Converting Welder's Glove?

[Bridget]

I am really sorry if there has been a thread on this already..but i didnt see one, so here i go:

I am LEFT handed, and my uncle gave me his right-handed welder's glove, and i am wondering if i can convert it into a falconry glove. I kinda wanna suprize my sponsor and show him it in the end! Got any suggestions? I have the right handed welders glove, scrap leather from the left handed welders glove, and other odds and ends for it. Any ideas or suggestions on it? Thanks so much you all, gotta go about to storm here!(Lighting like crazy...)

FG

[Falcon Boy]

Depends what you want. All i would do is add a D ring on the cuff [ i like mine back towards the back of the glove on the cuff, ill find a pic and attach it.] Then add a field leash onto that and your set. Thats all i would do, i dont like having tons of stuff on my glove, although i've seen people put extra jesses and grommets for jesses and such on there.


^thats where i like my Dring

[kurt]

I just added a grommet to the cuff to tie the leash through. I keep a pair of welders gloves in my truck for emergencies. (Like leaving you glove in your other vest.)Kurt

[flyfisher]

i would just add a D ring and perhaps a tassel to make it look more "pro" but thats about it. perhaps some grommets to hold jesses.

[oldguy]

Keep it simple. First of all, wash the glove in mild soap and warm water to remove most of the dye. That will be healthier for your bird to eat from (my opinion).
Lay the wet glove out flat until damp/almost dry. Then wear the glove dry. This will help it really fit your hand better. Rub in a natural type leather conditioner and melt into the leather with a blow dryer. Don't over heat the glove.
The D ring can be attached on a strip of leather the same width as the ring. Use strong leather and keep it short and close to the glove. Use a rivet.

I personally like a ring to be positioned at the point just below where your thumb meets your wrist. Seems handier and less leverage working against you. Keep it low enough where your birds talons won't tangle.

You can add as many tassels, etc. as you want. just keep in mind the less there is to catch on brush and fences the better. A thong of some kind can be handy to hang the glove up when not in use.

Have fun !

[ootpick]

do you need to re-enforce the welders gloves at all? I thought I read somewhere that you should add an extra layer of leather where the bird will be standing.

[moredtailboy]

your left handed so the rightg handed is perfect you bird is on the hand you dont write with

[oldguy]

A regular farm store cowhide welder should be fine for a redtail size raptor. If you buy a fancier TIG welder made of elk skin, you may need another layer over thumb and first three fingers, maybe not.

Welders are under rated. There is alot you can do to make them great falconry gauntlets, and they're usually machine washable. When they get too stiff and funky, throw it away and buy another for under $15.

Keep them as clean as you reasonably can, and they should give you two seasons of hard use.

[kenbro77]

yea I bought a heavy duty pair of welder gloves that I will use for manning and every day use. I also have a nice gauntlet from Northwoods that I will use when I have my bird out hunting and showing her off . You know to enhance the traditions, lol.

[birdguy888]

I only use welders gloves. I find it absolutely rediculous that people pay hundres of dollars for a "falconry glove" out of Northwoods. I put a gromment through mine also to tie a leash onto if needed of if I happen to have a skittish bird on a kill I use a quick snap tied to the glove that I can quickly snap onto a jess. With the bird on your right hand the only problem to be forseen is you won't be able to shake hands of falconers and other people you meet in the field or at events!

[uthawker]

heres my glove,I just punched a few grommets and attached a leash with a swiveling clip, and made a tassle out of the other glove.

[Falcon Boy]

It's a regular welders glove, with a brass grommet & a shower rail clip
attached, to be used as described in 1 of my previous posts.
The tassle is from a saddlery store/outfitters ,$5, I don't use it but could be
used on an appropriate glove for ' cosmetic decor '
Regards manok

[kenbro77]

eddie i just bought the nice glove to show off and because I can, I agree I will use my welding glove most of the time. uthawker I really like that design. manok have you used the shower clip yet. Just wondering if that really will hold up.

[birdguy888]

The shower clip is a nifty idea. I've personally also used a binder ring. These are just temporary uses as once we have our bird under control we apply the swivel and leash anyway. I'll admit that is the first time I've seen a shower clip.......pretty smart idea!

[manok]

Eddie, I don't know about the security of a binder ring as well as using the clips off the end of a dog leash, I've seen the dog clip used to attach a small leash to the jess whilst out hunting,
The design of the closing mechanism on the shower clip rail can come undone by putting pressure inwards & not by forces pulling north/south, up/down, east/west, which is the angle created if the bird should bate or I fall over & release my grip on the leash.
I could using the small imitation climbing clips which are spring loaded,but don't trust the spring inside as well as, minimal pressure will open them.
I will never fly my bird with any hole/slit in the leash.
I have noticed on several photo's & videos, birds with slits & holes punched in their hunting jesses & can't understand the need.
When your bird returns to the glove can't the falconer secure the bird by wrapping the jess around his/her fingers & then exchanging the hunting jess for a mews style jess.
I hunt squirrels in woods covered in vines & have seen a bird caught by the smallest of man made puncture holes in the jess.
It's frustrating enough when the bird catches a squirrel in the nest or has it held either side of a branch & I have to " wait it out ".
Once we resorted to chopping a tree down that my friends bird had caught in & was in the process of cropping up on.
Anyway back to " Converting Welder's Glove ? "
The shower rail clip is used to secure the bird with #18 gauge braided masonry style twine, which has a loop braided in one end, the other end doesn't & that end is threaded through the glove towards the lining & then knotted next to the lining.
The free end is threaded through both anklet grommets & then secured to the glove using the shower rail clip.
The leash is approx 4' long.
I then wrap the slack in the leash around my fingers, hood the bird & transport it.
i posted similiar info in a reply to " jessless flying "
regards to all readers