Question on Crankin out Cranks.

[altimas]

I am flat out addicted to crankbaits now for some reason. I can't walk into a store without leaving with one or ten. I would like to make my own is there a book that walks you through the process with detailed instructions and pictures?

I found this one but I am not sure if it has what I am looking for..

http://www.jannsnetcraft.com/t....aspx

Thanks for the help in advance!

[whittler]

You can usually find that book at most local librarys, if you can check it out its worth looking through but for just making crankbaits its not worth the money.

Most of the crankbait makers that know are always willing to help new makers get started, yep you can include me in this list. Several other boards have tacklemaking sections with good ideas. Tackleunderground has some of the best in the business and most will answer any questions. Like most things you just have to practice, (most crank makers have a bucket of junkers under their bench) but by trying different methods of weighting, lip styles, hardware you will develope your own style.

PM me if you have any questions I can help with, I have no secrets.

John

[altimas]

Well I Figured I would try some repaints on some old Beaters to see if I enjoy it.

I have a Air Compressor I inherited from my Dad, what other supplies do I need to get started? (Links to where I can purchase on a website would be awesome, but not required!)

[whittler]

If using an airbrush you will need a pressure regulator and a water trap/filter. Buy a good quality airbrush, Iwata or Badger are both good brands, plus if you decide painting is not for you they will always sell well on E-bay. I use an Iwata HP-C gravity feed brush. There are several places that sell airbrushes,Dixie art or Airbrush City are good but Wasco or Van (edit)'s taxidermy also handle brushes and paints, both are first rate to deal with. Wildlife Colors are my favorite, waterbased, paints but for starting out about any of the inexpensive craft paints thinned with water will work fine. Hobby Lobby and other major craft stores also handle paints and airbrushes.

That should get you started.

[Ky 520c]

I'll second the dixieart.com for the airbrush, practice painting with craft paints tho they will be frustrating because most are so thick you will have to play with thinning. Tackleunderground is a great site for info but before asking a question run a search on your topic ,more than likely you will find your answer before even asking On second thought just run run run away quick it's addicting and will get you in trouble with your wife,you'll be sitting on the porch waiting for the ups man to deliver your balsa and it will cut into your fishing time

[PII Magnum]

hey fatcat do they have a web site

[DEdwards]

Go here http://search.harborfreight.co...brush

[altimas]

Kinda messed around this weekend and got me a little shop setup. I poured, painted, and baked about 50 Shakey Heads. I also went through and replaced some raunchy hooks off some crankbaits. I bought a lot of the stuff I need to airbrush except the airbrush, my aunt is letting me borrow her airbrush but I havn't gone and got it yet. I did put a coat of Epoxy on a crankbait to see how it would look and it turned out really well and seems a lot more durable than before. All in all a good weekend. Exciting about getting started though.

Question: On a repaint how do you get the old paint off? Or do you just paint over it?

[Astro-T]

Depends on the bait. For example.. what color is it now vs what color are you going to paint it etc. Make sure no matter what you use that you rough up the surface before painting. I was told to use one of the green scotchbrite pads and some fine sandpaper. Seems to work well. On some other baits I have actually used a liquid stripper and its worked well also but you need to be carefull not to get any on the bill and dont leave it on for very long. The scotchbrite is probably the best all around way to do it.