saharashadow 26 Posted March 30, 2012 Report Share Posted March 30, 2012 Having hung up the long nets for a while, I decided to make up some poles from hazel I had cut the Christmas before last. I always cut them in the winter when the sap is at its lowest and they are not actively growing, which helps them to dry out quicker. They have been in the loft for just over a year and really hardened off, so I I just needed to straighten those that were bent , by applying gentle heat to the relevant part, and using my knee or the vice to get them straight. All that remained then was to sharpen them, round of the top for comfort, and put a couple of notches about an inch or so from the top for the headline.That's it. Done. Also made some up from the plant stakes you get from the DIY shops. Just cut them to length. I managed to get some plastic bungs to put in the end that had been cut, as they were quite sharp. Haven't tried these before, but don't see any reason they won't do. A few pics below. Quote Link to post
Rolfe 2 Posted March 30, 2012 Report Share Posted March 30, 2012 Nice to see traditional and modern alongside each other. I always have bundles of hazel wands drying in the shed somewhere........I was lucky enough to chance upon some ash self-set sapplings last year that also made useful long net pegs. They will get an airing come netting time again to see how they perform, but to be honest you can't beat a bit of straight hazel. The Ash wands are leaning against the wall. Quote Link to post
patterdalejoel 669 Posted March 31, 2012 Report Share Posted March 31, 2012 what would you say is the minimum time to allow them to dry out? Quote Link to post
Rolfe 2 Posted March 31, 2012 Report Share Posted March 31, 2012 what would you say is the minimum time to allow them to dry out? In theory you can use them straight away but they become a lot harder if you let them dry out for 12 months or so and the points will last twice as long as they would if you use them in the green state. Quote Link to post
SINDASOX 256 Posted March 31, 2012 Report Share Posted March 31, 2012 Them plant stakes are feckin useless mate, they are hollow and snap quite easily. SINDASOX Quote Link to post
saharashadow 26 Posted April 1, 2012 Author Report Share Posted April 1, 2012 That may well be the case mate, but thought it worth a try. As I said , I haven't used them before, and will stick to my normal traditional hazel as my preferred method. They didn't cost anything, so nothing lost, but having made them I will give them a go. Thanks for the advice anyway. Quote Link to post
fox knocker 0 Posted April 3, 2012 Report Share Posted April 3, 2012 Hello there mate its fox knocker just being out my self about 2 weeks ago and cut my self sum hazel sticks for my longnets that i have made my self Quote Link to post
patterdalejoel 669 Posted April 3, 2012 Report Share Posted April 3, 2012 just taken the dog for a walk down the canal and there is various piles along the tow path of pruned ash, i sifted out the long pole like branches,, its sat there waiting collection for shredding i guess, so i stashed it behind the wall for collection tomorrow as i was on my bike very little effort required reckon any that are too thick will make a nice few net pegs as well Quote Link to post
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.