How to
Strengthen the Bill on a Merganser Gunning Decoy
The bill
on a Merganser hunting decoy can be be very fragile
especially if it's close to realistic size. This
procedure is similar to the method suggested by Pat
Godin in Volume Four of his Championship Wildfowl
pattern series...
It is
important to start with a squared block of head stock.
Lay out your head pattern as you normally would. Using
your carpenter square locate two lines one inch apart
making sure the lines are above and below the bill.
Next
extend the lines around to the end of block. Also extend
the center line from the top of the block over to the
end. The large dot notes the drill point.
Using a 1
inch Forstner bit and a drill press, drill a hole that
extends well into the head. I like to make sure the
depth is past the eye line.
Next glue
in a one inch hardwood dowel using a good water proof
glue.
Once the
glue is dry cut off the dowel flush with the end of the
block and then cut out the head as usual. You now have a
bill that will be difficult to break.
I used a
darker colored hardwood to demonstrate the need for
proper depth to gain strength. Let the glue dry 24 hours
and then proceed to carving.
Click below to continue
to...
Mallard Head
Tutorial
Mallard Body Carving
Tutorial
Cyber Classroom
Tutorial List
Willy
McDonald
