VANNDALIZER Posted August 26, 2007 Report Share Posted August 26, 2007 Do most people cut there balsa baits with or against the grain??? Just curious. MAV Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bassmaster1974 Posted August 26, 2007 Report Share Posted August 26, 2007 I always cut with the grain.That is just the way I was taught.Works perfect for me. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BobP Posted August 27, 2007 Report Share Posted August 27, 2007 Me too. Seems easier to shape and sand. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lure--Prof Posted August 27, 2007 Report Share Posted August 27, 2007 Hmm...guess I'm going to have to go against the grain on this one. I like the end-grain at the top and bottom of the lure. I think it is much easier to keep the lure uniform while sanding the back and belly, as there is no tendency to follow the grain or create ridges when applying a light touch to fine paper. I also like cutting my lip slots against the grain with my scroll saw. I tried making some recently going with the grain, and while they turned out fine, I learned that I positively prefer cutting, and especially sanding and shaping, against the grain! Dean Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Vodkaman Posted August 27, 2007 Report Share Posted August 27, 2007 I work against the grain with balsa because I find that more material is removed per stroke. Because balsa is so soft, working with the grain just compresses the material and the softer material between the grain will be removed faster than the harder grain, leaving an uneven finish. The second reason is that it really fluffs up the surface ready for the coat of epoxy. I will even scuff it more with some 150 grit emery. This gives an excellent key for the epoxy and because of the coat thickness, the rough finish is not evident. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lure--Prof Posted August 27, 2007 Report Share Posted August 27, 2007 Re: against the grain. I work against the grain with balsa because I find that more material is removed per stroke. Because balsa is so soft, working with the grain just compresses the material and the softer material between the grain will be removed faster than the harder grain, leaving an uneven finish. Vodkaman Thanks V-Man! That's the main thing I was trying to say, with that-- create ridges when applying a light touch to fine paper-- Dean Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BJ Smith Posted August 30, 2007 Report Share Posted August 30, 2007 Dean.... check your PMs:) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
