gunnie3035

Dry Creek Outfitters make the best tubes in my opinion. They are an Idaho based company. I think Kamakazie makes a brown grape tube as well. Both have websites and are available direct or from places like tackle warehouse.

Several companies in the North West offer a PBJ color, but they call it brown grape. When it comes to custom tubes the Idaho/Washington boys make the best in the country.

Ever sit and ponder why three of the best painters/tackle makers gave the same answer, but yet the sharpie posts ran on for 3 pages???

I also use harbor freight flux brushes; $2.99 per 36pk.

I guess I do it wrong because I always leave the tape on. I carefully trace the tape with an exacto knife before I remove it.

I use the water based all the time. It sprays pretty good, but it will dry fast on the needle and clog often. A drop or two of retarder solves the problem.

You will love an open top gravity feed. I can sometimes shoot 3-4 colors before I have to clean it out. I had to cheat and switch to a Iwata hi-line brush for thin lines and small details. Best investment I ever made.........

There is a wax we use at work that will take scratches out plastic material. I believe it is the same type of wax used for fixing music cds and DVDs. I bet it would work. I will get the name off the bottle when I get there.

I think your absolutely right Mark. The mistake I made was cutting the clay model before I poured a master. At the time I was thinking if I make the cut then I can build a mold for each piece therefore all the baits would be exactly the same. Then I wouldn't need to cut the joint in each bait. RTV cost also played a role at $32 per pound after shipping. Looking back I should have molded a master first, made the cut or cuts, and then poured a production mold. I suppose I could hot glue the master back together, fill in the cut with clay, and make another mold. Live and learn I guess... I sort of built this thing on a spur of the moment idea. And I had some old plex glass hanging around I used for a bill until the lexan arrives. I also had some circuit board bills too. I didn't use them at first because I thought with the weight of the bait smacking things from time to time it may not be durable enough. But after installing one on the rat it swims great. I think the circuit bill is a better option. It cuts through the water better and has enough flexability to give a little vibration to the bait. I tried to break one and they are pretty tough........