davewood

What's the largest hook I can use in an arky 1/2 oz jig mold? I like the large hooks in the hack attack jigs from strike king. Is there anything close that will work?

Should I choose a wire bender, or is there a jig I can purchase or make.

What size wire would you recomend for flatsided balsa baits.

I like the look of through wire better than the screw in hangers and line tie

I have been toiling with through wire construction, without much success. Where can I learn to do this? Is anyone willing to throw me a bone? When do I cut the lure? How do you cut the lure?(coping saw, band saw, scroll saw...) How do I put the ballast in, and keep the bait level? I understand I may have to learn this on my own, but if any one is willing to help, I would greatly appreciate it. Whenever I get to where I have tips to offer, I will be happy to do it. I have most of the tools I need except a band saw, but I will have one soon. Thanks.

Are you mixing the transparents with the white or black to get your colors? If so, maybe I should try that. I've been using the opaques. Just when I'm frustrated and need a break; I hear something else I should try. I'm also glad my bench is not the only messy one. Any tips for an olive color

Does anyone know anything about this airbrush

Is ther an advantage to thru wire contruction? I'm using screw in hangers now. What kind of wire do you use? Thanks

I have some balsa lures I want to paint. It seems I cant quite get them smooth enough. Does anyone use a filler? Also where can I get qualty balsa. I live near Louisville Ky. I dont mind ordering it either. And if there is anyone in the area who wouldn't mind showing me a few things; I would be grateful. Im really struggling with the paint.

Thanks for all the help my first few baits are coming along better than expected I'm really enjoying this so far

do you have to use aturn wheel

What is the best coating after paint? How is it applied?

I am planning to cut out some flatsided baits today from cedar. Is a noticable difference in the action from balsa to cedar? I thought the cedar would be more durable. Also what kind of belly weight should I use? I was thinking something like a small barrel sinker. Thanks.

Thanks for the help. I well aware this is a work in progress. But it's something Ive wanted to do for a long time. I tried the handmade spinnerbait route, but I've never found a real advantage to it. Not when Bass Pro has what I want in that dept. 10miles down the road, and finding quality built custom wire lures just isn't that hard. But with hard baits I feel like you are only limited by creativity. As for the dee bait; I don't necessarily want to copy it, but use it for inspiration. There will always be one in my boat somewhere. I know this is something I'll have a passion for.

I believe its similar to the laser from Ohio. I know the dee bait is made around Cincinatti. It is an excellent lure. I just hate waiting for them, or losing them and forgetting about it until next time. I also want to make something that's exactly what I want. I have the airbrush. All I need is the paint. I just dont know where to start. What kind of paint? Is there a particular grade of balsa? Are they even balsa? Sorry for all the questions. But I appreciate any help. This is something I really want to do. Im a working man, but if I worried about wasting money I wouldn't be fishin. Thanks again for all the help.