crc498 Posted January 4, 2015 Report Share Posted January 4, 2015 I have used and have seen many people make their lures out of many kinds of wood, but the one I find most plug bait makers use is cedar. I tried to use it on my lathe but it ends up with huge chunks taken out of it, is anyone else having this problem if so how are you fixing it. Anything helps normally I just use Maple, Basswood, Poplar. But everyone is using Cedar so I wanted to try it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Travis Posted January 4, 2015 Report Share Posted January 4, 2015 Not for sure how experienced of a turner you are but most everything in turning it comes down to tool sharpness, lathe speed, and how aggressive you are in removing wood. I would start with with sharpening the tools and probably work around 1000 to 1300 RPM. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
crc498 Posted January 4, 2015 Author Report Share Posted January 4, 2015 Ok I just started with a lathe but I have been making lures for almost 4 years. Thanks Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Travis Posted January 4, 2015 Report Share Posted January 4, 2015 Are you splintering the piece on initial rounding? To make it easier on newer turners using hexagonal stock is a little more forgiving but really not needed. It will take some time. Are you using traditional gouges, skew chisel, etc... or carbide cutters. With traditional: A, B, C A for anchor tool on the rest before cutting, B for bevel should ride the piece before cutting, and C for cutting lower tip until it just starts to cut. You should then focus on moving the lathe tool across the rest not towards the spindle. Force should basically be directed down onto the rest and across the rest surface. The lathe is spinning the piece into the cutting edge. With carbide a little different (some work a little different than others). But want to anchor the tool to the rest, then slowly (perpendicular to the piece) progress cutter until just makes contact. Then typically you can do just a little side to side swing and work your way down the rest doing this. Once the piece is round gets a little more forgiving but carbide really can grab quick if you aren't careful. If you have a local Woodcraft they have pretty decent classes for around 80 to 100 bucks designed for introduction into turning. Usually 4 to 5 people max so you get actual hands on instruction. One last thing if you haven't already wear safety glasses and pick up face shield (even if cheap harbor freight). A lathe can really whip a piece at you if you aren't careful and not familiar with "danger zones". Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
crc498 Posted January 4, 2015 Author Report Share Posted January 4, 2015 Yes and no when I finish there are little but deep chunks taken out of the lures that cant be sanded down. Yes I agree I fo wear a face shield and Im glad I do because I have had some pretty large chunks fly up at my face. Thanks I will try this and sharpen my tools. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mark poulson Posted January 5, 2015 Report Share Posted January 5, 2015 I've used wood rasps to round wood that tore out a lot in the past. I still got the blank as close to the final size with a table saw, cutting champfers like Travis said. The surest way to avoid it is to use a belt sander, starting with course, and then progressively finer belts, but it takes time. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ravenlures Posted January 5, 2015 Report Share Posted January 5, 2015 I turn down a lot of cedar and I just leave enough on the rough so I can sand it down at a higher speed, I start to sand with 50 to 80 grit and end up with 120. I have it figured out so I stay + - .015. Where the most problem is, is at the tip of grains I just sand out the chipouts. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sonoman Posted January 5, 2015 Report Share Posted January 5, 2015 Is it a western red cedar?...some of what I refer to as swamp cedar won't turn worth a crap, so it most def. could be the lumber Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
crc498 Posted January 5, 2015 Author Report Share Posted January 5, 2015 Yes it is Western Red Cedar thanks you all for your input I will update tonight to see if anything works Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
