onlybass

Interesting topic. I think it's probably not so much "because that's the way it has always been done" but more because, more often than not, it mimics nature.Generally, wildlife has a darker top/back and lightening of color towards the bottom/belly.

I just want to cut a small clean circle with a raised core. Thanks for your suggestion on the spelling. I will check that out. I'm sure we are talking about the same thing just a different hole to be drilled. Yep, cuts the same way...cuts around a core "clean", unlike a hole saw (sometimes mislabled as trepanning tools) that has a pilot in the center. Same style of tools, there's about three common spellings.

Machinists call/spell them as trepanning tools. That might expand your results. Look for hss (high speed steel) tools. Just in case, you never know with the China stuff...

Does anyone know why Awesome Bait Company is not taking orders? Used to be an Ohio bait called a Darting R and ABC's Model 103 was real close.

Glass beads will not take ridges in plastic off. Crushed glass is slightly more aggressive but only "dulls" ridges but will not cut good gel-coat Rogues. The "thin paint" Rogues are quickly cleaned. Do a search on this site and you should find this info and info about "wiping" paint off with MEK. Have you tried just priming and painting over one(Rogue) and using one or two thin coats of epoxy? You may be surprised. I was. Suspend nicely.

If you try to call them as you see them...... Kathleen,that is probably one of the most impressive posts that I have seen on this site.It takes many longer than that to make one Durhams mold right or perfect one crankbait style! You must be some a-type o.c. person and that may explain clash as "likes" do that.(Its 3am est and I am in shop still- a type o.c -at least thats what some call us.) Or is the snow so deep you can't get out? You put it up and I am shutting up! In a sec. Now all that wanted it ...ANTE UP! If I ever get a great bait will you market it? Heck if shop slows I may call anyhow,bet you would give it a shot in the onlybass! Again, Impressive!

I second it.(I have 2)

MSC and Grainger(industrial supply companies with web sites) have good selections of low rpm Dayton motors for approximately $35-$70 depending on model.The weight of the lures should not create a torque issue but I would add lures to the wheel in a manner that maintains some semblance of balance.I would be most concerned how motor is mounted to frame,frame construction and how frame is secured in place during operation.I use a wheel that I "stick" lure wands in holes(evenly spaced) of the wheel axially.There are pictures on this site of wheels that hold lures radially.I do not know the capabilities of less expensive rotisserie motors but I would expect they would suffice.

Tie on a new test lure,clip the tag end, toss the bait over the side of the boat to reel up the slack and reel in nothing but slack.Priceless.Cost of polarized bifocals:$350

I would check your local upohlsterers.Many of them are slow in the winter and would like to pick up boat work and that is good timing for anglers.I had 2 bucket seats re-upohlstered for less than $200 before striking a "sponsor deal".I would request that they use plastic(ABS?) for frame and stainless steel hardware. If Stratos is charging $300 I would guess half that or more is mark-up.Might look at existing seats for manufacturer and contact directly.I have heard that insurance companies "salvage" totaled boats,but I have no idea where that outlet would be.

Not speaking for Del. Molds for injection machines are much more involved than open pour molds.Venting, runners,water channels,number of cavities etc,hence more cost.Zorn builds molds in addition to injection machines.

I am wacked.It happened in Iraq.Thats why I build tackle and fish.It helps to un-wack me for awhile.I've ate Benning clay too,thanks Blades.

Can't accept apology without giving one. I'm giving and accepting.Drive on Kathleen.

Del just made one of the best posts that I have ever seen on TU.Very honest and forthright. If anything he low-balled expenses and forgot a few.$15,000 to connect 3 phase,even if the wire runs over the shop. You have coolant disposal costs.Most vendors want annual(or more frequent) certifications like ISO or QS.Initial costs can easily exceed $50,000 or more.Annually about 1/5 the initial. If you think you are going to pay the bills making molds for lure crafters,your machine will be at auction soon. One thing that Del and Bob are too nice too talk about is bad customers.Business is learning that there are customers "who are not right."The old "customer is always right" has been ruined by the bad customer.You could tell them 2 week delivery at best, probably 3 and no more than 4 because your making parts for the war.While waiting he complains to his buddies about the wait and doesn't know why when he is paying $30/hr for machine time.You make $60/hr or more normally.You deliver it in 15 days and feeling generous give it to him because he has an old truck with a BASS sticker on it.He then goes and brags to his buddies how he raised hell and made you give it to him.By word of mouth one bad customer(or your mistake) can cost you 6 new customers.Via internet? 2,500 on this site.That is why I would not make molds for some.Maybe they won't either. You really can't blame someone for being too busy.Unless you are a kid talking to a parent. I have said this before,everyone is lucky to have Del and Bob making molds.They could easily be making alot more money elsewhere. Sorry guys, but I'm not going to needlessly compete with Del or Bob.