bradley4bengals Posted February 15, 2008 Report Share Posted February 15, 2008 Does anyone know how to use rc car antena tubbing to make swimbait inserts? I try searching for it and couldnt find anything. Sorry I am asking so many questions but I am very new to swimbaits and just trying to get it figured out. Thanks! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Delw Posted February 15, 2008 Report Share Posted February 15, 2008 Does anyone know how to use rc car antena tubbing to make swimbait inserts? I try searching for it and couldnt find anything. Sorry I am asking so many questions but I am very new to swimbaits and just trying to get it figured out. Thanks! its best if you place it in the mold beofre you pour. then after you pull the cooled bait out trim the ends. then get a nail and it it hot with a ligther. stick it in the hole about 1/16" of an inch. this will flare the ends. if you can get a chamfer tool it will be even better.( single cutting edge chamfer tool is the best for the rv antena's Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bradley4bengals Posted February 16, 2008 Author Report Share Posted February 16, 2008 Thanks delw, where can I get the tubing? Thanks Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bogbaits Posted February 16, 2008 Report Share Posted February 16, 2008 I use plastic oil pressure gauge hose,It cost about 4.00 for 2 feet,its bendable and holds its shapeits about 1/8 inch diameter,All I do is insert it in the bait from the mouth and push it where you need it to exit,I use a wire cutter to clip itoff even with the bait,you can use a drop of mend-it glue or pro glue to help keep it in place but ive used nothing and it seems to stay put,then run your wire through,very easy also I have used floating fly line to run through the bait,its thick and strong and can be tied easily,would not recomend it for toothy critters but for bass itworks great Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
longhorn Posted February 17, 2008 Report Share Posted February 17, 2008 Here's an online source: http://www.advantagehobby.com/search.php?mode=search&page=1 I've actually used a small coffee stirrer type straw for some inserts. It has to be put in after the bait is poured because the plastic would melt it. I use an awl to make a path then insert the straw with a little super glue and trim to fit. The antenna tubing sounds much more substantial though and hopefully will allow the option of pouring in the bait. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bogbaits Posted February 17, 2008 Report Share Posted February 17, 2008 Ive just purchased some of this oil line on ebay for a roll of 100' it was 12.00 so what a deal,I wanted to ad this line comes in a coil and when cut has a natural curve to the piece from being in a coiled postion makes it perfect if you are running the tube from the mouth of a bait to the belly,just feed it in,no need to use any tools to auger out a path,never used the antenna tube so I cant comment on it but this line is inexpensive and a harder plastic/nylon,also if you wanted to flare the ends all you would need is a small nail to twist into the opening until you get the desired flange,I have not needed to flare the ends but it may make for a nicer opening and also hold the tube in lace Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bradley4bengals Posted February 17, 2008 Author Report Share Posted February 17, 2008 thanks men I will be experimenting with all of these. Thanks for the help. Another question I had is how to weight the swimbait if it is need? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bogbaits Posted February 17, 2008 Report Share Posted February 17, 2008 For me I do it 2 different ways,On my smaller swimbaits I use a weighted hook,On my larger bluebill type swimbaits I slit a small hole in the bottom of the bait and insert an egg sinker of the weight I need, then I use mend it glue,Just a small drop to glue the slit closed,The mend it glue is awsome,You cant tell it was ever slit .The slitting process can be used on the smaller baits also Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gunnie3035 Posted February 18, 2008 Report Share Posted February 18, 2008 There are a several options available. Bullet Weights Inc, makes a hollow core wire that comes in 1/4" and 3/16" dia. It is sold in a roll for 5 or six bucks. I used to buy it at the local Sportsmans Warehouse. I'm sure you can find it elsewhere. The second option is to buy a lure body mold from Do-It. The kind used to make the old Roostertail type spinner bodies will work depending on the length you need. Aside from the weight issue, the problem I encountered with the RC antenna is de-burring the ends. It seems there is always a sharp edge wanting to cut the fishing line. If your using an aluminium mold like the chub e or bobs a little modification is needed with the pins so you can pour the plastic after the weight and/or antenna is inserted in the mold. I think I still have some pictures somewhere. If you would like them send me a PM. Whatever you choose don't use copper or brass for a insert. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bogbaits Posted March 5, 2008 Report Share Posted March 5, 2008 I just found a neat way to weight your swimbait or any plastic bait for that matter,including worms,frogs ,swimbaits,on and on,I use some 22 cal lead pellets for pellet guns,The ones with the pointed end works best but the rounded ends will work also,Just push the lead pellet in the spot you want to insert the weight and use a thin nail and push in into the bait,if you need more than one you just follow the same hole with the second,you can also get these in diff sizes for diff weights,fast ,easy and very effective,The plastic actually closes up behind the inserted lead so they dont come out,tried several already with no problems. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
