Free Floats From the Bookies!!

[Martin56]

Hi guys & gals - here's a float I made using a Free pen from the Bookies.

For those who don't bet - just go in & grab a handful, there's loads on the tables.

Pull off the snap on top & remove the refill.

Stuff the bore with a strip of polystyrene foam & blank off the 4 anti choking holes with a spot of hot glue or similar.

Glue a piece of 1.5 mm brass rod- for self cocking if you want??  (or glue over the Nib hole if not)

Paint as required.

Left is the Pen - Right is the end product OK for down the edge!!

 

Edited February 1, 2023 by Martin56

[Ken L]

It's fun to catch on gear that you've made yourself, but if the aim is cheap, then:

https://www.aliexpress.com/item/4001340022822.html?spm=a2g0o.productlist.main.7.6fff5ec5pXCOXT&algo_pvid=a74d9238-ff7a-4a02-9b6b-5b60f4edaa82&algo_exp_id=a74d9238-ff7a-4a02-9b6b-5b60f4edaa82-3&pdp_ext_f={"sku_id"%3A"10000015736504330"}&pdp_npi=2%40dis!GBP!7.62!6.32!!!!!%402100b5dc16752852530788376d0710!10000015736504330!sea&curPageLogUid=CMTIYj9qDnm3

Edited February 2, 2023 by Ken L

[Martin56]

Thanks for the link Ken, but no I don't do it for cheapness. I just like to play.

I bought a bundle of balsa dowel last year or so ago, a packet of 1.5 mm brass rod & same in 3 mm Aluminium tube.

Here's some I made out of the above stuff, I have used some already & they fish very well. The far right one is out of a flat wooden coffee stirrer from Greggs, with a balsa body.

Edited February 2, 2023 by Martin56

[Martin56]

Here's some re painted porcies I did recently ......

 

[chesters1]

That's what the close season used to be for . Make your floats out of season and, suck udisappointmentntment when you lost them (or they sank) IN the season lol

I remember as a kid making a dozen or so out of drinking straws (following an article in a mag) I remember every one folding in half on striking

Edited February 3, 2023 by chesters1

[Ken L]

17 hours ago, Martin56 said:

Here's some re painted porcies I did recently ......

 

I used to make my own gear far more than I do now, although I still build or refurbish the occasional rod.

I've had a bunch of gear from that sites and even found the line through American style bobbers ideal for perch.

[Martin56]

Here's 3 more, okay so nowhere near shop quality but they've filled an hour or 2 !!

I've scorched the balsa bodies on two of them with a lighter before painting for a bit of contrast!! (And a Colour for Free) Need to be quick to blow it out before it sets on fire.

 

Edited March 22, 2023 by Martin56

[Martin56]

Here's another "Scorched Bodied Balsa" but this time the Bristle is a yellow adaptor from a Gas Lighter Refill Can. You get 5 adaptors supplied in the Tin Lid.

No need for Paint - (If you like Yellow??) It's Spiked & Glued deep into the body with wood skewer, & a dab of glue to block off the small hole in the top. The Tip is Brighter than the Pic' shows!! - I'm (Clearly) No David Bailey or Patrick Lichfield lol.

 

 

Edited March 10, 2023 by Martin56

[Tigger]

You got a float making fetish going on Martin lol.

If it gives you pleasure then keep it up .

The nearest i've come to making a float is cutting peacock quills down to size.  I don't even paint them as they are white and visible enough for how I use them.