Hoodaddy

Willie, I have never used Testors "model" paint but have used enamels and some require light thinning. I'm sure there are others on here that have tried them or something similar. I use acrylic latexs and some laquers at times......cant stand the smell and dam sight more of a hassel to cleanup.

Yes, The box I was refering to was the one posted by APB a while back...Thanks Cuz. Could'nt remember who posted it....Part timers disease you know !!! Joe, your box is on the same line as APB's and works very well.

First of all, Welcome to the site of higher learning. You could use screw eyes for your line tie and hook hangers...or you could get some SS wire and twist your own and epoxy them in. The overall look of the lure and species of fish should have a factor in determining that. If you have'nt tried it yet jump on the Search section at the top of the screen and use key words to locate info....plenty of reading and a lot of your ??? will most likely be answered there. If you have any ?? or unsure about something there is a lot of talent on here that is very willing to help you out. Have fun....E

As for cutting/burning your own stencils you can purchase Frisket material at Michaels Crafts. Frisket is a thin tough clear plastic sheeting that has a tacky side on it (make sure your paint is set ). To even further reduce the tackiness rub it across your pant leg a couple of times. It is very flexible and works for us in a lot of applications. As for scales simple netting on a embroidery hoop works but I have seen posted on here of a homemade box with the netting loosely streched loosely over the top that seems to give you almost an extra hand ??? (poor expl.) Not sure who posted it. I believe FF or Husky also apply netting to thier baits and foil over them and burnish, giving the optimum scale effect.

Windal, There are a lot of discussions on clear coats on this board.....way too many to mention not to mention a lot of different ways to apply them and good points and bad. Do a search for Devcon or clearcoats at the top of the page and you will be busy for quite awhile. If you have ??? after that feel free to ask. There are many on here very willing to help. Welcome and happy hunting.......er I mean fishing or catching or luremaking.........well you know.

Sorry guys I was'nt condeming thru wires. If you recall an earlier post I even posted a pic of ours. We do some thru wire and we also do hand twisted eylets and hangers. Yes the thru wire is as close to perfect as you will get but on the other hand I've been on vice grips and Larry on them on the other end of the bait and we had to totally destroy it to get them to come out. I'm not saying its the only way.....just our way. And yes also the prep on the bait (wood ) has to be done to acheive this. We have not had any returned because of line tie or hanger failure. ...........E

Maybe the dopers have started sniffing it regularly and Wally just wants to reap thier benefits. Hell I sniff a lot of it ...dont do anything for me....or does it .....cant remember

Based on many factors is what wood you should choose. The most durable being the hardwoods and the easiest to sand and carve being balsa.Then take in consideration the type of wiring you want to use, thru wire gives most the sense of security that the hook hangers and line tie can never pull out although I have never been able to pull ro jerk one of ours out, but I'm not the one at the business end trying to shake a bait out of my face then the story may change. My best humble advice is to look at your choices and weigh your type of fish and come up with what suits your nneds best. Jump in and start experimenting and with the end result stand back and say look at this....I did this. There is a lot of experience here go for it and GET'R DONE Happy, frustrating, and enjoyable luremaking Welcome to the insanity

Real impressive. Great looking baits and really nice foil job....

No offense intended.....just joking.

Looks great, By the way by the looks of the other pics looks like you've been doing some catching too !!!!!!!!

Vodkaman, Check out MAXNC if you are interested in a hobby CNC Mill. Not a bad price for a self contained unit. Make sure you go with closed loop....more options and better running program. The only downfall is their support leaves a whole lot to be desired.

Yes Vodkaman we do use flux. Just a little touch on it on the iron slide it onto the wire and a touch of solder.....done deal

This is what our finshed thru wire looks like with weight inserted onto wire. We pour the weight then slide the wire into it place it on the former and voila 20 seconds later... this one has been soldered on the ends. Hope this pic works.

Palmetto, Thats exactly the way that ours is set up when we do thru wires. It is fast enough for the amount we do although we got away from thru wire. I have'nt seen a bass thst would pull out our homemade hook hangers, but we havent tangled with 15# ers. We have caught a couple of 20# shovelheads though.

Good going Nathan. I always like seeing names that I recognize being recognized. Can't hurt the buisness either.

Great looking first baits Kevin. It looks like you've been painting for awhile already. You've got the touch.

Well..........I would prefer shad pattern like the pic posted by Terry but I imagine I could repaint them although I had no intention of doing so. There is a lake near me that they just love them.

Dont know if you have already checked it out but you may want to take a look at Wasco products. They have a polytranspar artificial water that is 2 part, clear resin. Not sure if this would work but they have several different resin casting products. Just my since I have not tried casting lips.

No I'm not ghost hunting even though it may be like that. I'm looking for full sized Zell Rowland spooks in shad color. I did'nt really know where to post this since I have'nt had one like this. Thanks for any replies.