[feason]

I am almost ready to paint some reconditioned old poes. What is the best way to hold the lures for painting. Have tried the medical clips and block of wood. Tried a search but not much there. Any suggestions. Thank you.

[Mavrick]

Try the handle of an x-acto knife handle. I use this while painting then use the bill to clip it to the drying wheel. Good Luck! MAV

[Basseducer]

Feason,
I just ordered a copy of the Exacto called Excel Hobby Knife. It is the same, but a lot cheaper. I found them at Blick Art Materials (http://www.dickblick.com/zz574/58/?w...l+Hobby+Knives)
The more you get, the cheaper they are.

TJ

[cullin8s]

thanks for the link, I use the xacto's and 1.31 each for 24 or more is a lot better than 2.12 that I am currently paying. I have 26 or so right now, but will spring for 25 more at that price.

[BobP]

I cut reusable "false lips" out of lip material, drill a hole in the end to hang the baits from nails. Insert the false lip into the bait so it holds firmly (a little masking tape added if needed). Use a pair of locking forceps to hold the baits while painting and the false lips keeps everything out of the lip slot until it's time to glue in the real lips.

[hazmail]

Bop- liked that ONE, saves dirty lips and lip slot, so simple, why didn't I think of it . Thanks Pete

[rjbass]

I use hemostats, 6" with the vinyl handles. Much easier IMO than the xacto handles, operate with one hand, three locking positions and you can hang your baits using the holes in the handle. I make alot of Musky baits and xacto handle will not hold those. I got mine on ebay, 25 for $15.

Rod

[feason]

Thanks for the information. I will purchase some of the knives. Using the old lip is a great idea. You people are awesome. Any suggestions how to get a broken lip out of an old bait. I have several.

[fatfingers]

Removing old lips is difficult...But you can try this. I did it a couple of times and it worked OK.

First grind off as much of the lip as you can without harming the finish on the bait. Next take a rotary tool with a cut-off wheel and slowly slide the cutting wheel into into the lip itself but as close to the lip slot as you can. Take your time and you should be able to grind it out a little at a time and install a new one. Wear goggles and be careful though; those wheels can hang up and break sometimes.

As to holding the baits...Try using a small bench vise. Clamp the bait into the vise by the tail's hook holder. That way its held firm, you cannot drop it, and you can swivel the vise left and right as you paint. You can also clamp it in
vertically to paint the back and belly colors. It give you a stationary position and leaves both hands free to guide the airbrush.

Try it. You'll really like it.

Its also a great way to hold the bait to apply the netting and spray your scale effects.

I also use the vise to hold the bait while applying gill details at times.

[Vodkaman]

for one off or very low volume, the methods stated above are practical. But I see a need for a design of an 'easy to make' tool for runs of a dozen or more lures made at a time. Two 'clamps' to remain attached throughout the art process and fit the drying wheel, providing total hands free conditions.

I have given this some thought time in the last few months. Something on the lines of 6mm dia dowel, slotted to make a jaw and tapered to enable a collar or even a split ring (hook ring) to be used as the clamp.

The aim has to be (a) very cheap, (b) very easy AND QUICK to manufacture.

Has anyone else any ideas for this tool?