FrogAddict

It may very well be operator error but when you buy cheap its a crap shoot. Sometimes you luck out and other times...... Not so much. In the end, you get a consistant quality of product when you pay for it.

Makes sense. I'll have to see how it goes but I was at my wits end with my Neo. I should have never bought it.

Do you guys think I'll be sacrificing detail w a .5mm nozzle?

I just started using the wicked reducer because that's the only one I found at Hobby Lobby. I've been using it with the non wicked Createx paints, I wonder if that's alright. It seems to be working fine but what do I know?

I may have missed a post on this but is it available in stores? I'm reluctant to order liquids and have them shipped during the winter months. It can and does stay below zero up here.

This is my simplistic gill pattern based on the SK gill. I used gold, brown and indigo blue over a white base. These just have painted on eyes but since I built these, I've started making my own 3D eyes. I just hope it'll catch em. I'm with you guys, sometimes the painting is the most challenging and frustrating part of the process. http://www.tackleunderground.com/community/media/gallery/category_8/gallery_45642_8_955887.jpg

Mark, It's funny, I got into this because I wanted to make basic lures and now I'm talking .5 mm v .35 mm etc. What do I know, I just want the paint to come out when it's supposed to!

Mark, It's good to be back on the forum. It's the depths of winter up north so I'm back to building again. How does that stuff hold up after time? I'm concerned that it won't be much different than GST.

I like gill patterns as well but I've started making them much simpler. I caught a ton of bass last year on a SK sexy dog in gill and I noticed it was pretty simple so that's the strategy. I just posted a pic to the gallery but I can't remember how to link it here

I've stopped using gst. It just didn't hold up very well and some of the lures I sealed last year still smell. On top of all that, I didn't like how it reacted with soft plastics. I have one lure that was in contact with a plastic worm for a day or so and the gst gummed up and seemed to fall away. Now you can see the wood. It's back to good old etex for me.

I turn my lures and then use my band saw to cut the lip slot when I still have my square ends in tact. This is a pretty fool proof method for me.

I forgot to add that I use the small 2 oz plastic containers you find at fas food places. I just grab 5-6 extra whenever I stop in to eat.

I went to my local pharmacy and they just gave me a couple syringes when I asked.

I used to try lots of different and complex color schemes and it was difficult as well as frustrating. Now I try to match the hatch and up north where I fish that's mostly bluegill perch and minnows. For me I am trying to keep it simple. But then again I dont sell and I just fish for fun. I don't care about what anyone but the bass thinks about my paint jobs.

Mark, You and I have had the same issue. I have a Neo and it has a .35 mm tip. It clogs constantly and I tried everything. I finally ordered a revolution w a .5 mm tip today.

I use Etex and love it. It's easy and I don't get fish eyes or bubbles. I use the plastic throw away brushes you can buy at wolly world. I've noticed that if I stir slowly and fold the epoxy, the bubbles are minimal. Also when I apply the epoxy, I first make sure the lure is covered and then I run my brush lightly over the lure from head to tail in even strips rotating the brush to reapply any epoxy that builds up on the back side of the bristles. I would also recommend a small lamp to use for checking the lure for dry spots. I typically apply 2 thin coats.

My 2 cents on the Neo.... Stay away from it. I keep it clean, thin my createx and it still clogs and spatters and then breaks loose at just the wrong time. Last night I was just finishing up a perch pattern and it broke loose on me and ruined the bait. So today I ordered an Iwaya Revolution off of Amazon. There is no reason to spend hours on a lure and have a crappy brush make you go ballistic.

I'm going to try and print a bunch of eyes, leave them on a sheet and drop 5 min epoxy on each. Then cut them out after.

I have a NEO and recently I had an issue. No air flowing. Yes, I cleaned the heck out if it. I then did some diagnosing and realized it was the valve. I called Iwata and they sent me a replacement valve body (no charge) and now it works great! I may have gotten something down in the valve, not sure but they didn't even question me, just sent a new one. If I had it to do all over again, I would have spent more money and bought a Revolution or an Eclipse. I will say that I was very impressed with Iwata's customer service. On a related note, I left my air brush to soak in restorer for a week by accident (long story) and the disposable cup I used just melted. What a mess!

I use half beads I found at Hobby Lobby.

I've never done a tape test. I just cover them with epoxy and all is good. I do heat set though.

Paul, I love your videos! I subscribed to your channel awhile ago. Thank you and keep it up! You've inspired my lure builds for sure.

I like the jig idea but I think I'm going to stick with carving and sanding for now.