Plug making Questions.

[KAYAK DRIFTER]

I'm part-way through making 4 plugs and have a few questions at this point.
1.How do you seal your painted plug? I was going to use the 2-part epoxy used when making fishing rods, then thought to use some spar varnish. Is there an easier way to do this step?
2.Where do you get the plastic eyes. Michael's? a craft store, etc.
I have painted them on for these plugs.
3. How do you secure the weight into the plug. I was going to use some heavy-duty wood glue, then seal the weight in with some of the 2-part epoxy, while sealing the whole plug as in step one.
Thanks for all help, and suggestions.

[ihunt49]

I use Devcon 30 min epoxy and turn the plug end for end every 5 minutes for a half hour. I secure my weights w/ Devcon 5 minute epoxy and than fill in the hole w/ wood filler and sand smooth. You can shoot me an email w/ any more questions you have. I order supplies from njtackle, including eyes.

[chlstn]

If you are placing a body weight in a hole;

Insert your weight. Flood the hole with Devcon 5 minute epoxy. Then place a piece of masking tape over the hole. Turn the plug so the tape is down and the epoxy is resting on the tape. Give it about 30 minutes. Then remove the tape. The epoxy will be shaped to the curvature of the plug body and will require only light sanding.

When you use Devcon 2 Ton 30 minute epoxy as your clear coat you only need to flip the plug twice in the first 20 minutes.

Sealing a plug should be done after all woodworking ops are complete "ONLY" Dip the plug in your sealing liquid and let dry for 3 to 7 days. This is the only way to prevent the plug from absorbing water.

Good luck.

[Striperknight]

Sealing the plug will make the paint job last longer. Skipping this step
will lead to dissapointment.

[bunkerfinger]

i use boiled lin seed oil mix with mineral spirts 50/50(helps soak in the wood deeper).do this after the wood turning and drilling ect. you must let the oil dry for at least 5 days.(hanging outside in the sun will help speed up the drying time alot).i use devcon 30min.2 ton epoxy. before you apply the epoxy, it's a good idea to warm up the plug to around 100 degrees, this will help in a smooth coat.when mixing the epoxy you can add some fine glitter.;) when applying devcon i use a flux brush(before using the brush flick out any dirt or lose hairs)now when applying the epoxy i start at the head and work my too the tail.try not too apply to thick, thin is in.some people put two coats on, if you do this use 320 grit sand papper to the first coat(very lite)just enough to scuff the surface,and smooth out any lumps. you can get you'r eyes and supplys from nj tackle

[chlstn]

Most guys mix the BLO and spirits at 60/40. Please note that the mineral spirits are mixed into the boiled linseed oil to promote drying. Without it your plug would stay wet !

[KAYAK DRIFTER]

Thanks to all for the info so far. I applied the linseed oil when I took the bare wood plugs out of the bags they were packaged in. I then put a primer on them, and painted them. I allowed them time to dry between each step. I am now looking to seal the painted/finished plug before adding the hardware. Thanks again.

[chlstn]

KD;
When you ask your questions, you need to be sure that your terminology is right. When you use the word "seal" it means to seal the bare wood to prevent water absorbtion.
When you are refering to the epoxy over the paint. That is added to protect the paint and give the plug more durability. That step is refered to as "clear coating" or "epoxy".

The problem is not with you. It's with those of us that have used this terminology right along. We need to understand what it is you are asking. Anyway, I'm not trying to be a hardazz, I'm just pointing it out.

It sounds like you are well on your way to being a successful plug builder. Good luck with it.

Again; use Devcon 2 Ton 30 minute epoxy. Just brush it out thin when applying and use a hair dryer or torch to smooth it out. It really works great for guys that do not have a spinner.