knife, chisel, or both (for PVC)

[CoreyH]

I'm just getting started in making some crankbaits and I'm wondering the best method for shaping my crankbaits.  I don't currently have a carving knife, so the first bait I made I wound up using a small chisel and then used sandpaper to smooth the edges.  My second bait, I bypassed the chisel and went directly to the disc/belt sander.  I was able to shape it much faster with the sander (I did use the chisel some on the underside of the bait), but also realized that it would be very easy to completely overdo it and ruin a bait since the sander takes off so much material so quickly.  I've thought about getting a good carving knife, but don't want to spend the money if I'm just going to turn around and use the chisel or sander instead.  Just wondering what others use.  Thanks

[Travis]

I cut the blank out on the bandsaw then use a carving knife to profile the bait.  It is a really quick process and then sand by hand for the same reason.  Carving knives don't have to be expensive.  I use various flex cut knives but most can can be done with just a single blade.

 Do what you are comfortable with but there is a reason why tools are designed for certain use.  Sure I could grab my chisels and shape a lure with them as they are freaking sharp and I spent a lot more on them than the knives but the knives still perform better in regards to carving.    Now if chisel all you have go for it but in my opinion the proper tool pays off in the long run. 

I don't use the sander often on baits to be honest. Some guys do all the shaping via sanding.

Edited January 30, 2020 by Travis

[BobP]

In my experience, a carving knife is quick, accurate, and it produces shavings instead of sawdust, which I appreciate.

[CoreyH]

Can you recommend a good, but not expensive, carving knife to try?

[mark poulson]

1 hour ago, BobP said:

In my experience, a carving knife is quick, accurate, and it produces shavings instead of sawdust, which I appreciate.

Maybe in your hands!  Hahaha

Seriously, a carving knife, provided it really sharp, is a great way to go with PVC, since there's no grain to fight.

Any knife will work, but it has to be sharp!

I rough shape a lot with my oscillating belt sander, but I've been using it, and power tools in general for over 50 years, so it's easy for me.  If I do remove too much material, I can always build that part back up with bondo, and then reshape it.  But going slowly, and checking the shape often, cuts way down on the screwups.

I add details, and do some of my hollowing out, with a dremel and drum sanding bit.  The one I use most has a flexible shaft, so it's easier to hold to do finicky stuff, but my other dremel will work, too.

[KennyP]

I rough cut with a bandsaw and then shape with either a rotary tool or utility knife (disposable type).  As Mr Poulson mentioned a rotary tool with a flex shaft is easier to work with than the bulky tool itself.

Edited January 30, 2020 by KennyP

[Travis]

Flex Cut are a solid performer that won't break the bank.  Just keep a strop loaded near by and take a few passes every now and then and you will have a good cutting edge for a long time.

[mark poulson]

11 hours ago, KennyP said:

I rough cut with a bandsaw and then shape with either a rotary tool or utility knife (disposable type).  As Mr Poulson mentioned a rotary tool with a flex shaft is easier to work with than the bulky tool itself.

Mr. Poulson!  I am flattered.  Obviously, you haven't spoken to my children.  They have a different name for me.  Hahaha

KennyP,  it's Mark.

[CoreyH]

15 hours ago, Travis said:

Flex Cut are a solid performer that won't break the bank.  Just keep a strop loaded near by and take a few passes every now and then and you will have a good cutting edge for a long time.

Thanks, I'll check it out!

[KennyP]

16 hours ago, Travis said:

Flex Cut are a solid performer that won't break the bank.  Just keep a strop loaded near by and take a few passes every now and then and you will have a good cutting edge for a long time.

Very affordable knives with a good selection for different jobs. 

Corey,

The guy on Marlin Baits (YouTube) uses a blade style called a Kiridashi (Japanese utility knife).  The reason I bring it up is because you mentioned using a chisel.  This blade, in a fashion will accomplish both the knife and chisel missions.  You can get them reasonable priced, just need to pay attention as to whether you need a right or left handed blade.

https://www.amazon.com/Japanese-Kiridashi-Pocket-Wooden-Handle/dp/B00OH3RYUU/ref=sr_1_9?keywords=japanese+scoring+tool+knife&qid=1580483560&sr=8-9

 

[CoreyH]

Thanks!  I have watched quite a few of the Marling Baits videos...I think that's probably what started me thinking about making my own baits.  I see him use a chisel a lot, but I've also seen him use a knife.  I'll check out the link.

[Hillbilly voodoo]

I am simple and don’t own a fancy carving knife. I have not tried the PVC board but my favorite tool for shaping bodies should still work. I do a lot of shaping with a 50/50 fine and coarse rasp like the one in the pic. It has both a flat and curved side. great for shaping the overall body.

I don’t carve gills or scales but I can see a knife or dremel like others mentioned above being the ticket 

[mark poulson]

Just now, Hillbilly voodoo said:

I am simple and don’t own a fancy carving knife. I have not tried the PVC board but my favorite tool for shaping bodies should still work. I do a lot of shaping with a 50/50 fine and coarse rasp like the one in the pic. It has both a flat and curved side. great for shaping the overall body.

I don’t carve gills or scales but I can see a knife or dremel like others mentioned above being the ticket 

That will work really well on Azek PVC trimboard.

I use some old wood rasps that were my father's, and they do work.  I just have to hold whatever I'm shaping in a vise.

[Hillbilly voodoo]

2 minutes ago, mark poulson said:

That will work really well on Azek PVC trimboard.

I use some old wood rasps that were my father's, and they do work.  I just have to hold whatever I'm shaping in a vise.

I hold everything in my hand and always have. But I spent ten years shaping lures sitting in a chair supervising costumers at my old trout farm 

[CoreyH]

I know I've got some good sized files with a flat side on one side and a curved side on the other that I got from my dad.  I might try and see how they do for shaping.  Thanks for the continuing help!

[mark poulson]

2 hours ago, Hillbilly voodoo said:

I hold everything in my hand and always have. But I spent ten years shaping lures sitting in a chair supervising costumers at my old trout farm 

That kind of double ended rasp was used a lot by carpenters I worked with for rough shaping, when we used a lot of hand tools.  I can see how it might be easier to use while holding a lure blank in your hand.  If memory serves, they weren't too coarse.  My dad's old rasps are too coarse to for me to hold the bait and use them.

[Hillbilly voodoo]

1 minute ago, mark poulson said:

That kind of double ended rasp was used a lot by carpenters I worked with for rough shaping, when we used a lot of hand tools.  I can see how it might be easier to use while holding a lure blank in your hand.  If memory serves, they weren't too coarse.  My dad's old rasps are too coarse to for me to hold the bait and use them.

Don’t know if it is easier or not just the way I have always done it. I would probably be thrown right off using a vice because I do a lot by feel. I am always rolling the bait through my hands to gauge where to remove material 

 

[Big Epp]

You can get by pretty well with a utility knife (disposable razor blades), although they are uncomfortable to carve with and don't afford me excellent control...just don't slip!  Several years ago I got a Mora Knife (before they became Morakniv), it was pretty cheap online back then, and they are still pretty affordable.

https://www.industrialrev.com/morakniv/craft-knives/