KennyP

Because these are flexible I would assume that the angle of the boot fluctuates. Would changing the angle of the boot possibly help?

I realized yesterday that I needed a tool to add some skirts to my baits. I am not going to be using it on a regular basis so I figured I’d go out in the garage to see if I could put something together. Used a old tire pressure gauge, bolt and bicycle spoke.

This was the first thing that came to mind when I read the article. Realizing all these old timers were trying to make a living and were no way going to give up trade secrets, I wondered where this craft-art-hobby would be today without places like TU. I am sure individuals here have their secrets but I am amazed at times the information that is given up freely by individuals that probably spent years themselves looking for the answers. So thanks to all for the wealth of knowledge shared. kenny

I have put some thought into one as a project I could build with my grandson. I would definitely be interested to see what you come up with.

Came across and article on balsa cranks and this thread immediately came to mind. https://www.outdoorlife.com/secret-world-custom-balsa-wood-crankbaits/

Very affordable knives with a good selection for different jobs. Corey, The guy on Marlin Baits (YouTube) uses a blade style called a Kiridashi (Japanese utility knife). The reason I bring it up is because you mentioned using a chisel. This blade, in a fashion will accomplish both the knife and chisel missions. You can get them reasonable priced, just need to pay attention as to whether you need a right or left handed blade. https://www.amazon.com/Japanese-Kiridashi-Pocket-Wooden-Handle/dp/B00OH3RYUU/ref=sr_1_9?keywords=japanese+scoring+tool+knife&qid=1580483560&sr=8-9

I rough cut with a bandsaw and then shape with either a rotary tool or utility knife (disposable type). As Mr Poulson mentioned a rotary tool with a flex shaft is easier to work with than the bulky tool itself.

https://www.lowes.com/pl/Pvc-Trim-board--Appearance-boards-Lumber-composites-Building-supplies/4294402499?refinement=4294965352,3451176595 I've just started working with the PVC board, would definitely recommend giving it a try.

I am amazed every time I logon how this thread keeps growing. Anything of mine that has had the opportunity to receive paint has been to seal for testing. I hope one day to have something worthy of applying some type of pattern with an airbrush. I guess I should start practicing so when the time does come it wont look like an angry third grader sprayed it.

@fishordie29 That is kind of what I was thinking if you were concerned with adding an abundance weight to the lure. If you made one out of the softer-lighter wood, you would get the detail your looking for then make blanks for testing. That's a nice looking lure right there. keep us up to date on the progress

https://www.lurepartsonline.com/Lure-Making/Shop-By-Product-Category/Crankbaits-Plugs-Hardware/Plastic-Crankbait-Minnow-Bodies?page=1

Great ideas! All about adding tools to the collection.

Associates here, still new at this!

fishordie79, question? Will this lure end up as a master for molding? If so I would stay with the softer wood for the detailing as suggested.

Vodkaman, thank you for your technical expertise and being able to break it down Gumby style so I can follow along. I started this hobby with a goal in mind. I wanted to be able to make a lure that looked and acted as realistic as possible but was also functional enough to catch fish. I haven’t been at this as long as most of you so I have done a lot of research, most of it here on TU. I have spent time, more than I would like to admit drawing out ideas only to do more research and find out my ideas were not all that original, there goes fame and fortune . But, I would also like to say that I have learned a lot, things I would assume the average lure maker doesn’t know. Conversations such as this have sparked quite a few ideas, more than I have the time to peruse. The knowledge I have received from reading up on vortices here on TU, just enough to give me an idea for a lure I have drawn dozens of concepts of over the last couple of years. Just recently I got to the point where I think I have something close enough to try as a working model, time will tell.

That looks pretty cool. I have a few extra bearings I scavenged for a rotisserie, might have to try this out . Thanks.

Turtlebait, the PVC cap mounting is a great idea. I don't know if this was your intent but it looks like you have given yourself the versatility to mount various sizes as well as jointed baits. I might have to give you design a try.

The wife is always on me about this one. It can take a while to finish a project sometimes. In my research I have noticed that most of the tools are the same and vary with wanted details and the scope of the project. I want to say I ran across a lure builder that was burning scales as well as all the other details the average fisherman requires. I am sure numbers were not an issue and it did look interesting enough that I might try it when the skill level rises a tad. Maybe just to highlight certain features so I can hook that unsuspecting angler. Still being new to the hobby I have been using pine to try out shapes so my dermal tool has found another purpose. I still use a blade on harder woods, but in my opinion just to try shapes a dermal is the way to go.

I have read on a few other forums that Badger's Tech Support is second to none, with Paasche in a close second. A question for those using Iwata brushes. I have read that there has been issues in the past with replacement parts, most mentioned needles. Has anyone here run into that problem?

I have been doing a lot research on airbrushes also. I figure its time to take the next step. I am going with the Paasche Talon and Raptor, both gravity feed. I thought about a H Series but ever thing I have read about the Talon's cup size, it should hold plenty for the few lures I do at one time (I am still in the practicing phase). One of the reasons I am leaning this way is because the needs and a few other parts are interchangeable and reasonably priced. The plan for the compressor is to use the HF 8 Gal Oil Lube I have know, basically to save a few bucks, advantage capacity. IFrom what I have read a moisture trap is a must, does any one recommend any other type of filter? From what reading I have done in different forums, it was suggested to practice on PVC pipe. Realizing it doest have the exact profile of a crank bait but its not completely flat either. Just a thought.

Happy New Year! Good health and fortunes to all!