Falconry Anklets and Bewit

Federico Lavanche
-
0
Falconry Anklets and Bewit

Sierra Exif JPEGAnklets

Also called braclets or cuffs

Anklets are simply a single piece of leather with a grommet to hold them on. But, I’ve added an extra piece. This idea came to me one day when I lost my bird. Due to a mistake by me, my bird took off. Normally this would have been OK, just call her back right? Well it was during the molt and she was pig fat. I eventually got her back, but it got me to thinking. Every now and again, I hear of someone finding a bird with jesses on. The bird somehow makes it to an animal shelter and the long process of finding the owner begins. Meanwhile, the owners are frantically trying to locate their bird. The process of looking up the band number and locating the owner can take several weeks. Provided they even have a band on them. Some states do not require you band your wild caught red-tail. So, I got to thinking. What does the bird always have on? The anklets. So why not put your phone number right on the anklet? If you loose your bird, and it ends up in the animal shelter, they can contact you right away. Nuff said.You will need tooling kip and number stamps to do this anklet. The stamps can be purchased from Tandy Leather, or Papa John’s Toolbox. Or Google metal number stamps.The actual sizes will vary for your bird. This anklet will fit a female red-tail.1. Cut the top figure (anklet) out of a soft yet sturdy leather. Cut the bottom piece (plate) out of tooling kip.

2. Mark the center line for your stamping. Before you start stamping, wet the leather slightly. You want the leather damp, but not soggy. Allow it to soak in for a few minutes. When the leather looks dry, but is cold, it is ready to stamp. Make sure you use enough force when stamping to make a good deep impression. A few test strikes on some scrap is a good idea. Let it dry. You may want to dye the leather to make the numbers stand out more. Be sure to coat it with a leather sealer to waterproof it.

3. There are two ways to attach the leather plate to the anklet, glue alone or glue and sew it. I find the glue/sewing to be the most durable, but it is a lot more work.

Glue – Place the plate on the anklet and trace out where it will go. Use fresh contact cement and apply it to both the anklet (only where the plate will go) and the plate and allow to dry. Then carefully position it and press it on. As you press it on, form the anklet into a bit of an arch.

Sewing – Sewing requires you to make stitching holes first (after it’s been glued on). Using an awl or a Dremel with a tiny drill bit, make the stitching holes all the way around and through both the plate and the anklet. Using a good leather thread, thread both ends with a needle and insert one needle through the plate and the anklet. Now it’s just a matter of sewing all the way around. Insert the needles from both sides into the same hole shown here. Pull each stitch snug against the leather. When you go all the way around, pull each needle through just one thickness of leather. You now have the thread between the leather pieces. Tie a good strong knot and tighten it so it ends up between the leather pieces. This way you don’t have any knot showing.

METHOD #2
If your using kip for the anklets, then you can stamp your phone number right on the anklet and skip all the sewing.

I like kip for anklets. The leather is strong, yet thin and light. I use leather that is 2 – 3 oz in weight. For larger birds like female red-tails you might want to use 3-4 oz leather.

 

Traditional Bewit

A bewit is a temporary strip of leather to hold the bells, telemetry and reward tag on your birds leg. Use a very soft, thin leather like kangaroo for this.1. Using the diagram on the left, cut a bell pad. This is used to prevent the metal of the bell from rubbing against your birds leg.2. Cut the bewit as shown above. Don’t make it any narrower than 1/4″. It will be too weak. The length is approximate. You don’t want it too tight or too loose.

4. Roll the end exactly the way you do when making leather jesses. Cut the slits as shown above.

5. Thread onto the bewit, the bell pad, a reward tag, if you have one, the bell and the other end of the bell pad. The bewit is attached as shown here.

A Better Bewit

I was out flying my bird one season. All was well, when I noticed when my bird flew past me, it was very quiet. I walked over to where she landed and noticed she had lost not just one of her bewits, but both of them. I lost in that fiasco, a beautiful set of bells, a reward tag and a telemetry transmitter. I never did find that darn transmitter. With that, I decided to design a better bewit and this is what I’ve come up with. I have never lost one yet.

