Plug making materials?

[KAYAK DRIFTER]

I saw the thread about the plug making contest, and since I like to make as much of my own stuff as possible, I thought it would be a good winter activity. I ordered four kits on 1/1/06, and am waiting for their arrival. The ???. What other items are needed to start and finish this project. I saw Bay Stalkers post and have primer, paints, maybe a fine brush, clear coat(is this a spray product, or something that is brushed on?), and something for scuffing (sand paper?, steel wool? WHAT?). How long do you wait between coats of different items? One coat or two of paint,sealer, etc. Also saw the set-up that Bay Stalker had with the styrofoam box, etc. Got some good ideas of how to do this, but don't want to miss a step, or not have all the materials I need. Bay Stalker: your plug looks real good. Nice job. All help and info is appricated. Thanks.

[Bay Stalker]

Remember This is my first time also, so don't take this as the exact way. From all the reading I have done these are the products and methods I chose to use.


These are the products I am using
http://www.myfishpix.com/gallery/data/500/Plug_building.jpg

Sealer: This is the first step.
I am using Minwax rubbing oil and mineral spirits/paint thinner. I am mixing it 60/40 and soaking the plug for 2min. Then let it drip off and wipe off the excess with a rag. See Note Caution

CAUTION
Please don't throw your rags in the trash in the house. Lay them outside to dry before you toss them. They will build up heat and catch On Fire.

Primer: I am using B-I-N Prime.
http://www.myfishpix.com/gallery/data/500/Plug_building_005.jpg

Paint: I am using Rustoleum rattle cans.
After I am done painting I applied two coats of clear. After it was dry I use a grey 3M scuff pad gently on the plug. Then I cleaned it just before the to coat with alcohol. Just damp enough to see it evaporate.

Top Coat: I am using Envirotex Light . Get acid brushes and FOLLOW THE INSTRUCTION ON MIXING, I up the mixing to 5m instead of 3. After you plug is coated you may have some bubbles. Breath on them with warm breath and the will come out. You want to be able to rotate the plug to get a even finish. If you cannot do this you will have to keep moving it around by hand.

There are a lot of other products and methods to do this. this is just what I decided to do. Take some time and do some research before you get started.

[Keeper Seeker]

Thanks Bay Stalker... Your posts are very informative.

Question for the plugmakers... Wood? What kind?? I have a stash of several kinds of wood. What wood is best used for plugmaking?

[OVER THE RAIL]

These are the plug kits evryone is using. Seems like cedar or basswood. http://www.njtackle.com/shop/index.php?cName=plug-building-supplies-plug-building-kits

[Bay Stalker]

Cedars, pine and basswood for surface swimmers and topwater plugs. Subsurface plugs Birch, maple and other hardwoods, for needles and darters the same.

Remember this is just from what I have been reading.

[Flukinuki]

Yep, baystalker has done his research. Only thing I will add is that once you coat your plug with epoxy (etex, devcon, whatever) you can hang it by the nose, wait a few minutes and flip it. Repeat. This will keep the epoxy from sagging if you pay attention. I build a plug turner from a rotissorie (sp) motor and hardly ever use it.

Sandpaper, 22 good for scuffing primer coats, scotch brite type pads good for clears and colors. I dont wipe the plug off with anything (alcohol) just a dry rag.

Sealer: mix boiled linseed oil 60% with 40% paint thinner (mineral spirits). Soak the plug for a few minutes, hang to let drip dry somewhat. Wipe off excess and forget about it for a week or so. BE CAREFUL WITH THOSE RAGS.

If your planning to build a few a pair of "round nose" pliers is very helpful in forming the tail loop in the throughwire.