Decoy question?

[Grasshopper20]

I am new to the site. I am working on some decoys. I cut my fins and glued them in with epoxy. I was then reading that I should put the front fins into the lead and pin the tail fin. Did I screw up and will my fins hold up over time with just the epoxy gluing? All advice welcome. Thanks

[PGF]

I always pin the tail in as well as the front fins. The tail is important because that gets bent one way or the other alot, same with the front fins. I think some people do, some don't, just added support for the parts that get the abuse

[jasonmichalski]

I always double pin the tail I try to make the fin get in the lead but not alway if they are not in the lead I epoxy them, with my workers I use two screws to hold each fin set in place. Your fin are probably ok but I would go back and pin the tail with a piece of wire or a tooth pick.

[Gordie]

First welcome to the HSO family Grasshopper20.

There is a lot of great guys hear with a endless supply great info.

I have made a few decoys leaded the front fins in, but didn't pin the tail after 4-5 years of the tails are loose I just reglued them in the off season. if I were to make them now I would in them.

You didn't screw them up, your only learning, and you will always be learning something new specially form all these great carvers on this site.

[Laska]

Drill a single or 2 holes in your tail, apply glue inside hole and on both sides of tail, insert and itll never fall out using 2 part epoxy, hull, johnson, lange and many other greats use this trick instead of the hassle of pinning.

I always lead in all side fins, competition or workers are always leaded in. no coming out- ever. well unless you rip them out I suppose..... Metal or wooden tails can be weighted correctly and all 4 fins locked in if properly weighted.

[pikestabber]

I am new to the site. I am working on some decoys. I cut my fins and glued them in with epoxy. I was then reading that I should put the front fins into the lead and pin the tail fin.

You learn fast, Grasshopper.

Sorry, couldn't resist