Taxin_that_bass

Previously i had been using the worm nose jig mold but the double lead barb just doesn't work well with the TRD baits so i finally broke down and got a midwest finesse mold. I poured a couple test jigs the other night and the first thing i noticed is that on the smaller jigs there is very little lead contacting the hook. With a small amount of force you can easily deform the lead and make the head loose on the hook. I see the mold recommends harder lead for the smaller jig sizes. What are you guys doing for this issue? I haven't painted any yet but i'd guess some good paint properly hardened will help the issue but i'm not certain? Is there something i can add to my lead to make it harder or would i need to drain the pot and get some harder lead?

So tried heating the blades up slowly, i got it to darken a little bit but not as much as i would like. I did buy some of the black blades from barlows and i modified them in the shop at work to be a coffin style by nipping the sides off with a small sheer press. The one thing i notice is that these blades are black by some sort of film or coating. Has anyone had any issues with this film or coating flaking off from use? I think i have increased my risk of that by cutting the edges off.

How do you put your bend in the blade? I'm trying to come up with a consistent process for it, but i don't want to go through the effort of making a die/forming jig to really do it right. Currently i place in a vice and tap with a hammer, its not very consistent and also wish i could get a little more radius in the bend.

Beautiful, that is the look i am going for. I have built fluid beds but i have lots of trouble with them volcano-ing and it just doesn't work for me. My only thought is that my pump is too big, although i Tee'd off another valve just to bleed off some of the air to make the pump act smaller so not sure if this is really the issue.

Wow, a lot of different responses. I might try a couple different methods and see what holds up best.

What is the best method to get stainless chatter bait blades black? I have been using a sharpie but it just doesn't look clean and wears off. I did buy some already black ones but they are pricey plus i ordered some coffin style blades from china and they only come in stainless. Anyone try that spike it blade dip? I have heard people say air brush or quick dip in a fluid bed to get a thin coat but i worry it will chip off and also change the action.

Resurrecting this thread.... I have been trying to make my own chatter baits with connector links, my first attempt i used the barlows connector links in the small size and the wire is way too soft, just the torque of the vibration bends the wire. I can twist the blade and open the wire up. Are the jann's or lure parts pretty heavy duty? I am hoping to simply crimp the open end of the link down after pouring and putting the blade in.