benm98 Posted August 30, 2013 Report Share Posted August 30, 2013 I have been looking at several handmade lures and several Rapala minnow lures. The lineties and hook attachments LOOK to be made of wire. How is this done? What is the technique called? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BobP Posted August 31, 2013 Report Share Posted August 31, 2013 Yes, it's wire. Rapala minnow baits with balsa bodies use a through-wire technique in which a wire frame that includes the line tie and hook hangers is glued into the body, usually through a slot cut in the belly of the bait. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cali's.rigs.and.lures Posted August 31, 2013 Report Share Posted August 31, 2013 The technique is called through wire construstion the way i do it depends on the lures if your pouring your lures you can make a jig and produce multiple but if you buide ach frome scratch its alittle hader Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
benm98 Posted August 31, 2013 Author Report Share Posted August 31, 2013 (edited) okay. is the slot then filled in? How would you do this with a crankbait? Edited August 31, 2013 by benm98 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RayburnGuy Posted August 31, 2013 Report Share Posted August 31, 2013 One solution is to build your lure in two halves. A small channel is carved where the harness will fit between the two halves. Everything is then glued together. Below is a drawing of how I build my wire harness for balsa baits. Ben Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BobP Posted September 1, 2013 Report Share Posted September 1, 2013 Manufacturing crankbaits in volume like Rapala is different from hand building. I think most hand builders either split balsa bodies after shaping to insert a wire frame or start out with 2 pieces that are lightly glued together, cut out, shaped, then divided to insert the wire frame. Thru-wiring depends on the type of wood used for the crankbait. Hardwoods like basswood, cedar, and paulownia are hard enough to hold screw eyes so no thru-wiring is necessary. Many builders use thru-wiring on balsa baits because that wood is so soft that screw eyes holding in the soft wood is problematical. It's a matter of judgement though. Thru wiring makes for a stronger bait that is less prone to failure and so it maximizes durability in a hand built bait. Other builders feel that reinforcing the surface of a balsa bait and using epoxy to glue in screw eyes is sufficient for durability. Thru-wiring does require more time, effort, and expertise. In the end, it's player's choice. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
benm98 Posted September 2, 2013 Author Report Share Posted September 2, 2013 Thanks for the graphic! Okay I've been using cedar and fir type of wood and screw-eyes, so I assume I am okay. Thanks y'all! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Griffond Posted September 3, 2013 Report Share Posted September 3, 2013 Here is a link to a guy on youtube named Paul Adams that has a nice little three part on making a Balsa crankbait with thru wire its worth the watch if you have never done it before Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brent R Posted September 3, 2013 Report Share Posted September 3, 2013 I've never wanted to make a crankbait before. But after watching the video above i think i might just give it a try. Griffond thanks for posted the video. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bassguy Posted September 3, 2013 Report Share Posted September 3, 2013 (edited) A well done video and very informative. Great stuff!! Jerry Edited September 3, 2013 by bassguy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
