TFF Initiative - The TFF Brass Spreader

[Plumtart]

TFF Group - Brass Spreader Initiative

Most users of vintage and vintage-style fishing tackle prefer teardrop-shaped ash-hooped landing nets. Several new makers have such things on offer, and many enthusiasts attempt to make their own. Although the process of making is time-consuming it’s not really very difficult, and with the breadth of information available on this forum it is within the scope of most people to achieve.

The great hurdle for most would-be landing-net makers is to acquire a tasteful, light and efficient brass spreader. Many of us have started with blocks of brass and filed away for hours and hours, with varying results. They all do the job, but without the lightness of touch and aesthetic perfection of the 1930s originals. Back then, Farlows made what we now call the Crabtree net (although the net design pre-dated the eponymous Crabtree Net by decades).

Twenty-five years ago Edward spotted the opening market (essentially, being created within the coarse fishing world by Chris.) and began his rod making business. The ‘Crabtree Net’ was a natural extension of that style. Edward cleverly used much-the-same shape used by Farlows, but reversed the attachment of the ash frame to the spreader by tapping the metal to accept countersunk machine screws: so much better than wood screws for this application, provided a fine thread is used. The wood of pre-war Farlow-style nets almost always split at that point, and surviving old nets often bear home-repair bindings, or replacement ends scarfed-in, more in hope than expectation. Edward’s system is much, much better.

My suggestion is that TFF assemble a bulk order that would make a spreader casting order viable. I don’t know how many would be required to reduce the price to an acceptable level of (say) £30 each, but I expect there is a well-connected member here who can say. Professional landing net makers might want fifty for stock. Net making is fun, so I expect there would be multiple orders from some enthusiasts. The same spreader size is perfectly adequate for all sizes of hoop, so there is a case for making three sizes to suit different angling outings.

As to specification – I would prefer bronze to brass: it threads well, is stronger and stiffer but it can be slightly heavier. Bronze would be better if the final design agreed were to be small enough: it is enormously strong so the spreaders wouldn’t need to be heavily built. I think Edward’s 1990s versions were made from bronze, and if they were they were more than adequate for any size of hoop. In fact roach-sized nets don’t need three points of attachment, so can be cut down to reduce weight and look more appropriate on a smaller hoop.

I don’t think lilies need to be gilded. The original Farlows-cum-Edward design is smallish, subtle, and tasteful. Visually, I much prefer it to the sculpted design Edward (and Paul Cooke) used later. It’s also probably as light in weight as any universal spreader can be.

I’d take five, maybe ten. Might other members be interested? Maybe more importantly, is there that well-connected member who might lead this initiative. I must admit, I know nothing about the processes, and no one who does. I’m sure someone would volunteer his Farlow or Barder net spreader as a model to copy. Someone just whispered 3D printer casting to me.

(Following which might be the knotless-net bulk order initiative.)

W.

[Barbelseeker]

Is this the type of thing you are looking for. These 5 sold for £60 some months ago.





Seems to be several ways to make it (forgetting the 3D) printing.
a) have it cast (lost wax) similar to the picture in bronze with the thread to be cut or,
b) fabricate with a brass flat bar, bent to the required angle and then brazed to a preformed bar, notched out to revive the vee of the angle and treaded the other end.

Don't mind running with it to see if it is viable - but would need some consensus of size and numbers

Peter
C.Eng. by profession

Or maybe from a solid piece of brass/copper - screwed, drilled and countersunk, then split with a slitting saw and opened up like this.

[Beresford]

I'd be interested in one, possibly two. There are lots of engineering companies who specialise in small production runs, even one offs, who would be easily able to replicate these. I wish you luck with this project.

A few years ago I tried to get a batch made of the metal work needed to build the Walker style carp net. I created new engineering drawings suitable for CNC production from Walker's own design drawings, that a member kindly supplied me with. I had a small engineering company on board and ready to go but I wasn't able to get enough orders for complete sets to make it worthwhile pursuing further. I felt it was a great shame and an opportunity missed but there you go.

[Barbulus]

Assuming no-one breaches any IP issues with this, I'd be happy with one or two as per Beresford but, I would be looking for one that accepts a larger "teardrop" shape not the smaller. Grateful for your interest and initiative.

[Beresford]

Yes I'll confirm that I too would primarily want one suitable to use for a big carp net inspired by the Barder Yates net. The second would be for smaller chub/tench/perch size net.

[Plumtart]

Well that's a start, and with the design IP dating to a time when policemen wore tunics buttoned to the neck, I doubt there are impediments, other than inertia. The three hole version Edward used for (I think) all his nets, would suit any purpose. As I said, for wee tiny-nets it would work just as well by lopping off a bit.

Having fabricated quite few of these things (phew!) I am convinced casting is the best way to go.

Let's hope this idea finds more takers than previous initiatives.

Note to Mark: Inevitably, not all members read the Traditional Net section. As this would be a Group initiative that requires sufficient participation to succeed, might this suggestion/offer go out from you as general notice, in order to reach more bodies?

[Barbelseeker]

Any chance of seeing one in the flesh - have you got one - Mr Brookes?

[Old Man River]

Maybe this is the size you would require for a larger teardrop sized net . Robust construction.....

I have made four so far, all constructed from brass bar, no brazing etc needed in the construction, made in smaller and larger sizes, all now are parts of Ingham nets , of a size large enough for anything up to about 25lb, maybe larger depending on the hoop size .

For anybody who wishes to make themselves one I can provide the methods.














OMR

[Barbelseeker]

Very similar to my bottom picture - well done "Old man river". I would think 3/4" brass bar, tapped and screwed 3/8"BSF, with suitable drilled and tapped holes, spilt with an 1/8" saw and opened, with corresponding flat bar, drilled with holes to suit above, and bent. Or perhaps bent and then holes drilled with a template to take care of the radius bends. Seriously going to get onto this construction/restoration theme next year.

[Old Man River]

Almost bang on there BS, although opening the slit without some serious heat causes the leg to fracture ... been there, done that ,




OMR