Topwater lure question?

[bdink123]

Im very new to lure making and have carved a few topwater baits by hand from basswood...but im having trouble rounding out the lip on poppers. Iv tried a couple of different tools on a dremel with no good results. Any pointers would be appreciated.

[Vodkaman]

You may have to make a tool for this job, as you are cutting double curvature.

If you are going to be making a few of these, It could be worth the effort. PM me and I'll write a method sheet.

[pikeman]

hope I got it right, if you want to make something like this :

http://www.rapitori.ro/forum/album_page.php?pic_id=2815

You could definitely use the dremel, I somethimes use (manually) a drill to make the cavity

[doomdart]

Use a forstner bit to drill a round flat bottom hole centered in the popper mouth. Then chuck a round burr bit in a drill. Clamp the bait body in a vice that has some rubber padding so the vice doesn't leave marks on the body. The forstner hole is a guide to "cradle" the burr bit so it won't skip off the popper mouth. Drill the mouth out with the burr bit, using a rotating motion to apply drilling pressure both downward and outward against the bottom and sides of the popper mouth. Finish with sandpaper smoothing. Done.

[bdink123]

Thanks for the help. Ill give it a try with the drill.

[Pebo]

I drill the hole with the forstner bit on the drill press but then mount the bur in a drill chuck on my lathe and feed the lure into the bur. Once you get the hang of it it's goes pretty quickly. Just practice with some scrap wood at first until you get the hang of it. Be sure and wear a leather glove on your lead hand.