Guycan

G'day Pete agree. I am off to PNG in May and will be making some fizzers with straight through wire for those bigger bullies! One of the blokes at work made me up a jig that holds the drill fixed in position and allows for a centre hole to be drilled, no need to split baits and glue. Only issues I have had is with longer baits 150mm plus where grain of some woods diverts 3mm drill offline Good luck in the Top End Guy

G'day from Oz I am a new member who has also lurked around the site picking up good info. I have made large timber poppers and walk the dog lures in the past but recently began painting blanks - really small lures in the 1 to 1 1/2 inch range. The reasons apart from the fact that I enjoy doing it are the satisfaction of catching fish on something I "made" and the cost. Here in Australia good crankbaits cost $15 to $20 plus and if you are throwing them into oyster covered rocks on 4 lb trace it can get expensive:) I have sourced good blanks from Bustinbassbaits and a local supplier but I try to buy a few to test before I get a bigger order. I also know that I am not always buying a known brand - it may well need tuning or sealing to prevent water leaks but I have had great success with them and I no longer swear (much) when I lose one. Will post some photos but please don't be too critical - I make them to be expendable, not works of art