You will need shoelace grommets also called eyelet grommets. These can be found in your local fabric store. These grommets are a very small one piece grommet. You will also need the gommet setter. The whole kit is only around $5 – $8.

You also need rivets. These are the two part rivets that are used in leather work.

The diagram on the left shows the two parts you will need. You can use any leather you like. Kangaroo works great for the smaller piece. I don’t have any dimensions for the smaller piece because it will depend on the size of the larger piece and the size of your bells and or telemetry.

Punch small holes on each end of the larger piece and set the shoelace grommets in them.

Align the smaller piece with the bewit and punch a hole through both pieces at the end of the smaller insert. Set a rivet at one end of the insert. Thread your bell, reward tag and/or telemetry and set the second rivet at the other end.

These are easily attached to your birds leg by using a small cable tie. Simply cut the cable tie at the end of the day.

Thank you to: Kathie Miller

http://www.squidoo.com/making-falconry-equipment

Falconry Jesses

Federico Lavanche
-
0
Falconry Jesses

Geti semplice falcoLeather Jesses

Making leather jesses is so easy, there is no reason not to have plenty on hand. Start with a good leather. The thickness is important. Too thick and they are too heavy and hard to work with. Too thin and yourbird will easily break them. It’s important that the leather isn’t too stretchy as well. Some falconers like to use kangaroo. I’m sure it’s a good leather to use, I have a psychological problem with it. It’s so thin, I don’t trust it. That’s not to say it’s not good leather. I would just rather use something thicker. It’s going to be a bit of trial and error until you find the thickness you like.1. Cut two pieces 7/16″ x 12″
2. Roll one end three times. (If you are using a thicker leather, rolling it twice will be enough) Using a marker, mark across the roll. This will be where you punch your holes.3. Unroll the jess and transfer the marks from the side to the middle of the jess. Using a large hole punch, punch at these points. Be careful not to go to large, It will make the leather weak at the sides.

4. Taper the other end to a point.

5. Use a generous amount of jess grease on the leather to make it slip through the holes easier. Re-roll the jess and align the holes. Using a pair of forceps or needle nose pliers, insert through the holes and grab the other end of the jess. Carefully work the end through all the holes and pull the end through until the knot is tight. It might take a bit of work and you might need to add more jesse grease.

6. Using your swivel, mark the length of the slit at the other end. Use the smallest hole on your hole punch and punch a hole at both ends of this mark. With an exacto knife, cut the slit from hole to hole. The tiny holes at the ends of the slit prevent the leather from tearing.

This will make a pair of jesses 9″ long.
If you are making flying jesses simply eliminate the slit at the end.

 

Parachute cord jesses

Parachute cord jesses are incredibly strong. My daughter used them with her red-tail for 7 years and never had any problems with them. My only complaint about them was they tend to be a little slippery. But other than that I have no problems with them. For about $2.00 you can pick up around 20′ of cord. This is enough to make about 6 pairs of jesses.You can get paracahute cord from any Army surplus store. Or you can order them on line. Vermont’s Barre Army Navy store online is where I get mine. It comes in a wide variety of colors.

Cut two pieces 18″ long. Remove all but one of the inner cords. If you accidentally remove them all, don’t worry, it’s pretty easy to thread one back in. With a hot exacto blade, melt the ends to prevent any fraying. Be careful not to melt the ends shut.

Make two marks measuring 10″ and 10 1/2″ from one end. (Fig 1.) With a hot blade, cut a slit between the marks. The hot blade melts the edges to prevent fraying.

Pull the small inner cord up through the slit, leaving it inside the short end. Tie this to the long end very tightly. Now, this is the only tricky part, pull the cord through and work the end into the slit and out the other end (Fig 2.) This takes some work as the end does not want to thread into the slit easily.

Once you work it through, even up the ends. (Fig 3.)

Tie a knot at the end and melt it together. Cut a button from a thick piece of leather and slide it on up to the knot (Fig. 4). The size of the button depends on the size of the grommet you are using on the anklets. This is an extra precaution to prevent the knot from working its way through the grommet.

Parachute jesses are extremely strong, yet very light. They can be used for the smallest bird up to the largest red-tail. They don’t become hard and brittle like leather and they can be washed. They are so cheap to make you can have several extra pair on hand.

