Dink Foam Wanted

[zonker]

OK guys. I'm not doing very well here. I've been trying to locate some gray or charcoal colored 3/4 inch foam for making dink floats. I've checked all our local home stores and hardward stores. They carry it but only in the lightweight, easily crushed variety and not like the texture used in quality dinks. I ordered some from one of the log home stores on the web. I thought from the description that it was the good stuff. It came yesterday but it was the same kind. I've looked quite a bit but that's all I can find. Does anyone have any leads on the good stuff?

zonker

[Dragfreedrift]

Zonker- this could be a tough one to get done here in the US.....I would recommend looking up in BC somewhere.

Try calling Ted's Sports Center in Lynwood, WA (I just bought a bunch of nice dense foam green ones.....very nice floats!)

Mike Chamberlain (the owner) gets them from some guy up in BC.....

ps- mine were less than $2 a piece......cheap!



DFD

[zonker]

Thanks for the input, DFD. I'm looking for the backer foam material for making my own dinks, not the dinks themselves.

zonker

[rvrfshr]

Zonker, Look under " expansion joint (filler/foam/rod etc.) " on your search. The last dense grey foam I had I think came from my uncle's machine shop. Pretty much all of the manufacturers will send you free samples prior to bulk purchase. Ask for samples of both open and closed cell in order to remember which to buy in the future, (that way you can let me know too as I am out too)!  Good luck, Joe

[zonker]

Joe,

Thanks for the input. I'll take your suggestion and let you know what I find in the next few days. I did find what I believe is a good source of nylon tubing for the center. I've ordered from a company that specializes in small parts. I'm hoping it will be what I need.

zonker

[First Bite]

Zonker

I know where you can get quite a bit of the thinner backing if you're interested.  This is the same size that is used on larger rags.

[zonker]

Mark,

Thanks for your input. I have a source for the thinner white backer rod. It may be the same one you have in mind.

http://www.aloghomestore.com/backer-rod.shtml

These guys even sell smaller quantities especially to fishermen for making rags. I ordered from them and their service is top notch.

What I'm looking for is a larger diameter material - 3/4 inch or even 7/8 inch or 1 inch.

I have been experimenting with the lighter textured stuff and have found that a thin coat of Plastidip over the whole outside makes what looks like it might be a fairly durable (and good looking) float. I'll report back here when I've had a chance to evaluate the results. I have yet to try shaping it as seen in the tutorial section of Steelhead Notebook.

Thanks again for your help.

zonker

[Dragfreedrift]

Zonker- apologies, I probably was not clear enough....I was trying to suggest you call Ted's Sports Center to talk to Mike so that you could get a lead on his source up in BC for foam.



BTW- I checked my receipt  and I paid $1.49 each for my dink
floats....they are a very nice (dense) foam float....best I've fished.

&

I've been fishing dinks for 12 yrs....

DFD