New Wood and Cob Floats

[Keith Ritter]

I have been trying to incorporate local woods into my corn cob floats. I have cedar and spalted ash I cut down for knife handles. I used my table saw to rip these into 1/4 in square sticks. I just pushed the stick through the pith of a piece of cob and glued them into place. I then shaped the ends with the belt sander. Tied on the eye and they are ready to seal.

[Suzanne Lazar]

Great looking float! If you don't mind my asking, what did you use for sealer?

[Keith Ritter]

I use Min Wax clear polyurethane because that's what I had on hand when I started making floats. It seems to hold up well so I kept using it.. The float in the pic stayed afloat for 20 straight days with enough weight to keep it upright.

[Keith Ritter]

These floats are made of Oak and Birch scraps from a cabinet shop ( free ) and Brazilian Walnut from a friend who installs hardwood floors ( also free ). It doesn't take a big piece of wood to make a float and these small pieces are usually discarded. These are ready for the eyes and finish.

[Keith Ritter]

Thats the wrong pic, those are ready for shaping. This is the right pic.

[carl hendrix]

real good looking floats Keith;; how long does it take you to make one??

[Keith Ritter]

I don't know, make them in steps and work on them when I can. I ll try to make one and see how long it takes. I'll let you know.

[Keith Ritter]

These are with the finish and copper eyes.