Cedar and Balsa

Coley · #1 (**permalink**) July 13th, 2003

Because balsa is easier to sand than cedar.
And because cedar will hold a screw eye.
Has anyone tried making a flat bait from cedar
and adding balsa sides to round it out??
Seems like it would be an easy way to get
the Big-O shape without using a through wire.

Coley

Nathan · #2 (**permalink**) July 13th, 2003

Coley,I don't know if that has ever been tried,But that is a great idea!! I would cut my lure pattern out 3 times (2 in Balsa,1 in cedar).Then laminate the pieces together before I started shaping.You might get a unique wobble because of the different woods working againt each other.
I would probably substitute Pine for Cedar though,I hate to fight the grain of Cedar..Nathan

Fishinrev · #3 (**permalink**) July 13th, 2003

I'm sitting here thinking - "Wow, why didn't I think of that?" When you try this, be sure to let us know how it worked - you've really peaked my curiousity. If you're going to make more that one or two - I'd glue your boards together first and then you can place your pattern down, mark it, and cut out all three layers at the same time - after they have dried. I hate doing anything three times when I can do it just once. Again, let us know how it works!

Coley · #4 (**permalink**) July 13th, 2003

OK, I started on it today. I already had a flat sided cedar bait
cut and shaped. It is 3/8" wide. I cut 2 pieces of of balsa
1/2" wide. I used super glue and glued one piece to the cedar.
Then I rough cut the balsa with a band saw following
the cedar. I glued the second piece to the other side of
the bait and cut it to rough shape following the cedar.
I am now in the process of sanding the balsa to shape.
I will send pic after its shaped, before primed.

Coley

Coley · #5 (**permalink**) July 14th, 2003

Cedar & balsa laminated bait pic posted.
I am not good at hand shaping.
This seems the easiest way to get there for me.

Coley

Celticav · #6 (**permalink**) July 14th, 2003

Intresting bait Coley, can't wait to see the finished product, let us know, JIM

Coley · #7 (**permalink**) July 16th, 2003

Uploaded a couple pics of primed cedar/balsa bait.
Getting ready to start on more.
What I have found out is to make sure you have 100%
glue contact between balsa and hardwood.
If not the balsa edge will feather as you sand and chip out.
I also suggest you cut hardwood out first and cut lip slot
in it. Then glue balsa sides on and cut and sand to shape .
The lip slot can be sanded in the balsa. This is the way
I will do next one. A 1/8" band saw blade wants to flex
when guide is raised too high when cutting through thick
pieces.

Also posted pic of a couple of top water baits that were painted
with spray can paint only. Waiting on parts for my airbrush.

****One of the pics uploaded, in Custom Rods,

Then I got error message. Will upload others as soon as Jerry gets it fixed.

Coley

kvillebasser · #8 (**permalink**) July 17th, 2003

Thats a great idea. Do you plan to go with a "coffin" bill or a rounded bill? Wtih that rounded body, I was thinking that the rounded bill might offer you a little more wobble, if you're looking to make this bait a 5' to 8' stump bumping type bait.

Coley · #9 (**permalink**) July 19th, 2003

Thanks very much Jerry.

Finally got pics to load. Front view of Cedar/balsa lure
and a couple of top waters painted with a spray can
only. Will have finished pic of cedar/balsa up tomorrow.
Will also report on lure action.

Coley

Skeeter · #10 (**permalink**) July 19th, 2003

Coley,

I saw the pictures and thought that the bait is wonderful. It took alot of skill to put that thing together. Everything matches up so well. You have a definite talent. The shape of the bait is very unique also. I really do like it. When I saw it I thought..... where did he come up with that design. Then I saw that the bait is being held with a roach clip

. I remember when you were asking how to make your first one here on the board. You have really come a long way. Keep up the excellent work. Oh, by the way, I made my first vote on the gallery tonight.
Skeeter