Sealing Balsa Cranks

[jcromerangler]

How many coats are you guys using of Dvcn2t to seal your lure bodies. I put one heavy coat on the wood and it is still a little mushy and not hard..... I would expect this to instantly harden the bait?

[mark poulson]

Try two coats of runny super glue instead.  It soaks into the balsa and makes it harder, plus it's lighter than epoxy.

[BobP]

I use one thick coat of Devcon.  Another as topcoat and the bait is plenty strong though you may be able to compress it slightly if you apply lots of force (more than it will ever get from a bass).  Depending on temperature, all epoxy is slightly bendable.  If you want rock hard, superglue will do it but I’m not sure what the real advantage is because I feel epoxy has more resilience to impact damage.  Of course you could apply both.  There are quite a few good finish regimens that work just fine depending on your pocketbook and your likes/dislikes.  Not often discussed is the sound your bait will make as it rebounds off cover, and the finish you use can make a difference there.  Do you want a ping or a thump?  The bass haven’t told me yet what they prefer. 

Edited May 16, 2018 by BobP

[jcromerangler]

thanks guys. I will just keep going with 2t and kbs finish coat. See how they last

 

Might also try the runny super glue as well. Any specific brand Mark?

[mark poulson]

I use Zap glue, because I can get it in larger bottles.

[Chuck Young]

If you do a lot of baits, you can buy larger quantity bottles from a hobby shop. They have some the size of Elmers school glue. 

When using it, be sure to vent well. A respirator with an "organic vapor" cartridge provides additional protection.  It heats up and generate fumes - esp on balsa. You can actually see the occasional puff of smoke. These fumes react with fluids in your body and cause them to crystalize. You don't want that to happen in your lungs. 

Used safely, they do an excellent job sealing and strengthening your lures. 

[jcromerangler]

thanks Chuck. Any specific brand and store? We have a michaels arts and crafts where I live

[benton B]

I use 1 coat of super glue to make a hard outer shell and then a coat of epoxy for smooth surface to paint.  

[Chuck Young]

Any place that sell RC model airplane kits. Hobby lobby, or anyplace like that. I use 2 coats on balsa with a sanding after each coat. It is smooth as glass, but tends to take paint better than epoxy - IMHO. Get the thin, like Mark said. Great Planes is a brand that comes to mind .

Edited June 5, 2018 by Chuck Young
addition

[socal cranker]

2 coats thin CA glue adds 0.3g, sanding after each coat.

1 coat of epoxy adds another 0.3-0.4g

sealed and ready!