Braided Jesses

This is a buttonless style jess.

Just like you braid leases, you can also braid jesses as well. Follow the instructions for braiding the buttonless leases.The braided mason line and the 130# Dacron are perfect for jesses. This braided jess is a buttonless style1. Cut 4 strands 36″ long
2. Even the ends and find the center. Back up 1″ and braid using the 4 strand round braid for 2″.

3. Double the braid and pair up the strands making 4 double strands. Braid the first 3 or 4 times as tightly as you can. After this braid with a relaxed hand for a more flexible braid.

4. Continue braiding with the 4 strand round braid for 71/2″ – 8″.

5. Separate the strand into two bundles of 4.

6. Braid each bundle to 1 1/2″

7. Bring the strands back together again and again pair up for 4 double strands.

8. Braid for 1″. Start dropping one single strand at a time like you did for the tapered end of the leash. When you are down to 4 single strands, braid a few more times and then cut the ends even and melt. Go back and cut the loose ends and melt them into the jess.

What you end up with is a loop at each end. One end has a small tab. This end goes through the grommet on the anklet. The tab will help you grab it when you want to remove the jesses. The other end then goes through this loop like the leash. The loop at the other end (without the tab) then goes through the swivel.

Jesse Grease

Jesse grease is used to keep everything leather soft and subtle. I’ve even put it on my braided leashes and flying jesses to keep them a bit more waterproof. You can, of course buy jesse grease online, but for the same amount of money, you can make enough to last you several years.

1 ounce of beeswax
1 1/2 ounce of paraffin wax
10 ounces of mineral oil

The wax can be found in many craft stores.

Cut the beeswax and paraffin wax into smaller pieces and put into a GLASS jar. Melt the wax in the microwave, giving it a stir every now and again. Never use anything else but glass. The wax gets so hot, it will melt just about anything else. Use a jar with a large lid and you can store the jesse grease in this.

When all the wax is melted (it will take some time) add the mineral oil and mix well.

To use this grease, simply dip your fingers into it and smear on the leather. You don’t have to heat it back up to use. Rub into the leather well and use a paper towel to wipe off any excess. Any you have on your hand can be rubbed into your hands just like a hand moisturizer.

 

Thank you to: Kathie Miller

http://www.squidoo.com/making-falconry-equipment

Falconry Leash

Federico Lavanche
-
0
Falconry Leash

Falconry Leash

Climbing Rope Leash

One of the easiest ways to make a leash is with climbing rope. It’s extremely durable and resists even the strongest bird that likes to pick at their equipment. A good weight for a red-tail hawk is 5-6mm rope. Anything larger is just too heavy. This size ties well and is not too cumbersome. Here are some resources for rope. The only problem with buying on line is you have to buy a lot more than you need. If you have a store you can visit, you can usually buy their rope by the foot. Each leash is only about 3′ long so buy about 12′ to make several.

Here are a couple of good supplies of mountain rope
REI
Mountain Gear

All that is required for this leash is to melt the ends to keep them from unraveling. At one end you want to tie a large knot so it won’t go through the swivel. Here is a knot that is nice and round and stays a good size. Cut a 3′ length of rope and melt one end neatly.

Fig 1 shows the beginning of the knot. Be sure to leave enough end length to finish the knot. You will probably have to do it a couple of time until you get enough without wasting to much.

Tighten by pulling the end and the loop at the top. Working the rope so it lays flat and smooth.

Fig 2 – Bring the end across the wraps and to the back, then through the loop at the top. Hold the knot at the wraps and pull the longest end. Pull this end as tight as you can. Cut off the excess and melt the end. It’s best if you melt part of the knot as well. Wet your thumb and quickly smooth the melted rope. This will bind the end with the rope. To really finish off the knot I like to use Plasti Dip. I dip it in and let it dry overnight, then apply a second coat. I’ve never had a bird work this stuff off yet. Even an eagle.

If you find the knot is still a bit too small and is in danger of slipping through the swivel, add a leather button. Punch a hole just large enough to work the end of the leash through it and work it up to the knot.

