fatfingers

Thanks, Longball. The shaft fits into the motor coupler. (The motor has a coupler which is female). So I tried drilling the female coupler on the motor and threading in a set screw to lock down the shaft and remove the "play" in it as it turns. Because the coupler is cheap, soft metal, the set screw eventually strips and you're back to square one.

Vman, it isn't that the motor fails; its the linkage. There is a bar that is inserted and it comes from the factory with a rather sloppy fit. Thus, the bar "slips" a bit every time the wheel rotates. You can balance the wheel with lure placement and other weights, but the problem is only diminished not eliminated. I've also tried shimming the area where the center axis bar is inserted into the motor (that's where the sloppy fit is located). It is at best a temporary fit. I've also dismantled the motor and tried to make adjustments to the fit by way of a set screw. Because of the cheap metals used on that particular portion of the linkage between the motor and the center axis bar, it is also only a temporary fix. It is not really a function of the motor's lack of capacity to handle the weight of the lures, nor does the motor burn up and stop functioning.

I also sand between coats only when I have an flaw of some type that I wish to remove by sanding. I also apply the second and third coats within 24 hours, usually within 8 or 9.

I'll second the notion of jigging spoons. I think they are one of the most underused and effective baits out there. I've used them for walleye and smallmouth bass (from a boat) and had a blast with them. I also use them while ice fishing. Once you figure out how the fish wanted them jigged, you can usually get some quick action. I like silver or gold Hopkins Spoons, but I have some others too.

Nice looking bait and apparently the fish agree with me.

First off, your bait is really beautiful. Your choice of colors and the fades are great. As to the way it runs, it is probably the way the lip was applied. It may be canted to one side or the other or it may be that the line tie is too far forward. We all have failures from time to time so you are not alone. That you would be afraid to throw one of your baits for fear of losing it after all the work is also something we all share. Make a bunch more and you'll find the baits you're looking for. Good luck and keep up the good work.

Welcome aboard. Great site with large numbers of great people.

You and my buddy, Vodkaman, are going to get along great! You two are into all this high tech engineering stuff. I think your baits are beautiful. All I know how to do is chop wood and sling paint, but I used to make wire baits with skirts. There is a material called Flashabou and another called Crystal Flash that might look good as a skirt material for those baits. Perhaps you're familiar with it already.

Poplar provides a good choice overall and pine can be good if you choose a piece with smoother grain and no knots. I've used both for musky and they're hard to beat.