I really like the look of the Crank under your name, I'm guessing thats one you made?  I espically like the way the back gets really slinder.   Where do you get the Bill material, are thay pre cut or do you shape them yourself?  One more, I have in the past used an old onion sack to get that scale pattern, Do you do something like that or buy something that aids in putting that pattern on?  Sorry to keep bugging you but I can see that you are a wealth of Knowledge.  Thanks, Jim  P.S. I bought some 30 min Epoxy at Hobby Lobby I thought it was a good deal 9 bucks for an 8 oz kit.  Ever use any of that stuff or do you prepfer the Devcon?

bassindude, I use Lexan for the bills, most glass shops handle it. 1\16" thick. Make sure you get polycarbonate, (Lexan) or you can use circuit board, doubt that you would notice any difference in the action, I use lexan because its tough and its clear. Onion sacks, wedding veil material, or screen can be used for scales shoot through a comb for stripes. Foil and photofinish baits are also fairly easy to do it all just takes pratice.

For top coating I use Devcon 2Ton and Envirotex Lite these do not yellow in time like the 5 minute epoxy will. The 5 min. works well for installing lips and hardware.

whittler,

those really are some good looking baits. ...Great job.

justtrying, thank you for looking at my baits, glad you like them.

Thanks a bunch, Really nice web site.  Do you use internal wire frames?

bassindude, thanks for looking. To answer your question, no I do not use through wire construction, unless the customer wants it. Most people beleive that Bagleys, Sisson and a few other baits are all through wired but not so. Bagley made 1 through wire bait that I know of, the Bang-O-B. A while back I posted some pictures of some baits cut in half to show how some are made, do a search for bait atuopsy abd you should find it. You do not have to cut up a bait to find out if it is through wire construction, just need an ohmmeter.

The ommeter idea is a great one.  It looks like Bagley pumps in a ton of epoxy around the hook eye.   Bagley cranks have always been a go to bait for me.

I shot a base coat of white like you said and I didn't realize how many very small flaws there were in the balsa.  I'm planning on using some plastic wood material to get the lure smooth is that ok?  

Bassindude, you will have to seal the wood first before priming, especially balsa. For balsa a coat of epoxy will seal and toughen the wood.

Whittler, I did put about 4 coats of sanding sealer on it and sanded after each to try to get it smooth, but there were flaws that I didnt see.  the plastic wood seemed to work fine, the small amounts I put on were only about half the thickness of a straight pin and less than an 1/8 long.  My main concern was creating heavy spots that would give it an uneven keel.  I'll probably try to finish it this weekend, and post pics on Mon.

Bassindude, I did not think to ask what size and type bait your building because with balsa you will need a little more weight in the belly to run correctly. Plastic wood should not cause a weght problem.

The tail hook on the Bagley is inserted into a plastic insert held in with what appears to be hot-melt glue, same thing with the lip and belly weight.

I was a littke concerned about the weight thing I'm guessing I can drill & fill with lead If my wire frame doesnt get in the way.

What a flop.  You were right about the weight, I'm starting over.  I'm keeping the first one for a model, the shape is perfect.  when working with balsa how do you get the weight centered perfectly, and what type of weight do you use.

Basindude take a look at this tutorial, it will give you an idea on weighting. For a 2 1\2" balsa bait it will take about an 1\8 oz. on a 3" bait about a 1\4 oz.  Do all your drilling for weights and hook hangers and cut the lip slots while the block is still square.

http://www.bassresource.com/fishing/crankbait_making.html

Great tutorial, thanks.  I didn't know that it was there.  I need to look around more often, who knows what I'll find.

Great looking work Whittler.

I'm a 63 yr. old man looking to make mine own lures. Here in Michigan we have a few months of down time on the water. Seem's I could enjoy making lures in the winter months. May make the time go faster. At 63, times seems to fly anyways. Again, beautiful craftsmanship.

thomas

Thank you Thomas, glad you like them. Be warned this bait making is addictive.

What do you mean by this "old man" stuff, I got you by three years.

Whittler,

I hope to grow up just like you than. ;D

thomas

Whittler,

What would you suggest for a airbrush compresser?

thomas

Thomas, In my shop I use a fairly large compressor but it is used for a lot of other functions besides airbrushing. If you are only going to use it for painting then a small airbrush compressor is all you need, they are quieter than larger compressors, if thats a concern. Home Depot, Lowes and Menards carry some compressor that will do double duty and sometimes they can be bought very reasonably.

You will also need a good pressure regulator and water trap with any compressor.

John