LaPala Posted July 11, 2011 Report Share Posted July 11, 2011 It's been ages since I have posted here. Now that I have stopped writing a hardbait DIY column for our local fishing magazine here (in Malaysia just in case you wanna ask), I have a bit more time to spare. SO here goes: Making a Vibebait from laminating Acrylic - weight distribution test trick. I won't be very detail in describing the process as I will assume a basic knowledge of lure making is at your disposal already 1. These are the components of the lure body that is needed to be cut-out, shaped then glued up together: Copper rods are used for aligning the pieces together. 2. To work out the weighting: Styrofoam sheet is cut and shaped to fit the chambers in the middle piece, this is the closest approximation of air(available to me) that will occupy the chamber once it is glued up. 3. Water test and balance: Just tape weight to the front to get the correct attitude for a vibebait. I'll assume those who will be attempting this has an understanding of how the weight distribution of a vibebait should be and how to get the desired action by varying the distribution. Anyway, this method is a great way to test them all without having to make lure after lure. 4. Weight used earlier on the head is hammered flat and shaped to fit in the head, acrylic cut out to fit head weight that is formed. Future contruction of same lure will just require the head weight be molded. So keep your notes 5. This is the end result: Fins are carved from 1.5mm polycarbonate sheet. and after some splashes of color. Comments, questions and suggestions for improvement most welcomed. (PS: Just to be fair, I participate in quite a number of lure making forums, so it's copy paste to all of them.) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mark poulson Posted July 11, 2011 Report Share Posted July 11, 2011 Just what we need here, someone who actually knows what they're talking about! Welcome back. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LaPala Posted July 11, 2011 Author Report Share Posted July 11, 2011 Just what we need here, someone who actually knows what they're talking about! Welcome back. LOL... sounds like you might have just offended some ppl Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lngnokr71 Posted July 11, 2011 Report Share Posted July 11, 2011 Absolutely awesome!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hillbilly1 Posted July 12, 2011 Report Share Posted July 12, 2011 Holly sheep bat man that is a nice bait and very very impressed and as for mark but its all good Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
solarfall Posted July 12, 2011 Report Share Posted July 12, 2011 that bait looks really nice, i love all the carving details that you did here. esp the dorcel fin looks really realistic Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Big Bass Man Posted July 12, 2011 Report Share Posted July 12, 2011 Nice looking bait, Thanks for sharing!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mcleod Posted July 12, 2011 Report Share Posted July 12, 2011 LaPala, that looks amazing. Some talent you have indeed Angus Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Vodkaman Posted July 12, 2011 Report Share Posted July 12, 2011 Very innovative LP. A strong welcome back project for sure. Should you decide to make several of these, I can see an easy system of router templates, but I know that mass production is not your game. Great project. Dave Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LaPala Posted July 12, 2011 Author Report Share Posted July 12, 2011 Thanks for the comments guys. Very innovative LP. A strong welcome back project for sure. Should you decide to make several of these, I can see an easy system of router templates, but I know that mass production is not your game. Great project. Dave Maybe one day Vodka when I can find the slaves to do the mass production work BTW you have any idea of a suitable cutting bit if it were to be used on acrylic? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Vodkaman Posted July 12, 2011 Report Share Posted July 12, 2011 (edited) The problem is the plastic melting and gumming up. From what I have read, two straight flutes are best. You need slow spindle speeds and higher feed rates. I haven't tried cutting acrylic or lexan with a router, but plan to in the near future. Quite a few posts on the web if you Google router acrylic. One of my projects is a lip cutting router, it is a 2D/3D copy machine, still at the CAD stage. Here is a good discussion on the subject. Dave Edited July 12, 2011 by Vodkaman Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mark poulson Posted July 12, 2011 Report Share Posted July 12, 2011 (edited) Great! Now we have two mad scientists colluding! Since you guys are both overseas, I would expect Homeland Security to get involved soon. Edited July 12, 2011 by mark poulson Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LaPala Posted July 12, 2011 Author Report Share Posted July 12, 2011 LOL Mark don't worry I will not mention ur part in it . Vodka, followed the link, seem the solution is coolant! Just like when I cut the acrylic, I used engine oil then but it's messy. Routing would be throwing chips further too. I'll stick to having fun instead of mass producing Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bodfish Posted April 12, 2012 Report Share Posted April 12, 2012 Hmmm,.. very nicely done, I like your approach to multi chambers. Yes cutting acrylic, or other poly carbonite material can be a daunting task, particularly with small pieces as they do not dissipate heat quickly enough, slow and easy is best and a directed cool air nozzle helps a lot. bodfish Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BobP Posted April 12, 2012 Report Share Posted April 12, 2012 For sure, the magazine's loss is our gain! Glad to see you posting again so we can all see your innovative bait designs and artistry! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fatfingers Posted April 19, 2012 Report Share Posted April 19, 2012 LaPala, I would like to ask you for a favor. But I can't seem to send you a private message on this site. Could you give me an email address? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JBlaze Posted April 20, 2012 Report Share Posted April 20, 2012 (edited) Absolutely awesome!!! +2, I am very impressed Edited April 20, 2012 by JBlaze Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LaPala Posted April 21, 2012 Author Report Share Posted April 21, 2012 Thanks for the + guys. Fatfingers shoot em to lapalalures@gmail.com or you can find me in Facebook. Not too sure about the PM thingy, been lost since the new format change in this forum. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hazmail Posted April 21, 2012 Report Share Posted April 21, 2012 Work of art mate, your skill with plastic & paint are amazing. Pete Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mark poulson Posted April 21, 2012 Report Share Posted April 21, 2012 Work of art mate, your skill with plastic & paint are amazing. Pete Amen!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...