Tuna

I continue to search for the most time and cost efficient method to blacken buzz bait blades. I plan to try a mixture of D2T, isopropyl 91% and alcohol friendly powdered wood dye(Keda). I hope to thin it enough to coat using my finger application method then hang delta point up. Got this idea from model plane modelers and wood turners who have had success using urethanes or Gorilla glue mixed with laser toner or Keda for thin coat blackening. Comments always welcome.

From my April 2018 post: "I have now finished 300 baits with just 2 1/2oz of each part of Devcon 2-ton epoxy. Included in this number are 30+ spooks, sammy's and WP's. I use 2 oz. plastic cups. Place a cup on a digital postal scale and set the tare. Then weigh out 145g of hardener and 155g resin. Mix the epoxy for 30-40 seconds, then add 4ml of 91% isopropyl alcohol. Mix another 30 seconds. For application I wear a 5 mil latex glove from Harbor Freight using my index finger only. I have a small craft paint brush to hit tight spots gripping with my other fingers. Using this mix I can finish do 8-10 baits in 10 minutes depending on size. The isopropyl extends the work time also by 4-5 minutes. All baits go on a rotisserie for 30-40 minutes, then get hung to complete curing. I achieve a fairly thin coating so the blank's scales and gill plates show nicely." Yes you can feel the surface textures of the plastic blank. After using this finger method of application I would n't use a brush again! Update: After having a season that 4 of us made hundreds of casts with Warts, 1.5's and DT's in river and lake rocky bottoms I can attest this finish has not chipped or released in any manner. Of course some have break-in scars and scratches, but without finish coming off.

Anyone had success with a blade dip like the Aluminum Black Metal Finish from Birchwood Casey? Have a large quantity of aluminum buzz blades I want blackened with a thin coating and durable. Don't want to oxidize. Or how about the blade dip at Hagen's? Please direct me Obi Wan Kenobi of the Lure Force.

Can't go wrong on this site. These wise men steered me to several tools and shortcuts making stuff. Kind of a creators/inventor's knowledge pool. I now have some tapping brushes with (Cadman), a Badger hobby airbrush and a Griffin Odyssey Spider(Smalljaw) and always helpful and supportive comments from Mr. Poulson. Btw Mark, I think I saw something posted on another forum about a Tracker boat. I had one too! I just wish I had it in California.

Thanks everyone for your replies. decided to purchase from Hagens.

clemmy, thanks for the advice. I'm looking into it.

Thanks for your guidance. I will look into the alternatives.

I plan to do 200 large spinners out of .035 SS wire. Twisted loop eye size 1/8" to 5/32" ID. I would like opinions on an inexpensive wire forming tool that would make nice uniform loops. Thanks in advance.

Totally agree with smalljaw and cadman. It does seem to be very touchy on the amount of heat. I recently did some cap nuts. It took a few tries to get it to lay right. Did not use a fluid bed. First dip had so much paint on it I scraped it off with a wooden craft stick prior to baking. I didn't notice any drips in the oven though. For rough work ok, for pride work skip.

There is a small slot cut into the lead balls. I inserted toothpick into those to paint. Actually made the SS clip fit a bit tighter.

Nope, just being creative. Plan on using the large sizes for slow fall paddletails and creatures. The small size in bright silver attached to #2 gold aberdeen hooks with a mono bait keeper for crappie. Like the concept?

Should work as inline swing heads. Hand painted with nail polish, I used the cupped bottom of an individual yogurt container to mix colors. The plastic cups used are Acetone proof. Just removed the wire clips, stuck the point of a toothpick in one side and rotate. For drying I just stuck the toothpicks into a piece of 1" thick blueboard. Did all my lead worm weights too! Easy and low cost.

Hell Mark the Tuna's in the hard water season. I would try it if I were in Cali. Hey, you ever run into the Tactical Bassin' guys? Maybe that avatar fish hit a Hud '68?

Anyone tried this? Thought maybe it's a hack with little value.

This is such a "duh" on my part. Dove into my seldom used jig archive and found these. Looks like my killer is a Slo-Poke w/dressing.

While I was searching for hooks I came across these. Look very interesting. Suppose you can weight them as you wish.

Nice recipe Rob. I will be sure to try. I like the use of the common items to customize creations. I see some guys incorporate mono. I use #20 mono to make an extra barb on a long shank jig head for trailers and also to make my own pitchin hook keepers. I also like using shrink tubing (3m adhesive 4:1 shrink tubing) as mentioned above by smalljaw. The hook spec. saves me the trial and error (expense) too! Thanks.

Like your avatar. Like the bug-eye design! I have basic tying tools and vise. I used to tie my own 1/16 dart heads with flashibou. Looks like some type of barbell for weight, I do have some tungsten beads that I could try and what type of hair? I have some Hareline extra select craft fur coming. I would probably add a couple strands of flashibou to the mix. What hook is that? A #2 or #4? Thanks.

Used to buy these at a dime store. Usually used white ones, guess that explains why I still have this one. Kind of looks like a midge. I may try tying some using lead wire for the body. That is unless someone knows where they can be purchased.

ravenlures is there a quick way to move this post?

used to buy these at a dime store. Usually used white ones, guess that explains why I still have this one. Kind of looks like a midge. I may try tying some using lead wire for the body. That is unless someone knows where they can be purchased.

Can't believe this thread has survived this long. I always weigh, add a bit of 91% Iso Alc. to achieve a thinner coat, stretch working time and have the ability to coat more baits. Have not had one fail to cure out in 35 batches, about 340 baits coated. Mix how you choose I guess.

Is there a source for cavitron buzz blades? Mold for heads? Figured there are knock-offs available. They are crazy good buzz baits once you remove the stock skirts and replace with fine rubber skirts. You have to watch the weight tho.

Here's the one I use. Have two. Measured three different items on both scales. Matched. https://www.ebay.com/itm/0-1Gram-Precision-Jewelry-Kitchen-Herb-Electronic-Digital-Pocket-Scale-2000g/371961704005?epid=500505603&hash=item569aa52e45:g:U2sAAOSwQ7hazUnJ

You did $.02, so I'll up it a penny. Have any of you mixed your epoxy, then dumped it on aluminum foil? I know it removes bubbles from FlexCoat (rod building).