Andrew, no I haven't started on the poppers yet... but it is going to happen soon. I want to speak to someone who has a lathe and get some tips for how to set myself up for it, and also what wood to use. These stickbaits are made from tassie oak and it is quite dense. I will probably start with pine for the poppers and see if I can get some cedar or birch later on. The lifespan of GT lures is such that it is a bit of a waste of time sourcing really fancy wood when I am confident with the durability and long lifespan of the epoxy coating.
Which brings me to Angus's question. Yes, I use envirotex lite and it is exceptional. I haven't put it to long term use on fish damage but we have hit rocks with these stickbaits and the finish is very damage resistant. Everyone who picks up the lures makes comment on how smooth they are.
I can't remember where I got it from but here is an Australian seller:
http://www.amcsupplies.com.au/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=7_864There are some tricks to using it... which I picked up from the 360tuna forum and also time spent using it:
* Mix it in small batches - I use a plastic disposable shot glass, held to the table with a bit of bluetac under the base. 4mL of total resin is enough for a thick coat on one of my lures.
* When mixing it, measure out accurately using plastic syringes - rod building ones are best. Avoid the black rubber plunger ones as they will react slightly with the epoxy and create little dimples in your finish.
* I use a decent quality 12mm paintbrush to paint it on, then squeeze out all the excess when I am done, and wash the brush in MEK.
* After the lure is varnished, I put it under spring tension in a small rotisserie to rotate for about 3 hours with a small ceramic heat lamp that keeps the lure at about 30 deg C. After 3 hours, you can hang it vertically without risk of the epoxy running.
* The coats dry to a 'barely tacky' finish after about 9 hours like this. If you don't use the heater, you will need to rotate them a bit longer and hang them for about 12 hours, depending how cold it is.
* The best time to apply a second coat is when the first one has just dried, otherwise you might have to rough it up a little with fine grade sandpaper. I have not bothered with this step on a few lures and have not noticed any delamination effects after prolonged use.
I highly recommend that 360tuna lure building forum, there are guys on there who produce the best quality finishes in the world and are happy to share information.
