Float making

[lutra]

I've acquired some swan feathers so i thought i would make some floats. Ive just pulled the side bits off, sniped the bottom off and dipped the top in some pink (all the shop had) flouro paint.

Which leads me to my question, do i need to varnish them or can i just use them as they are?

[Guest tigger]

They should be ok as they are, but I think the varnish just stiffens and protects them a bit.

[lutra]

They should be ok as they are, but I think the varnish just stiffens and protects them a bit.

Thats what i was thinking, i cant see a swan quill not being waterproof.

Edited December 24, 2008 by lutra

[ColinW]

I'd varnish them in case there are any small cracks. I seem to remember reading many years ago that you should trim off the feathers with a razor blade rather than pulling them off. My memory is not too reliable though!

[lutra]

I seem to remember reading many years ago that you should trim off the feathers with a razor blade rather than pulling them off. My memory is not too reliable though!

Thats a little worrying Colin.

 

Ive cocked it in the water butt so i will know if its any good by morning.

[ColinW]

Thats a little worrying Colin.

 

Ive cocked it in the water butt so i will know if its any good by morning.

 

I think it's just to avoid wrecking the quill (ever tried tearing the end off a fingernail and had it start going the wrong way?)

[chavender]

yes ,slice the hurl off then rub the ruff down with wet&dry ,and won't hurt .a bit of whipping up the lower stem wouldn't hurt either and will add strength .varnish is always a good failsafe .

[lutra]

I think it's just to avoid wrecking the quill (ever tried tearing the end off a fingernail and had it start going the wrong way?)

Luckily i had the good sense just to pull it off 1/2 inch at a time and work my way up so not to go to deep into the quill and its still floating just as high this morning (and yes i can associate with a nail tearing the wrong way ).

 

yes ,slice the hurl off then rub the ruff down with wet&dry ,and won't hurt .a bit of whipping up the lower stem wouldn't hurt either and will add strength .varnish is always a good failsafe .

Thanks for the advice Chavender i will follow that in future.

 

Can anyone recommend a good varnish to use?

 

Brian.

[chavender]

 

plastikote clear from all good diy store's or get your partner to get some "hard as nails" (Sally Hansen brand) nail varnish ,its very tuff stuff , you will also find it on e-bay HERE.

Edited December 25, 2008 by chavender

[Vagabond]

plastikote clear from all good diy store's or get your partner to get some "hard as nails" (Sally Hansen brand) nail varnish ,its very tuff stuff , you should also find it on e-bay .

Good advice, or use any marine quality varnish (I use that for my split-bamboo rods), but avoid the stuff sold as "Yacht Varnish" - it isn't even waterproof !