Foam Decoys

[contractor]

I am looking to make some foam diver decoys. I have checked out supplies but wonder if anyone has experience with them. I plan on using urethane foam in a aluminum mold,

[Steve.r]

What are you going to us for heads.

[backcast]

Do you already have the mold? If not, consider carving your own. It's pretty easy, especially to carve a herter's style. Burlap and mastic and you'll be good to go.

[contractor]

Either buy them or try foam heads. I just don't know if the foam heads will hold up.

[contractor]

I was going to try to buy 2 sizes of molds and use 8lb urethane foam. I need to make about 10 dozen at least.

[Steve.r]

Either buy them or try foam heads. I just don't know if the foam heads will hold up.

Carve them out of basswood it's pretty soft and easy to carve.

[contractor]

I do not think I could make that kind of time for carving the heads. I bet I would have 1 hour each in pouring and trimming them

[Lukariffic]

I have never made decoys nor enquired about the cost of a mold, so am not sure if this suggestion may be preferable,
In taxidermy I have made plenty of molds for urethane fish bodies and don't see too much difference beteen that and a decoy, making the mold is simple using bondo and resin. I you need direction pm me, i'd be glad to help.
Remember that paint will destroy urethane if not sealed and primed properly. The sealing and priming may be too much work, making another material more practical.
Damien

[danield33]

If anyone has luck with the foam decoy approach please let me know. I'd like to get another diver spread back up and running for next year.

Thanks guys.

DD

[Hootie]

Check out LZ Decoys, I just bought to to look at. I beleive Mike Braun is the
maker and seems like a nice guy if you call him he may give u some pointers. He's also on duckboat.net alot of carvers with great advise on same web.

[Dead Ringer]

Toledo (http://www.toledodecoy.com/diver_heads.htm), Mighty layout boys (http://www.mightylayoutboys.com/domino/mlb/MLB_products.nsf/88c8931aaec070e185256a9c00038c5e/cd03fc9432f7daf085256bf60047f86f?OpenDocument)and Autumn Wings (http://autumnwings.com/store/head_wood.html) sell heads. They're about $4+ a piece

This site (http://www.workingdecoys.net/products.htm) also sells a single style of plastic heads for $3 a pop, shipped. If you're just trying to make a major diver spread on a budget, this is likely your best bet.

If you're doing molded foam anyway, you could pick up a head mold and pour your own. Foam heads will not last as long as wood, but you can burlap or restle coat the heads and/or bodies to add strength.

[contractor]

Started on the forms. Everything is working good so far. Should have a prototype decoy within a week.

[sonofaduckhunter]

Where Can I Get Foam For The Decoy Mold? What Weight Do You Guys Recomend?

Thanks,woody

[contractor]

US Composites they are in S Florida. I used 4 lb foam and it seems to be durable enough. Make sure that you pay attention to the temperature. If the foam material is less than 80 degrees it will not acheive the expansion rate that is listed

[Hootie]

There's a guy on Duckboat.net selling a body mold only for $100.00 or trade. If ur still looking for a mold...

[Hootie]

Contractor, how did the decoy come out. After reading ur post I decided to buy a mold andgive it a try, something to do on the off season. Bought just the body for divers. Are u going to seal the foam with anything before u painted it. I'm just learning, I think I'm going to put wood heads on after talking to a couple of guys, what u think...hootie

[Waterfowl Fool]

Listen, just to add my .02. Go over to the duckhunter.net under the decoy forum and talk to Don Mintz out of Idaho. The guys is SICK and he has a sticky on making them... Trust me on this.

[Dead Ringer]

for that matter, all points lead to the "working decoys" forum. Don and his Body Language dekes are regulars there.

[Waterfowl Fool]

Here's the link...

http://www.refugeforums.com/refuge/s...d.php?t=791562