have you thought about painting the rod or just an idea would it be better to camo tape the rod just a thought Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Frenchieboy Posted January 8, 2013 Report Share Posted January 8, 2013 Brilliant post, thanks for putting it up. It is exactly what I was looking for and hoping would come up to use for crows while decoying - Well done mate I will be doing a couple in the next week or so! TOP TIP! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mr Rizzini Posted January 8, 2013 Author Report Share Posted January 8, 2013 hi that's a good first go at making a floater do b and q just do white fibre glass rods.also have you thought about painting the rod or just an idea would it be better to camo tape the rod just a thought B&Q only do the white, Think I will mix some matt black with fullers earth and give them a paint, I haven't painted them yet as I'm waiting until I have a few made for my father as well. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Greenhunter Posted January 8, 2013 Report Share Posted January 8, 2013 Have a look at this, http://www.gunmart.net/accessories_review/nemesis_pigeon_decoys/ I will be interested in what you think. (If link works that is:( ) GH Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
steve_b_wales Posted January 8, 2013 Report Share Posted January 8, 2013 Brilliant post, thanks for putting it up. It is exactly what I was looking for and hoping would come up to use for crows while decoying - Well done mate I will be doing a couple in the next week or so! TOP TIP! For Crow shooting, I use a dead bird fixed to a floater that are available for around £10. When the fibre rod is extended to it's fullest, the bird looks very 'real' with it's movements. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mr Rizzini Posted January 8, 2013 Author Report Share Posted January 8, 2013 (edited) Have a look at this, http://www.gunmart.n..._pigeon_decoys/ I will be interested in what you think. (If link works that is:( ) GH your decoys look like a good job mate but at £70 a pair plus whatever the postage is I would rather save my £90-£100 and make them for approx £15 each P.S Nice one on getting a link to your decoys in on my post though. Edited January 8, 2013 by Mr Rizzini Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Greenhunter Posted January 8, 2013 Report Share Posted January 8, 2013 Not trying to advertise since I don't make them anymore. Was showing you an alternative way of making them. Thought you were ready for the next stage. Just trying to help. The costing for the whole thing was about £12 in materials which are all good quality and were built to last. As you know I have some various bits left including black flexible rod if I can help anyone out. GH Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
deny essex Posted January 8, 2013 Report Share Posted January 8, 2013 A quick tip with the B&Q white fibre glass rod , if you rub it down for painting do NOT rub your hands over it unless you want a million small fibre splinters in your fingers I know a guy that did that Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mr Rizzini Posted January 8, 2013 Author Report Share Posted January 8, 2013 (edited) Not trying to advertise since I don't make them anymore. Was showing you an alternative way of making them. Thought you were ready for the next stage. Just trying to help. The costing for the whole thing was about £12 in materials which are all good quality and were built to last. As you know I have some various bits left including black flexible rod if I can help anyone out. GH Your's look like a great job mate and perhaps you could show us photos and explain how you went about your cradle design and where you got your materials since you aren't selling them now Taking the time to paint the birds etc is well worth paying someone like yourself to make them for you but unfortunately I lost my job and need to keep the cost down to a minimum :( You should have put your on ebay mate Edited January 8, 2013 by Mr Rizzini Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Greenhunter Posted January 8, 2013 Report Share Posted January 8, 2013 (edited) They used to be on eBay. Sold quite a few and to PW members. Thought the review explained most of what goes into making them. That's why I posted the link. sorry to hear you are out of work. I'm retired so the extra bit of cash came in handy for a while. GH Edited January 8, 2013 by Greenhunter Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mr Rizzini Posted January 8, 2013 Author Report Share Posted January 8, 2013 problem with ebay is the fee's, People dont understand the work that goes into things and I imagine that you put I lot of time into your decoys and people prob wanted them for nothing lol. Since my work shut down Iv'e had to much time on my hands and thought some floaters would keep me busy. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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