Walker net – the essential metal work
Posted: Tue May 06, 2014 5:43 pm
Following some interesting conversations with members and the help of Chris Ball I'm now in the process of drawing up accurate plans from Walker's own freehand sketches of his carp landing net. There has been a lot of interest in this classic 1950's net design but even second-hand modern reproductions rarely come up for sale. However, encouraged by a couple of TFF members I have decided to investigate the possibility of having a short run of the essential, but difficult to make, metal components produced. This would give anybody who is considering building such a net for themselves a significant 'leg-up' in obtaining the parts needed. (I will be speaking with other suppliers for other parts if there is sufficient interest.)
I will be meeting with a light engineering company, who specialise in very short runs, of precision components. They typically produce anything from 1 – 1,000 units. Currently my plan is to obtain a quote for the following three key metal parts of the classic Walker Net, precisely following his design (not later versions such as the B. James produced variant):
The hinge piece and the two brass bolts that locate into this piece to hold the net arms in place
The Long bolt with knurled button end
The ferrule for the end of the handle pole, drilled and tapped and with a domed bolt to locate the hinge piece and prevent it rotating.
On his drawings Walker specifies that the spreader block should be made of wood. This block holds the varnished cane arms in place and for a couple of reasons I feel this part remains best made in wood, although later designs used alloy and another materials. For now I won't be seeking a quote for an alloy spreader piece.
The viability of having a run of these parts made is going to depend entirely on cost and I will be obtaining a quote based on having five sets made and then each run-on of a further five sets made, with no upper limit. My view is that I'm happy to have as few or as many of these made as there is a demand for since this net has proved to be difficult and illusive for members to obtain. Of course the cost would reduce the more sets that are ordered. However, the production would be limited to one run and although I expect I'll have a few extras made, again depending on costs. Of course the entire project may turn out to be a non starter if the fees are excessive but for now all I'm asking is for expressions of interest with absolutely no commitment whatsoever at this stage.
Equally if there is an interest in having an alloy spreader block made in place of the original wooden one please voice an opinion…
Beresford
I will be meeting with a light engineering company, who specialise in very short runs, of precision components. They typically produce anything from 1 – 1,000 units. Currently my plan is to obtain a quote for the following three key metal parts of the classic Walker Net, precisely following his design (not later versions such as the B. James produced variant):
The hinge piece and the two brass bolts that locate into this piece to hold the net arms in place
The Long bolt with knurled button end
The ferrule for the end of the handle pole, drilled and tapped and with a domed bolt to locate the hinge piece and prevent it rotating.
On his drawings Walker specifies that the spreader block should be made of wood. This block holds the varnished cane arms in place and for a couple of reasons I feel this part remains best made in wood, although later designs used alloy and another materials. For now I won't be seeking a quote for an alloy spreader piece.
The viability of having a run of these parts made is going to depend entirely on cost and I will be obtaining a quote based on having five sets made and then each run-on of a further five sets made, with no upper limit. My view is that I'm happy to have as few or as many of these made as there is a demand for since this net has proved to be difficult and illusive for members to obtain. Of course the cost would reduce the more sets that are ordered. However, the production would be limited to one run and although I expect I'll have a few extras made, again depending on costs. Of course the entire project may turn out to be a non starter if the fees are excessive but for now all I'm asking is for expressions of interest with absolutely no commitment whatsoever at this stage.
Equally if there is an interest in having an alloy spreader block made in place of the original wooden one please voice an opinion…
Beresford