longhorn Posted March 6, 2008 Report Share Posted March 6, 2008 I've bought the antenna tubing and tried pouring over it. The tubing warped in the first cavity but not in the second so it's temperature sensative. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bogbaits Posted March 6, 2008 Report Share Posted March 6, 2008 I have never tried to pour over the tubing,I use the 1/8 oil gauge tubing,I believe its a nylon/plastic mix,I just cut it to length insert it with a small amount of glue,I dont have to flair the ends as I use wire through the tube,I put a split ring on the bottom treble hook side and a duo snap swivel on the line end,Woks perfect,just another variation. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
earthworm77 Posted March 7, 2008 Report Share Posted March 7, 2008 This may sound silly but why not just use a mojo type weight? It will give you sink and the line runs through it. You certainly can pour plastic over it without it melting. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bogbaits Posted March 7, 2008 Report Share Posted March 7, 2008 Inever used a mojo weight,don,t even know what it is but it sounds like you would have no control over the weight of the bait if you cut it in a measured section,on the baits I make the tube needs to go from the mouth to the belly,if your mojo weight is lead its already to heavey and the weight is in the wrong place,I dont want weight in the insert portion,so I dont think they would work for me,I use pellets for my swimbaits for weight and can insert them easy anywhere Ineed them. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
longhorn Posted March 7, 2008 Report Share Posted March 7, 2008 In my case the mojo weight would be too much...I mainly use these baits near the surface...but great idea for deeper use. That pellet idea is great too. Thanks for the suggestions. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
earthworm77 Posted March 8, 2008 Report Share Posted March 8, 2008 Longhorn, how much weight is too much? I think that you can get the Mojo'd starting at 1/16oz or so. I was thinking no more than 1/8oz or even a 3/16oz. I'm going to try it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Delw Posted March 8, 2008 Report Share Posted March 8, 2008 in a baby e style bait the 5" version a 3/8oz weight will get it to swim at 5-8 feet on a slow roll. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
D.J. Posted March 15, 2008 Report Share Posted March 15, 2008 I have been looking at my options for inserts and was wondering if aluminum tubing and a flaring tool would do the trick. I wonder how hard the aluminum would be? I also am not sure if you could flare both ends of the tubing and still get it in. I don't know if you could flare the aluminum with a nail or something like that. I just saw it for thirty some bucks for a 12' roll. That would make a lot of inserts. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Delw Posted March 15, 2008 Report Share Posted March 15, 2008 D.J. that would work just fine, just use a light coating of oil on your flare tool. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Smallie Posted March 19, 2008 Report Share Posted March 19, 2008 Enco sells 3/16" aluminum rod in six foot lengths for $2.71. You could cut to length and drill a hole through the center. Part number is RT505-3643. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Delw Posted March 19, 2008 Report Share Posted March 19, 2008 Drilling a hole long enough for an insert in a piece of alum with a 1/8" or less dia hole on a hand drill just wont happen, on a drill press its tough and takes a while. then you need to put grooves in it so it doesnt slip. definatly need a lathe, besides you wont be able to drill a hole in 3/16 dia that deep its too narrow. and unless you have a vise that is perfectly aligned with the drill chuck you will blow out the side. not to mention the finish will more than likely suck and cut your line unless you hone or ream then inside dia. I think the best way is tubing as it already has a smoth hole in it, you just need to flare it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Delw Posted March 19, 2008 Report Share Posted March 19, 2008 Damn I feel like a dumbass, I had these things sitting on my desk for 4 months for my boat and knocked them all over the floor then it dawned on me. Aluminum POP rivits just knock the nail out of them and flare one side, they are dirt check and come in many many different sizes and lengths. you can even put them in a rivit gun and pull it so one end is a little bigger , however a flare tool would be best. even faster if you buy a flaring tool you can use the clamp , lock it around the rivit on the end then use the rivit gun, it should make the chamfer like the flare but not as big. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
earthworm77 Posted March 19, 2008 Report Share Posted March 19, 2008 Del, that is a great idea. Wouldn't the bait spin without the necessary weight though. The rivets don't weigh anything. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Delw Posted March 19, 2008 Report Share Posted March 19, 2008 Del, that is a great idea. Wouldn't the bait spin without the necessary weight though. The rivets don't weigh anything. I don't think so but they may. the stock alum inserts don't weigh much at all, nor does the plastic tubbing that some people use. there are plenty of comercially made swimbaits that use only plastic tubing and they swim fine. weight would generally be needed if your burning them in or want them to go deep. the traditional slow rolling a bait doesnt need weight. someone was looking for a cheap alternitive and thats about the closest and easiest thing I could think of. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
D.J. Posted March 25, 2008 Report Share Posted March 25, 2008 Damn I feel like a dumbass, I had these things sitting on my desk for 4 months for my boat and knocked them all over the floor then it dawned on me.Aluminum POP rivits just knock the nail out of them and flare one side, they are dirt check and come in many many different sizes and lengths. you can even put them in a rivit gun and pull it so one end is a little bigger , however a flare tool would be best. even faster if you buy a flaring tool you can use the clamp , lock it around the rivit on the end then use the rivit gun, it should make the chamfer like the flare but not as big. How do you get the nails out? I keep bending the rivet and I still can't get the dang thing out. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...