Leaderboard

When I first started making muskie baits I was fortunate to already own a table saw and I find that a very valuable tool. I buy northern white cedar, western red cedar, cherry and oak in large boards and then run them through the table saw to get the varying thicknesses I need. I use it to cut perpendicular bill slots for crankbaits of varying angles while the wood is still square. One further application is cutting sheet Lexan into strips for bills.

Not sure if posted but I go through nail files more than anything else. The kind women use on their nails. One set is 80 grit on both sides. One set is 120 one side/240 other side. I like using these over sand paper because the foam in between the grits gives it more structure, kinda like using a block, but with enough pressure curves to the bait. Kind of hard to explain but steal some from your girlfriend/wife and try it. I start with the 80 grit till I like the profile then hit it with a couple passes of the 120 before ending with the 240. Works really good on lathe baits too. Usually get a couple/few baits per file before throwing away.

Maybe try a thinner nail weight. I use drywall screws instead of the nail weights. Cheap, and thin.