Materials for Float Tubes??

[Arnold9801]

Hi Everyone..

Since I am new to Float making, I am finding already that I am even now starting to accumulate a number of floats. Storage and transportation is a thought which is`nt difficult to address in terms of what to use, but the artistic element within me causes me to want to have a go at making a float tube with some real finnese.

I am not saying I am capable of producing exhibits to the standard of some of the fine craftsmen on this forum, but they sure as hell inspire and drive me/others (no doubt) to want to have a go.

Due to this is anyone able to outline where they get the large sections of wide diameter bamboo from?

Also the metal end caps? Are these individually turned from a section of cylinder or bought as already turned blanks or are derived from something else they were originally made for??

I would love to know, as I love the ornamental aspect of the float tubes and would excel in letting my imagination fuel my own personal designs for these.

I am new to this forum and the hobby of float making, but have to say that the work exhibited by members on this forum really does drive me. Its such a shame work takes up so much of our time that could be spent on relaxing hobbies such as this!

Regards

Arnold9801

[MGs]

The large diameter cane can be sourced from B&Q. However, I have had some problems with this splitting over time as it dries.

As for the caps. For the bottom, I have been cutting the cane below a node and using the natural barrier as the bottom surface. The tops I have been shaping from cork sanding block. All you need is a saw, file and sandpaper.
I'm not too precious about my tackle so they don't look as pretty as others but do a turn. I'd be scared to use a posh one as I would certainly damage it

[Santiago]

For caps you can buy wide diameter corks online. Details are somewhere in the float making section. I'm using my mobile so cannot find and paste!

[Barney]

check out The for sale and swap thread

[Santiago]

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/110782177984? ... 1439.l2649

This is where you can buy wide diameter corks from.

[Santiago]

Try insence stick tubes from ebay. The ones I bought are no longer listed!

[Arnold9801]

Many Thanks for your replies everyone.

Your advice is greatly appreciated.

As I live all the way down in Penzance, I am slighlty out of touch with most suppliers. I understand they can be posted but that really tops-up the price.

I will have a gork down at my local B&Q. I have got a corker of a wood lathe, and will be looking at expanding my use of the "babe." Since I have taken up Float making, its never had so much use.

The float tubes are an extension of the float making and I would love to hear from anyone who has used a wood-turning lathe for long boring of wood to make tubes this way??

I have just seen an article on float tubes posted on other tackle where they have made one from a Wilkinson rolling pin which looks great, though the centre hole was drilled out.

Thanks again

Arnold9801

[Barney]

here's a pic of 2 bored out float tubes one in yew the other in either london plain or lime

Barney