Polecat

I get the cheap acid brushes from Orchard Supply. I think they are about 6 or 7 or $.99. I also crimp the metal and wrap once with electrical tape. Seems to work well.

Any ideas anyone... on making flexible tails and fins for swimbaits. I am thinking of using bristle fibers from polyester paintbrushes. Flatten them out --glue them together and trim to shape. Slot them in with epoxy. Anyone have any better ideas?

The difference between 2 ton Devcon and 1500 lb epoxy is 500 lbs. I would assume this means it is about 1/4 stronger (2 ton). I have found that working with the 2 ton epoxy is really easier as it gives you time to work with the pieces. And it is really strong. I make my screw eyes from stainless steel leader wire. I believe it is .032 size. Comes from Jann's Netcraft - but there are also other sources. There is a tutorial on this site showing how to make your own stainless steel screws from leader wire. I cannot remember who did the tutorial, but it really helped me to make my own screws. Thanks to the real artists here and their willingness to share their ideas and designs.

Never use acetone on Lexan. It will cloud and score the surface. Alcohol (as previously mentioned) will thin Devcon. You can also buff cured Devcon using plastic polish or jewelers rouge with a buffing disk on a Dremel tool. Devcon can also be wet sanded using up to 1500 grit.

You might want to try getting some basswood to use. Most hobby shops have it. You can get a blank wall plaque (8" X 10" X 3/4 " thick) and draw out your patterns. As said before, you need to make sure your drill bit is sharp. I usually always start out drilling the pilot hole with a small diameter bit. Then go back and use a larger bit. I sometimes use three different size bits if I am drilling into narrow pieces (to avoid splitting). Also as said before, make sure your wood grain runs horizontal and straight. A good sharp drill bit will almost pull itself through the wood. Keep reading these posts. There are many talented builders that post. I have learned many lessons.

Hmmm...those shad dots or "kill dots". I use a hand held hole punch. I get those paint samples from the hardware store. Punch them dudes out with the color I want for the dot. Attach them with stick adhesive. Then...you can move em around to where there in just the right place (even with the dot on the other side). Press them hard so they are stuck good. Then...just "Devcon" right over em. Perfectly round dot. My wife has several sizes of hand punches. I use the real small ones or the regular size (notebook ringbinder size).

Thanks for your help and the info.

I thought I had read about using PVC as opposed to Balsa. Can't find that thread. I have seen "Vinyl" molding by Royal in Home Depot. This looks like some form of PVC. It appears to be very light and workable (sandable, drillable and easy to paint). Is this material as buoyant as Balsa? More or Less? Wondering if it would work the same...

Beautiful pieces.

Made of Wood or Plastic? If wood-a little sanding with 320 grit sand paper. Remove any loose paint chips. Wipe off with rag and alcohol. Dry real good - couple of hours at warm temperature. You may want to consider sealing with shellac or thinned Devcon. If you do this, touch up with fine grain wet sand paper after the sealer has cured. Damp wood will bubble up paint when in the sun or hot environment.

I use tissue wrapping paper that comes with dress shirts and for wrapping packages. Iron the paper with a non steam iron. Use craft adhesive to attach to a regular 8 X 11 sheet. Trim to exact fit and print the image off of your inkjet. Trim to the bait size. Apply to the bait and Devcon over it. The image will remain after the tissue paper becomes clear. I got the idea off of this website about two years ago. Thx to the original author.

Most glass shops have Lexan. As said before, don't use plexiglass. It becomes brittle with temperature and time and cracks. It may be easier to buy from Jann's Netcraft.