So got my hands on some actual steel screen ,gotta say it's much nice then aluminum. Got a 3'x7' roll from these guys shippings crazy fast
https://www.mcmaster.com/insect-wire-screens/



Anyway reading through old posts I think I got this set up right. Pans below jaws screen has been shaped to the pan to remove the bubble.these look right ?


These are duke fours I'm about to be setting so guess we'll see but figured I'd ask

I like the screen level with the trap. 2nd pic shows a clear depression around the jaws for coverings to settle into, especially when covering gets wet. As long as the inside jaw area is covered to hold the grass (in grassy areas) or crushed leaves (in wooded areas) , or whatever covering you use. I try forfor a level, but not heavy trap covering that is natural looking. Good luck and have fun.

Go have fun wolfy!
Jim

I use fine hardware cloth, it’s stiffer, and I cut it to fit inside the jaws, no need to tuck it under.

There is a post somewhere on making a plywood pattern for these. Looks like the a absolute best way to do it!

I think it's in the archives I believe.
I've made the forms and put a hinge on them.
It also adds a little pan tension when formed this way.
I went with a little heaver s/s screen, it added3 pounds pan tension to my yote traps.

how do you guys cut them? i can never get them "clean" i use side cutter but maybe somethign better out there.

I would use tin snips

https://trapperman.com/forum/ubbthreads.php/topics/6499683/all/screen-pan-covers-another-way
Here you go Wolfdog!

Scissors. Strong sharp ones.
Or a paper cutter.

I always make mine from used Nylon screen, so that it's very limp. I think stiff wire screen might interfere with the trap closing and allow a pull out.

Thank you that's on the list

Sooo more like this then ?

Paper cutter

I did much better with them formed to pan and under jaws, than the one that is bubbled in last pic. Try em both and see.

I like to keep the screen flat across the the pan to the jaws and then formed down. Tucked under the jaws or not, my objective is a flat screen across, jaw to jaw. .........without the screen interfering with the jaws. No pockets or low spots around the jaws for coverings to settle into that may change the appearance of my set.

"I always make mine from used Nylon screen, so that it's very limp. I think stiff wire screen might interfere with the trap closing and allow a pull out."


Big Bob, The animals foot is on the pan and on the screen when the trap fires. Foot placement holds down the screen in the middle(trap pan) to keep it out of the jaws. IMO

In a perfect world!

Cut the roll with a chop saw. Then I have a holder that I put the small roll on and use a paper cutter. Works great for me.