TBait

Yes, I do it all. Had to have custom machining done to handle this chore.

Yes, it does have lead.. took me quite some time and money to figure out.

It has been over 9 months since I made a bait. Fishing and a plate in my neck. The cold has arrived and the next few months will be dedicated to the hobby. The first new design.

I know of several different cranks being made in Cincy....that pull between $12.00 and $20.00 each. These guys cant make enough of them. Of course they have to catch fish....not just the fisherman.

Anyone ever try this product for rounding over crankbait bodies...help eliminate sanding? I went out and bought a Ryobi Oscilating Spindle Sander last night another part to the arsenal. Havent had a chance to use it yet....any comments on this spindle sander before I break it in? This micro router looks pretty cool... http://www.rockler.com/ecom7/product_details.cfm?&offerings_id=11177

Which colors do you use to get the see thru effect? Is it the translucents? or Candies? Any recommendations on the Chameleon colors? Never used these before and they are pricey...

Anybody know of anyone able to do runs of 500-1000? Any idea on prices of custom lips and molds? Cutting by hand takes too much time. Please advise

a belt or spindle sander is almost a must.....for this...although I prefer a band saw for cutting....it pulls in one direction in stead of getting the jumpin effect out of a jig saw. The sander is the best for detail work

http://store.yahoo.com/ecomplastics/epglasmicnem.html I believe the epoxy glass green stuff is what you want

http://www.ecomplastics.com/canbacmicnem.html

http://www.ainplastics.com/public/division/project/html/AINphenolics.html

One of the websites had the exact scales used by Lucky Craft for sale in a tape or adhesive form. I dont recall which it was, but I saw it a little less than a year ago. Do a search on luckycraft and do some surfing. They do sell this tape by itself. It was without a doubt American Shad.

I agree, your weight is going vertical into the lure as pictured on your diagram. Your weight needs to run in more of a horizontal fashion in, or as close to the belly of the lure as possible. This makes things a little more difficult than just drilling a hole in the belly of a bait with a drill bit. But, I think you will find this will cure your problems. If you are building the bait from a 2 piece design it will be rather easy to get the cavity that you need. If your are building from a 1 piece(solid)block of wood it may be more difficult. I dont build from a 1 piece design. Perhaps someone else on the site may help you. With a two piece design just chisel/cut/your cavity before glueing the 2 halves and wire together. I pour my lead after the halves are glued. You could also glue in a precast piece of lead if you prefer to do this rather than risking the burn effect on softer woods like balsa.

I will switch back to propane. ..

I am using bulk shotgun shell shot, to melt down for my lead. Only because it was free. Could this lead shot be the problem?

Is it possible to overheat lead, for a pouring or casting situation? I use map gas instead of propane and the lead seems to set up quicker than when I used to use propane. Is this just my imagination? I am using different types of molds. From wood to metal to putty. I know.....dumb question.

http://www.jannsnetcraft.com/Content.aspx?src=home.htm

I have a different opinion...on Etex. Never had it crack ever nor have I had it not completely cover. I am not sure.. Yes, I am talking about 3 topcoats after all painting is complete. Just not sure....why dont you just ask Gary? He fishes alot of tournys close by....I am sure he wont tell you, even if he were using ETEX. The Wee Bait is was the original out of SWest Ohio and it still is. His finish is alot thicker than Gary's finish. I am pretty sure that the Weebait is finished in something similar to flexcoat. Ask Richoc he may be able to tell you....he is very familiar with this product.

Something is not being done correctly with ETEX. You must be hanging the bait rather than putting it on a drying wheel. With 3 coats of ETEX on a drying wheel,I can make any bait look like Glass. Gary Dees topcoats are extremely thin and to be honest I wonder....if that is a good thing?..I personally dont think so.

I would have bet it was ETEX. Just too clear for epoxy glue......Great work and a Great Topcoat...There you have it guys....

Fantastic....and in 2 days.... Wow.. Just curious what the topcoat is on this baby.

It does get clearer than that.....always use Envirotex.... that is as clear as it gets! Aint that right Richoh and Chip...???

My point was that I get zero...nada....nothing as far as bubbles when using Etex... I know how to use it properly.(Its the perfect finish). I cannot get this kind of finish using Devcon. If someone can lead me to the same quality finish using Devcon.... I will consider trying it again. That is what I am looking for,,,,, zero tolerance as far as clarity yellowing and bubbles. I already have found the answer....ETEX. The only drawback...drying time...and I have a drying wheel... so that is not really a problem.. Can the same be acheived with Devcon??? That is what I am asking? I have seen numerous baits finished with epoxys different brands and the results are all the same.. The only advantage I can see is the drying time and the availability due to WalMart being everywhere...Of course anyone on this site has the ability to purchase products via the internet...and that would allow them to get ETEX. You can flame a lure with Etex... bubbles will dissipate and then wait and reflame again in a half hour and the finish will be perfectly clear...Even with the Etex having just been mixed and full of bubbles. It will clear itself right before your eyes! I use mapp gas... really quick passes.

I would really love to see devcon on a bait that is finished correctly. I cant imagine devcon drying without air bubbles..... I have tried it in the past and the air bubbles will not disipate. How are you applying devcon to eliminate these air bubbles? Or are you just living with them? I cant tolerate air bubbles. Of course pictures wont show me what I need to see...so who has a bait they want to sell....finished with devcon with the best possible application of this stuff? I must see the perfection of Devcon.

Nice bait U63405! Great colors!