Don Mang

I thinking of making some after the holidays. Seen a couple DIY on youtube. Anyone have a photo of what they made?

They are very strong and won't tare.

An email with a picture to Mudhole should do it.

If the blank is not damaged, 2pt thread finish. Followed by Perma-Gloss rod finish. You only need a little at a time, 2-3 coats. I apply it with a coffee filter, let each coat dry approx 6 hours. I use this on all my rods, very flexible!!

Can you how a picture?

bogdan_alex, can you post a picture of that set up. I like to do DIY projects! Thanks, Don

They work good for stream trout also. I also use live one's.

I built this lathe to turn my cork handles, out of a $5.00 sewing machine motor, and $6.00 bushings.

Thanks guys for your input! I bought some cheap 2.5" crankbaits to practice on. For now I'm clear coating with Rust-oleum 2X ultra cover. Due to the cold weather. Warm weather I think I'll dip KBS. BobP,,, I restore Mitchell reels, and have painted a few. I use Dupli-color perfect match automotive spray paint. And clear coat coat with Max 2K glamour clear. It's a two part mixture in a can (outdoors a must). This is a very hard clear coat!! I'll try post a reel that was in very bad shape. I've been fishing it for 2 years in saltwater, and banging it on jetties and a wall. Still in good shape. Again thank you all for your help!!

Gotcha, my bad sorry.

Ok so yesterday, I did my first lure. Now I know it's not as good , as some of you seasoned painters. But I think it will be fishable. So I thought I'd show it. Since it's going to be 50 degrees later in the week, and PA had a pre-season trout stocking (catch & release) I hope to get out and try it, along with some refurbished spinners. Also painted a Mitchell 308, that was missing a lot of paint. The paint is a little dull but after it get's a clearcoat, I think it will pop. That has to wait till spring/summer to get it outside, I like to use Max 2K glamour clear on reels.

Thanks for your input guys. I did find the sizing chart, yep #8. JD_mudbug very nice bait.

Very nice job, nice and clean!

I recently bought an airbrush kit. I also bought a pack of 2.5" unfinished crankbaits (Amazon). I want to use them for trout, I want to make sure I order the right size treble hooks. I use a size 12 regular hook, so I'm thinking if I order a 12 treble hook they'll be the same size, am I right? I'd also like to know some suppliers online, at this point the only one I know is Barlow's tackle. Any help in starting this hobby will be appreciated! Thanks, Don

I'm new to air brushing. I'm going to be painting some reels (metal). Spinner blades, jig heads, I'd like to hear some recommendations on what clear coat to use. Thanks, Don

Might want to give this a try, Krylon fusion all-in-one.

Love the feel of the cork, just like keeping it from drying out. I don't clean it up like new.

I agree with Tuna!!!!!

Terry makes a lot of sense! The only thing I'd do differently is. The taper toward the reel seat will be smaller therefor take masking tape and make arbors 1/4" apart up the blank make it fit snug NOT TIGHT. load it epoxy be sure to fill between the arbors. I use a homemade press to keep the cork tight. You can jimmy up some bans to the real seat. Two other thought: It may be easier to cut the cork at the reel seat to be square. When removing the cork with a blade, BE CAREFUL not to remove the blanks finish, this will weaken the blank Good luck

Hello, this is also my first post. I like to restore vintage Mitchell reels, and build rods. When I do restore a cork handle, I use Titebond ultimate wood glue, mixed with cork I saved from sanding. I also use U 40 cork seal. While fishing a lot I clean my cork at the end of each season, warm water & dish soap. Let it dry 3-4 days and reseal.