Where To Find Balsa Crankbait Bodies That Aren't From Netcraft Or Lurepartsonline

[buffingtonwa]

Looking to get into luremaking full swing, and I really want to start off with larger sized flat sided cranks. Bought some from both LPO and netcraft (only 7/16" wide, in both sizes and not full bodied enough), but they were not as large as what I want. I think what I'm looking for is a body size about like the Bagley's B-flat, or larger. If anyone can help, I'd greatly appreciate it.

[RayburnGuy]

Why not cut them out yourself? It can be accomplished with very limited hand tools, and you can get whatever shape you want in whatever size you want. Balsa can be found at hobby shops or ordered online.

Ben

[buffingtonwa]

I've made baits before out of balsa and cedar, and it's just a pain. I like making baits, but not cutting out the bodies, and I'm no good at getting the edges right. Anyway, if anyone has any input on this, maybe a CNC mill that can cut them out in volume or another company that's out there selling something a bit different, it would be greatly appreciated.

[YoungForge]

I 100% agree with RaburnGuy I have made some very nice wood blanks from nothing but a utility knife and a peice of sandpaper, and still do so to this day. Personally I don't understand how one could make a lure without carving it themselves. Seeing a lure that you carved yourself can make one feel very accomplished, more so than a lure that has only been painted by ones self. I must say though the biggest advantage of carving your own lures is carving a unique lure of your own design. One that could possible revolutionalize lure making itself. You should at least just give it a try, I made my first one in my family room after school one knight.

[pizza]

Nothing like starting with a block of balsa and three grades of sandpaper. Throw in a dremel, a file or two, a carving/exacto knife, and a dust mask if you prefer. Or just a block of balsa and three grades of sandpaper.

Edited March 18, 2012 by pizza

[buffingtonwa]

Yeah, I don't want to do all that, I have before and for me, it's very time consuming. I only make my own lures because what I want isn't sold anymore, so for me, it's all about getting to a finished product as quickly as possible. I'm probably not far from buying my own CNC machine to make what I want.

[pizza]

Gotcha. It can be verrry time consuming.

[BobP]

Obviously, the companies selling pre-formed balsa baits aren't doing it themselves. I'd contact Janns and LPO, explain what you need and ask them for contact info on their supplier.