littleriver

Micrometers work well. http://www.google.com/products/catalog?client=safari&rls=en&q=digital+micrometer&oe=UTF-8&um=1&ie=UTF-8&tbm=shop&cid=18147350575456712707&sa=X&ei=ZqZ7T9XnHsvMtge5qrm-CA&ved=0CLUBEPICMAQ#ps-sellers Divide the width by 2 then use this to mark http://www.woodcraft.com/product/2003483/35923/wheel-marking-gauge.aspx

Young Forge It's position is important. There are many factors to consider and i completely agree with Dave's advice. To understand what went wrong, you must think of the bib and it's relationship with other parts of the lure. Things like Toe eye position, ballast position. and lure shape. If you would like more specific advice on this particular lure, post a picture. Vic

Enjoyed the vid Dieter! The first spinner in the video with a squid head. Is it a factory bait? Really liked the hammered spinner on this bait. Also looked like some of the first spinners in the spinner section had shell casing bodies 22 calibur maybe? Are the homemades? Also enjoyed the bana thread. Really surprised by how little weight was used and it is at the nose of the bait. The photo with them in the water in the outdoors shows the tail portion setting really low in water for this weight position. I guess the oil soak really took alot of buoyancy out? Thank you for sharing some great information! Vic

Mark I agree with you. Every time i find myself building a specific lure for someone, my freedom to build what i want is suddenly gone. Work is exactly it.

Mark As i understand the description you have given, it is due to the weight distribution. Moving ballast away from the center of gravity and to the rear will cause the bait to have a wider wobble. As far as line tie being taller, i do not think this will have much affect on wobble. i have done a few tests with extended line ties. Moving the line tie closer or further away from lure body along the bill will affect wobble significantly but this was not changed by a taller line tie. To test this, you may be able to shorten the long line tie by pulling wires from the bottom of bib matching other line lies height. To keep my thru bill line ties consistent (looking pretty), I use a small nail to form the line tie.

Double D what sort of bait are you making from your basswood? Topwater, sinking , swimbait. The answer will influence which type of sealer to use. If your looking for quick and cheap, and max buoyancy, then the water method may be used. The water method: First, dip sanded bait in water and let dry. Next, sand down all raised pores until bait is smooth. Continue this process of wetting,drying and sanding until not more raised pores after wetting and drying. If a sinking bait is wanted, then soaking in a 50/50 mix of boiled linseed oil and mineral spirits in a mason jar would do well. Wally world should have it. Lowes for sure. The longer the soak the deeper the penetration and the more buoyancy will be lost. Depending on the desired outcome 24hrs to a few days may be required. After soaking, allow bait to dry until it odor has gone away or at least considerably less smelly. Usually at least a few days to a week or more. After sealing, I like this stuff http://www.google.co...IwAw#ps-sellers It may be brushed on or dip the bait in it. Two coats will be enough for most baits. Acts as a sealer , primer and base coat all in one. May be purchased at wally worlds. Allow at least 24 hrs to dry between coats . After drying, your ready to paint.

Very Funny Dave. Really enjoyed your blip diary. Thanks for sharing. I need a drink after the read. Been there myself. Not literally of course but big fishing trip to some promised lake in a new setting with great expectations. Only to leave empty handed at great personal expense. Some very nice blips as well. Really like the shot of the lake. Looks so promising. You missed a pretty big spot with sunblock. I make point to cover those places you missed at the expense of all else. Who knew we had so many muscles on our face and we use them every minute of every day. Finally, that muffler burn was scary. I know this pain well having ridden motorcycles since I was old enough to hold one up. From the sound of the read it was the lesser of two evils. I would have liked to have seen a blip of the cliff. Maybe next trip? Heal up my friend and keep the blips coming. Vic

Bob So heat setting paint is not recommended with sanding sealer. What prevents a finished bait sealed with sanding sealer from bubbling after a hot day on the boat? I know many are made with it and they do not have the problem with hot summer day on the boat.

Woodieb8 When I first stated making baits I used sanding sealer with lacquer paints but quickly left after experiencing air bubbles in paint when the bait got hot. I thought maybe it was due to not letting the sealer dry properly or humidity issues when applied to bait. Since your familiar with the product, any thoughts about what may have been giving me grief? The other thing about deft sanding sealer is how loud the smell. For sure a ventilated activity.