ColombianRico Posted January 19, 2009 Report Share Posted January 19, 2009 So I'm trying to avoid the annoying new guy questions, but I'm so new to this that I don't know the basic of basics of lure making. I read these threads and I'm confused out of my mind. You don't need to sit here and waste time typing answers to all of my questions, I'm just looking for the links I need to get me in the right direction. My main goal right now is to produce a 10 inch alewife-herring swimbait. Questions I have so far: Are you guys making your own molds? Or are these pre-made by someone else and you buy them? Do I need a special kind of oven to start? Any tricks I can use to give the mirroring sheen silvery effect that herring produce underwater? Are there any physics/hydraulic flow concepts I need to know to produce a better swimming action? Are you guys airbrushing these? I would like my hooks to already be in the lure. (2 hooks) Any links on how to do this? Any video on the basics I would need to produce this swimbait? Are there any plastics that don't have color when dried? Just a clear effect? I apologize if I asked the cliche newbie questions. I just really don't know what to read and what I should know as a beginner with big ambitions. Any help would be appreciated A LOT! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nova Posted January 19, 2009 Report Share Posted January 19, 2009 Welcome to TU. Here's the short answers to your questions. Molds:- I make my own and I buy aluminum molds Oven:- Microwave Herring:- Turquoise highlite maybe over green highlite. Check my site. Swimming:- Just common sense(if it's square it won't swim) Airbrush:- I'm not some are. Hooks:- There were discussions about this on TU a while ago(search) Video:- There is a video link on TU I think Dave did it.It's basic pouring to get folks started. Plastics:- just don't add the colors and you'll have clear. Hope this helps. www.novalures.com Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ColombianRico Posted January 19, 2009 Author Report Share Posted January 19, 2009 Wow that really helps a lot. I really appreciate it. I'll go do some more searching. I hope this works. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Vodkaman Posted January 19, 2009 Report Share Posted January 19, 2009 ColombianRico, welcome to TU. I am a hard baits guy, so cannot answer most of your questions. But I will add that there are no dumb questions. Those brave enough to ask questions, are generally asking on behalf of many members and yet to be members, whether they realise it or not. Molds fall into four categories: aluminium (professionally made, no home made opportunities). PoP (Plaster of Paris) and Durhams water putty (similar to PoP), very cheap and easy to do. Resin/bondo, slightly more expensive than PoP, but still low price and more hard wearing. RTV (room temperature vulcanised rubber), a bit more expensive, but again, easy to do, good for two piece molds for difficult shapes. Search on the individual methods. Yes, you can copy existing lures, but you will get more pleasure from designing your own lures and catching fish on them (the ultimate). I have written a lot on the hardbaits forum on the fluid dynamics, but have deliberately NOT imposed on the softbaits forum. Very good question, that has not been asked (it should). The theory is no different. I suggest you google vortex shedding, this will give you a basic knowledge of what is going on regarding the dynamics. You have lots of reading to do. Good luck with it. Dave Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
longhorn Posted January 19, 2009 Report Share Posted January 19, 2009 Welcome to the machine. A few answers/opinions: Mold: I don't think you'll find a 10" swimbait mold for sale. Lurecraft has a bunch but not a giant like that so you'll probably be making your mold. I would make a Plaster of Paris (POP) or Silicone rubber open mold. Open molds will allow laminate pouring (no need to airbrush) and inserting the hooks before pouring. Oven: You can also pour with aluminum pans and a hot plate...most use a microwave...I use infrared lamps for heating but that's another story. Color: There are so many great colors and glitters you'll have no problem getting it to look like you want. Best of luck with your project. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Vodkaman Posted January 19, 2009 Report Share Posted January 19, 2009 Sorry, all the mold methods are good for two piece. I don't know why I singled out RTV. Dave Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
