[David Kearney]

Has anyone ever used a lathe to make plugs, or any kinda lure outta balsa, or some other wood? This sounds like an interesting hobby?? I like to paint and think it would be cool to paintem up like fishies! let me know who has done what, and your opinion?

[Spinninreel]

You would need a lot more than a lathe to make a lure. You would also need an assortment of files, carving knives and hardware to mount all the hooks.

[David Kearney]

Spinninreel said:

You would need a lot more than a lathe to make a lure. You would also need an assortment of files, carving knives and hardware to mount all the hooks.

LOL...I know.

[FishHeadRic]

Dremel and a broom stick ls how l got started. Get some screw eyes for hook hangers an you have a spook. Cup the face of the lure and you have a popper. I've got a lathe now and I do quite a bit of lure making. Mostly Cedar popers, poplar spooks, Ceder pencil poppers and l've very recently been doing some balsa frogs. There's a great site down here in the states. Stripers On Line. The lure making section is where l did most of my research when l first started. Very good sorce and a great bunch of builders. Here's some of the ones I've done this winter.


Needle fish. 3oz


2 oz Cedar poper Mackerl pattern.


2oz Cedar popper Weakfish pattern


Another view of the scale patterns.


1 1/2oz Cedar pencil popper done with quail feathers.


Another view.


Balsa Lepard frog. 3/8oz.




If you like to carve just sit down with a block of softer wood and go nuts. Poplar would be a good starting wood. If you can find balsa in chuncks then definately go for it. Its a lot of fun and makes the winter pass so much faster.


FHR

[David Kearney]

Thanks Fish head ric...I may try that next winter...the weather is just too nice right now to stop fishing. But I will definatly try my hand at it in the winter!

[balapickerel]

for a small while i tried making lures out of cedar, but they didn't turn out to well since i was only using a small knife and a vice, but my dad does have a lathe( big enough to fit a four foot length of wood into) and all he has to do to get it working is change the motor in it, so when he does that i plan on making some good lure, one thing i did learn from my failed lure making experience was how to make all the hardware out of 1mm stainless steel wire, it's really quite easy

[bigd]

hi, I know this is an old post but I use poplar, its one of the softest hard woods and no knots in the wood. I use a mini lathe and small hobby chisels.

David Kearney said:

Has anyone ever used a lathe to make plugs, or any kinda lure outta balsa, or some other wood? This sounds like an interesting hobby?? I like to paint and think it would be cool to paintem up like fishies! let me know who has done what, and your opinion?