 

Braided Nylon Cord Leash

This is a braided mason line that works really well. You can get this at any hardware store. Home Depot always has it. Be sure when you purchase it, that it is braided and not twisted. The twisted comes untwisted in time.This leash has the button built in. First you need to make a button for the end. Cut a thick piece of very stiff leather a little bigger than your swivel . If you don’t have very thick leather cut two and glue them together. (Fig 1.) Punch two holes just big enough for two strands to go through.(Fig. 2)

Now you can start your leashes. I find it a lot easier to work the braids when the end is attached to something. This allows you to keep a constant tension on the braid. It’s important to keep the tension and pull the strands tight for a uniform look. When you get down to the end of the braid. Even up the ends and melt them together. It’s important to melt them well or your leash will unravel with time. Especially if you have abird that likes to pull and pick at her equipment.

Here are two different ways to braid your leash.


Four Strand Sennit – Round
Cut two strands 9′ long. String through the button
and even the ends. The pattern here is very easy.
Under two, back over one.
Start with A – under B and C and back over C
Next is D – under C and A and back over A

Alternate the opposite outside
strand. The final leash will be 3′ long. This leash has
some give and spring to it as well.


Four Strand Sennit – Flat
This is for those that like the flat leashes.
The pattern here is over two, over one.
Starting with the left outside strand (A), pass
it over the next two strands (B and C). Using the
right outside strand, (D) pass it over one (A).
Back to the left outside strand (Which is now B), pass over two, (C and D) right outside strand, (A) pass over one (B).

It seems complicated when you read it, but when you start braiding, it all becomes clear.

How Long?

9′ strands will make a leash 3′ long
7′ strands will make a leash 2′ long

Braided Buttonless Leash

This leash is called a “buttonless” leash. It doesn’t use the knot or leather button at all. I prefer this style of leash. I think it’s a lot more secure. Use the strand material of your choice. I use a braided Dacron from Melton Tackle 130# line.1. Cut 4 cords 9′ long. Melt all the ends. Even up the ends and find the center of the cords. Now back up 1 1/2″ and start braiding. Braid a 4 strand round as above for 3″

Double the braid in half and pair up the strands so you now have 4 double strands. The illustration at the left shows only three strands but it’s the same as 4 strands. When starting the double strand braiding, use a tight tension for the first several braids. This will make a nice tight braid at the beginning. You can now use a more comfortable tension for the rest of the braid. Continue braiding the 4 strand round as above. Even up the ends and melt.

To use this style of leash, insert the loop into the swivel and bring the other end up and through the loop, pull snug against the swivel.

Tapering the end of a braided leash

When getting to the end of the braid, one way to finish the end is to taper it down. This makes for a better end with less bulk. Here is how you do it.As you get closer to the end start dropping one of the double strands. Drop one and braid a couple of times, drop the next one and braid a couple of times. Continue until you are only braiding with single strands and braid a couple of times. Now even the ends and melt well. Go back to each end and cut a little away from the leash and burn it down to the leash. Wet your thumb and quickly smooth the melted strand into the leash. Do this with each end.

Finishing the braided leash

When the leash is attached to the swivel, it can be difficult to grab hold of and get it loose enough to remove. Here is a way to grab it easily. Were going to make a braided tab.

1. Cut two cords 6″ long of the same material you made the leash from.

2. Bring the ends through the loop at the end of the leash and even up the ends. You now have 4 ends.

3. Braid the cords using the round 4 cord braid as described above for at least 1″.
When you start the braid, use a lot of tension so the tab sits tightly against the loop. After 4-5 braids, you can relax and finish the tab.

4. Cut the ends even and melt well.

When you want to remove the leash from the swivel, grab the tab and pull. The leash is now loose and can be removed easily.

Setting the braid

After you have completed the braiding you need to “set” the braid. There are two ways to do this.

1. Roll the braid between your hands. Use a vigorous action and work your way along the entire braid.

2. Set the braid on the floor or table and place a piece of wood over it. With your feet or hands (don’t put your feet on the table) roll the braid. Don’t be afraid to use pressure.

Your braid will now have a more uniform look and the braiding will have settled into each other.

1...107108109...147Pagina 108 di 147