Since it is starting to get cold out and I will be wrapping the boat up for winter, I was thinking about making some swimbaits this winter. What tools do you need to shape the bodies and form hinges.

to make the bodies i use a coping saw (band saw would be optimal) for cutting out bodies, dremel for shaping, drill for drilling out ballast and hardware holes, and a vise is helpful for holding the body while you're working on cutting and shaping it.

to make the hardware i use 19guage stainless steel wire, a nail, pliers, a drill, and a vise. there should be a tutorial on this in the sticky section at the top of this forum.

This should help you get started:  Swimbait Compilation Thread

I use a scroll saw to cut out my lure blanks.  You could use a coping saw if you don't have a scroll saw, and I know some guys use band saws.

For shaping, I rough-carve the bait with a knife and then sand the cut edges with a Dremel tool.  I use progressively finer grits of sandpaper to smooth out the bait and get it to it's final shape.

Hope this helps.

Ben

to make the bodies i use a coping saw (band saw would be optimal) for cutting out bodies, dremel for shaping, drill for drilling out ballast and hardware holes, and a vise is helpful for holding the body while you're working on cutting and shaping it.

to make the hardware i use 19guage stainless steel wire, a nail, pliers, a drill, and a vise. there should be a tutorial on this in the sticky section at the top of this forum.

There used to be, but for some reason it was removed.  I posted a link to it in my post above.

thanks guys.

An orbital or belt sander is nice to have too! Saves a lot of time sanding. I have the home depot orbital sander and it has been a workhorse for me.

If I could only keep one of my bench tools, it would be the belt sander.No2 the drill press followed by the bandsaw.

But you don't need any of these to get started, they just make life easier.

Dave

Good, cause i don't have any. I'm going to have to jack some of my dad's stuff.