Hand Carving Lures

[mark poulson]

If you turned it on the lathe it's probably as true as you can get it, and a live center will keep it true, like two spindle bearings on a baitcaster.

I would keep the speed down, just in cast, and pay attention to any vibrations.

[BobP]

Mark's comment about a dedicated carving knife is right on.  I got a Murphy knife about a year ago and it's a night and day difference between it and an Xacto knife.  Much more controllable, even sharper, and it holds an edge for a long time.  I used to do all my hand shaping with a Dremel or Foredom sanding cylinder, which raises a lot of wood dust in the garage.  Now I do 80% of the hand shaping with the knife and the shavings fall neatly into the trash can.  Chain mail gloves?  I don't got to show you no stinkin' chain mail gloves!  (Treasure of the Sierra Madre)  But you better pay attention when using a Murphy knife.  If you aren't willing to shed a little blood for your hobby...

[FrogAddict]

Mark, 

 

I was thinking a smaller diameter type tool. 3 inches max. i run my drill press on the lowest speed but now I'm thinking about using my bench grinder instead. Heck every time I read one of your posts, my wheels start turning (slowly but they do turn).

[mark poulson]

Just remember, the larger the diameter, the more sand paper you have to work with, so the longer between having to change it out.  Of course, the larger the diameter, the faster the perimeter of the disc turns, so I would try and find a slower motor.  My bench grinders turn pretty fast.  

I bought a wet grinder years ago, with a big wheel, and no motor, just a shaft and pulley.  I was able to use a 1750 rpm motor, and slow it down with a step pulley.